Astrophotography planning software

[floreatfocuser]

Does anyone know of software that will tell you what photographicable (SP?) deep space objects will be around the Zenith and at what time throughout the night.

Rather than try and troll through the night sky plan and do it myself would like to be able to get a list of good objects for the upcoming session.

I know their are some expensive planning software programs but not sure if even they would do this.

Maybe some of the free stuff out their does this but I just haven't found it.

[Dennis]

SkyTools (http://www.skyhound.com/cs.html) achieves precisely this goal. Have a look at the website. The software is quite unlike the standard planetarium apps, and is an observation planning app with charting, recording and other features. It takes a little getting used to how it operates, but I love how it works and the information it provides.

Here is an excerpt from the website:


The Observation Planner singles out objects for observation on a particular night, listing the optimum time to observe each.
The Simulation Charts display or print sophisticated telescope/binocular finder charts. These charts accurately simulate what you see in your telescope, finder, eyepiece or binoculars. With accurate magnitude limits and orientation these charts are revolutionizing star hopping.
The Interactive Atlas displays or prints more traditional atlas-like charts. This tool encompasses the features found in competing star charting software.
Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy]

any screen dumps to look at Dennis?

[Dennis]

Have a look at the tour (http://www.skyhound.com/tour.html)on the website. The observing list interface is very rich in information, showing which objects will be visible from your location, when at their optimum altitude, etc.

Cheers

Dennis

[Dennis]

Here is a list of Messier objects visible from Brisbane on 11th June 2007, which will be above 30 degrees altitude. You can sort by Messier Number, Constellation, Optimum Time, etc.

You can create Messier Lists, NGC Lists, Double Star Lists, Carbon Star Lists or any customised list for an astro camp, Astrofest, etc.

Cheers

Dennis

[floreatfocuser]

Sounds like just what I am looking for,

will have a look at website now

[xstream]

Here's another worth trying.

Deep-Sky Planner. (http://knightware.biz/dsp/index.htm)

[netwolf]

Is it not possible to do this with the usual CDC, SN, TheSky, SA Pro, etc. One of the reasons I am looking at getting SA Pro is the large database included and I thought possibly this would mean there was some good planning section in the application.

[Dennis]

Hi

I believe that SkyTools was designed at its core, as an observation planning application, so it is “observation planning” centric. That is, the program behaves and functions very intuitively and easily in that mode of operation.

The others that you listed may be “charting centric” with the “observation planning” elements added on perhaps later? This makes them less intuitive and perhaps more awkward to use?

I have TheSky Pro 6 and Starry Night Pro 6 and for “charting centric” work I always turn to them as I find they are functionally strong and easy to use in that mode.

If I want to create a custom imaging or observing list, plan an imaging or observing session of several objects, then I instinctively turn to SkyTools as that is its core design philosophy and strength.

Cheers

Dennis

[Merlin66]

Paul Rodman's AstroPlanner is the way to go.

[floreatfocuser]

Yeah dwnloaded it last nice, found link on cloudy nights

Seems to be what i was looking for, still working through it though

[Merlin66]

Check out the various AP members plans, may already have a suitable plan in the library.

[netwolf]

Another one is Deepsky Astronomy Software.

Rod's the king, I found these articles quiet helpful for information on the following

Skytools
http://skywatch.brainiac.com/sw1203.pdf
Astroplanner
http://skywatch.brainiac.com/swfall06.pdf
Deepsky
Part1
http://skywatch.brainiac.com/swsummer05.pdf
Part2
http://skywatch.brainiac.com/swfall05.pdf

Regards
Fahim

[netwolf]

Well I have decided to go with Astroplanner. I decided based on a couple of things. After reviewing the yahoo group for this software I found that the author was very responsive to the needs and problems of the user group. Secondly I also found that the author keeps a track of all problems found on the website and notes when they are resolved or in which version or release they will be resolved or have been fixed. Of all three applications the user interface design for this application i found was the most liked by users of two or more of these applications. The applications exceles at users who have goto telescopes, Meade especially is well supported.

I will post more as I learn and use this application more. I would recommend people try out the free version and try before you buy.

Regards

[Merlin66]

There's also a new script available "DSLRShoot" for AstroPlanner, which allows you to nominate a list of objects, exposure times ( set up for 350D ) and automate a whole series of photos; just think about comet searching, mosaic cover of the milky way, your favorite galaxies ( and SN search!) the list is endless...........

Astroplanner is 100% supported by Paul and develops every month. Latest version 1.5.8 now available. Can print finder charts as well!!