6 replies to this topic

[vidrazor]

While checking out the positioning of C/2023 A3 in KStars, I noticed (one of many) galaxies in the vicinity. It wasn't identified in any of the KStars databases.

 

Inasmuch as it's a bit to small to really effectively image with my gear, it made me wonder whether there may be an online database I can plug the coordinates into to ID a given target.

 

Is there such a site online to search as such?

 

Thanks.

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[Tapio]

I use SIMBAD.

You can query by identifier or by coordinates etc.

http://simbad.u-stra...simbad/sim-fcoo

[ismosi]

I know you asked about on-line, but many planetarium programs allow for add-on databases. For galaxies one option is the PGC. Below you can see SkySafari identifying a 14th-magnitude galaxy in the vicinity the comet. If the PGC is available for KStars that would be an option you might consider.

 

 

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[vidrazor]

I know you asked about on-line, but many planetarium programs allow for add-on databases. For galaxies one option is the PGC. Below you can see SkySafari identifying a 14th-magnitude galaxy in the vicinity the comet. If the PGC is available for KStars that would be an option you might consider.

Well the only reason I asked about online is because I don't see it in either KStars or Stellarium. Additionally, I've tried adding databases to Stellarium, and it just never seems to actually take them. The KStars databases are maxed out.

 

Something else I noticed is that I'm seeing 2 different set of numbers for coordinates, and I'm not sure why. If I try to save the location as a location flag in KStars, I see one set of numbers, but the mouse pointer right over the target lists another set of coordinates so, weird. I'm thinking the mouse pointer coordinates may be the correct info.

 

I'm also not sure I'm picking the correct "system" over at Simbad (FK5, Galactic, etc.), as what I get visually doesn't seem to jive with the visual database in KStars.
 

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[TDPerry]

While checking out the positioning of C/2023 A3 in KStars, I noticed (one of many) galaxies in the vicinity. It wasn't identified in any of the KStars databases.

I think the biggest issue is the shipping catalogs that are available for KStars.  I know that if you try to find B33 you won't in the default catalogs that are available.   You have to install additional catalogs.  That is one reason that I created several additional ones and have made them available on my site (Kstars & SkyCharts VO format).

I notice you commented that the KStars databases are "maxed out".  Are you referring to what they ship as available for download/installable as default or have you installed outside catalogs?

Some of the ones I offer are somewhat esoteric... and some of them are duplicated in what KStars has shipping as available.  I haven't dug deep enough into the process to eliminate the duplication, but that is something that I am planning on eventually.  I also have contemplated additional formats but honestly I don't have the time to invest in that.

I should note, those catalogs are available to guests so no need to join the site.  But I honestly have contemplated requiring that since I get a LOT of traffic (and downloads) for resources and basically no activity on the site.  But then I realize.. that would go against my base nature of free information for all.  

Edited by TDPerry, 03 October 2024 - 06:06 AM.

[vidrazor]

I think the biggest issue is the shipping catalogs that are available for KStars.  I know that if you try to find B33 you won't in the default catalogs that are available.   You have to install additional catalogs.  That is one reason that I created several additional ones and have made them available on my site (Kstars & SkyCharts VO format).

I notice you commented that the KStars databases are "maxed out".  Are you referring to what they ship as available for download/installable as default or have you installed outside catalogs?

Yes, the downloadable databases. However I just realized that my Astroberry setups (I have two) are listing them as not installed. I don't understand why that is, and that's ticking me off right now, as it took quite a while to download them on each machine. The same databases are also loaded into my Stellarmate machine. You can see this below. Other than the Mars terrains, I download everything.

 

So I'm at a loss as to why this is.
 

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[Der_Pit]

Something else I noticed is that I'm seeing 2 different set of numbers for coordinates, and I'm not sure why. If I try to save the location as a location flag in KStars, I see one set of numbers, but the mouse pointer right over the target lists another set of coordinates so, weird. I'm thinking the mouse pointer coordinates may be the correct info.

The pointer coordinates (in the lower right of the frame) are in JNow.  Object coordinates are (usually) stored in J2000 and then recalculated to the current position when showing the object in the map.

 

(Plus, there's a bug in the flag utility if you try to put a flag in an empty part of the sky - it uses wrong coordinates, and the mark is somewhere else....  )