Astroplanner Software

[Ric]

Hi all, I have been trialling the Astroplanner software for a couple of months now and have now bought the registered version and been busy downloading the catalogues and various plans as well as creating a few of my own for my SN searches.
:astron:

I must say it is one fantastic and well written piece of software, It does everything I want it to and more. Couple this with with Star Atlas Pro and my evenings observations and imaging are very smooth and well planned or should I say will be if these clouds ever shift.
:cloudy:

I chose the registration with the CD included and that arrived within 1 working week and I was also notified that because I bought it so close to the release of version 2, I will be entitled to a free upgrade to that one as well.

For those who are looking for some great planning software, I would suggest to download the free version and the basic catalogues and have a look, It could be just the thing. :thumbsup:

Cheers all :)

[higginsdj]

Hi Ric,

I've been using AP for years. It has many excellent minor planet tools that make my observation planning a dream. (It has even been used to correct some Pro's opinions on what is observable and when).

As a side issue, how are you choosing galaxies for your SN search? I just completed a project for my Swinburne Astronomy Online degree on designing a SN search if you are interested (.pdf paper)

Cheers

[Ric]

Hi Dave, at the moment my SN search is in it's building phase and about 10 months old. It is my intention to build a monthly list of around 30-50 candidate Galaxies that I can rotate through and image throughout the year.

My method is to image each one at least 4 times during the month depending on conditions and then have them in a library of images for comparison using Maxim's Supernova search software

I have been choosing mainly Irregular and Spiral Galaxies as they seem the best candidates from what I have read. I would be interested to read your project as all thoughts and idea can only help. Is it on your website?

Cheers :)

[Merlin66]

Hopefully you've already found the SN search plan I uploaded to AP. It contains all the 300 odd galaxies in the SN charts & Handbook. I've scanned a few charts for my own use and linked them to the object so that they can be brought up at the eyepiece at a moments notice.
A great piece of software!!!!!!!

[higginsdj]

Hi Ric,

Here is the link (.pdf ~ 1mb) http://www.david-higgins.com/Astronomy/study/P037-HET604-DHiggins.pdf

Cheers

[Ric]

Thanks Dave, I'll have a good read of that, it looks very interesting as do the links to your references.

Hi Merlin, I haven't got around to having a look at the plans but I definitely will have a look for yours.

Many thanks for all your help guys, it's really appreciated.

Cheers

[Ric]

Hi Merlin, I found and downloaded your plan. It definitely looks good and I shall be putting it to good use.

Cheers

[Merlin66]

I'd also recommend, if you use a Canon DSLR, to download the DSLR script files from AP. Robin has done a great job by giving us control of the shutter and allows multiple exposures while integrating with the GOTO of AP.
This means you can set up the camera, prepare a list of objects, decide on exposure/ multiple exposure per object, pause time etc and then just press the button...no more to pay just drive away. The other "must have' one is the chart printing function. Beautiful clear charts everytime! No need to lug the Uranometria in and out.

I'm just finishing a plan of some 300 stars from Kaler's " Stars and their spectra" with additions from the ESO reference stars and some G2 calibration stars. Ideal resource for anyone interested in spectroscopy. The databases for AP grows and grows every month, something for everyone, beginner or serious amateur.

[Ric]

At the moment I image with the DSI II. I'll probably upgrade in a few more years but will more than likely stay with the CCD camera.

Cheers