You are not logged in. [Login] Forum Archives · Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online FAQ · Calendar Speciality Forums >> Astronomy Software & Computers Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Pages: 1 John Wunderlin Vendor - Spike-a Focusing Mask Reged: 10/01/04 Posts: 699 Loc: Mineral Point, Wi Software to find available objects in dome opening       #3425717 - 11/02/09 03:28 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My home observatory construction is well under way. I would like to do some semi-automated imaging. I need to be able to locate all objects currently visible in my dome- that is between certain alt and az range. Preferably sorted by major axis of the object so I can match objects to my cameras. To begin with, my dome won't have automated rotation, so I need to just stay in the current position, but then as objects appear in the slot, I can start imaging them while I'm snoring away in bed. I don't have a lot of money left to spend on this right now, so freeware or low-cost software would be preferred. I'm also fine with writing a software interface if needed. Thanks! -------------------- John Wunderlin Vendor - Spike-a Bahtinov Focusing Mask Empire Ranch Observatory Iowa County Astronomers Post Extras:       StarmanDan sage Reged: 08/27/07 Posts: 392 Loc: China Spring, Texas Re: Software to find available objects in dome opening [Re: John Wunderlin]       #3427592 - 11/03/09 02:28 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Depending on what planetarium software you use, you could create several horizon templates that match your dome slot for the azimuth that it is pointed in. Then it would just be a matter of creating a list of whats visible for the time you want to image. Alternatively, and more simply, you could just point the slot in either the north or south direction and determine when an objects transits the meridian and image it then. -------------------- "Starman" Dan Doyle Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas Central Texas Astronomical Society 8" LX200GPS w/ST80 guidescope, Canon 350D+DSI Pro 150mm f/8 Sky Watcher Refractor 10" f/4.5 Homemade Dob RV-6 Criterion Dynascope http://darcstar.wordpress.com Post Extras:       John Wunderlin Vendor - Spike-a Focusing Mask Reged: 10/01/04 Posts: 699 Loc: Mineral Point, Wi Re: Software to find available objects in dome opening [Re: StarmanDan]       #3427606 - 11/03/09 02:33 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks, I'm leaning towards rolling my own solution. My South is a bit obstructed and my North has a truly amazingly bright streetlight. I'm getting close to having a VB program set that spits out available objects. Hopefully a couple more evenings of coding and I'll have it. Then I'll hook everything up through ASCOM. -------------------- John Wunderlin Vendor - Spike-a Bahtinov Focusing Mask Empire Ranch Observatory Iowa County Astronomers Post Extras:       Pages: 1 Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Extra information 1 registered and 8 anonymous users are browsing this forum. Moderator:  desertstars, ~Steph~  Print Thread Forum Permissions       You cannot start new topics       You cannot reply to topics       HTML is disabled       UBBCode is enabled Thread views: 59 Jump to *International Year of Astronomy 2009* -----   Global Coordination   Cornerstone Projects   Special Projects   Special Task Groups   Global Activities   National and Regional Activities   IYA 2009 in Africa   IYA 2009 in the USA*Announcements and News* -----   Cloudy Nights Announcements   Discussion of CN Articles, Reviews, and Reports   Beginners Forum   Celestial Events   Light Pollution*Equipment Discussions* -----   ATM, Optics and DIY Forum   Binoculars   Binoviewers   Cats & Casses   Classic Telescopes   Equipment   Eyepieces   Mounts   Observatories   Reflectors   Refractors    Celestron SkyScout and Meade mySky   Video and Electronically Assisted Astronomy*Astrophotography and Sketching* -----   Beginning and Intermediate Imaging   Film Astrophotography   DSLR & Digital Camera Astro Imaging & Processing   CCD Imaging & Processing   Solar System Imaging & Processing   Sketching   Astro Imaging/Sketching Contest *Observing* -----   NEO   General Observing   Planetary and Solar System Observing   Lunar Observing   Deep Sky Observing   Double Star Observing   Solar   Variable Star Observing and Radio Astronomy*Telescope Specific Forums* -----   Celestron NexStar    NexStar GPS / CPC Telescopes   Questar Forum   Meade ACF/RCX / LX / GPS    Meade ETX*Other* -----   Science of Astronomy & Space Exploration   AstroWebsites   Space Rocks*Speciality Forums* -----   AstroArt   Astronomy Software & Computers   Stellar Media   Astro Outreach, Clubs and Star Parties*CN Feedback and Vendor Announcements* -----   Vendor and Group Announcements CN Forums Home

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