2018-01-26, 04:30 PM
One function of ST3 Pro in the Nightly Planner that I don't fully understand is the Observing List > Group: Current > List: Current Minor Planets.
My copy of ST3 doesn't show Ceres (for example) in the current list. I read in Sky & Telescope that it is currently near opposition. And I didn't realize it because it doesn't show in my ST3 current minor planet list. Now, for comets and supernovae I think I can rely on ST3 to list the ones currently visible but I'm not sure.
I call Ceres a minor planet. I can search ST3 for Ceres and the Object Information calls it a Minor Planet / Dwarf Planet. I don't understand how it is so favorably positioned for viewing and yet I wasn't aware of it. I know I can search and create a list in Special Events, General Tab .... But I gradually forget to do so.
I wonder if Halley's Comet or Hale/Bopp were bright and in the zone, would they also remain hidden because they are classics?
Can I configure ST3 to list the major classical minor planets along with those dozen or so that are currently listed in the Current Minor Planets List?
I think of the Observing List > Group: Current > 3 Current Lists as sort of a clearing house to know which transitory objects are available to view.
My copy of ST3 doesn't show Ceres (for example) in the current list. I read in Sky & Telescope that it is currently near opposition. And I didn't realize it because it doesn't show in my ST3 current minor planet list. Now, for comets and supernovae I think I can rely on ST3 to list the ones currently visible but I'm not sure.
I call Ceres a minor planet. I can search ST3 for Ceres and the Object Information calls it a Minor Planet / Dwarf Planet. I don't understand how it is so favorably positioned for viewing and yet I wasn't aware of it. I know I can search and create a list in Special Events, General Tab .... But I gradually forget to do so.
I wonder if Halley's Comet or Hale/Bopp were bright and in the zone, would they also remain hidden because they are classics?
Can I configure ST3 to list the major classical minor planets along with those dozen or so that are currently listed in the Current Minor Planets List?
I think of the Observing List > Group: Current > 3 Current Lists as sort of a clearing house to know which transitory objects are available to view.