Platesoilving for visual astronomy

[OneCosmos]

Hi,


Is anyone using platesolving with a Dob to centre an object in the eyepiece?


I have Servocat and Nexus but only use otherwise control my SDM via Sky Safari. I'm just wondering if it is possible to do centre objects the same way we do for imaging but without placing the camera in the focuser, but perhaps a small camera attached to the tube or other spot?


Anyone doing this?

[mikerr]

Hi Chris, there is a lot of info regarding PiFinder on Cloudy Nights forums.

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/914101-anyone-use-pi-finder/

Might be the sort of thing you are looking for.

Mchael.

[OneCosmos]

Thanks Mike

[shift8]

I have been using an ASIAIR to plate solve my way to targets for visual astronomy. This approach works particularly well for outreach events where it is essential to quickly and reliably place the target in the centre of the FoV. The trick is to co-align the optical axes of the guidescope and the main scope ahead of time. The ASIAIR's Live Video feature helps in this regard. I use a 30mm guidescope equipped with an ASI120MM mini which works well on either a C9.25 or 150mm f/8 refractor. The ASIAIR does the rest.

Hope this helps.

[wavelandscott]

Would also suggest checking out the PiFinder…it has been a boon to me doing outreach in skies that are not great. I have found it very useful.