coordinates

[Rcastil]

Hello,

I have only been using skytools for 2 days, so forgive me if my questions are idiotic.
I have a fair bit of the sky obstructed at home, and the clear bit is roughly west-north-northeast, that would correspond to 270-0-70 degrees (horizontal coordinates of Alt/Az).
It is, therefore, important when selecting new targets that I have that into consideration.
For now I haven´t introduced the data for the obstruction.
What is the best way to do so? When I choose to display in target list some vey obvious objects like Arcturus or Altair, the Alt/Az coordinates displayed do not seem correct. There is probably some tweaking I am missing.
Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rita

[theskyhound]

Hello,

Open the Locations dialog and select your location. There is a button to open the Obstructed Horizons dialog, which creates a horizon via several different methods. Much of the instructions are on the dialog, but if you have any questions please be sure to press the Help button as well.

Regarding alt/az on the Target Selection tool, I have a couple of comments.

1. The Alt/Az changes constantly, so it must be associated with a specific date and time to have meaning. That time is normally the time of the start of the best period of the night to image the objects. But this is very crude. I do not suggest using the alt/az on the Target Selection tool. It is not useful information. Look at the star/end times, especially the bright green bar under the graphic at the top that appears when you select an object. This takes into account everything that might affect the quality of your images, including the altitude, so this is what should be focused on.

2. It sounds like maybe you are using the Target Selection tool for planning purposes, which is common for newcomers who have used other software. But that's not really what its for. It is for selecting targets that are appropriate for your imaging system. I urge that targets be selected independent of any night, even ones that won't be available for months, that you ant to image. The process is to pick targets, create many imaging projects, and then let the scheduler pick the best projects to image on a given night. The Scheduler is really smart, and can break down your imaging on a filter by filter basis.

Have you found our youtube? There are videos that describe making an obstructed horizon, using the Target Selection tool, and creating imaging projects for the Scheduler.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-NVd5n...r-aoryXNGA

[Rcastil]

Hi,
thanks for replying while at the star party! I will get back to you next week with a few more questions and after going through the tutorials.
Have fun and CS,
Rita

Hello,

Open the Locations dialog and select your location. There is a button to open the Obstructed Horizons dialog, which creates a horizon via several different methods. Much of the instructions are on the dialog, but if you have any questions please be sure to press the Help button as well.

Regarding alt/az on the Target Selection tool, I have a couple of comments.

1. The Alt/Az changes constantly, so it must be associated with a specific date and time to have meaning. That time is normally the time of the start of the best period of the night to image the objects. But this is very crude. I do not suggest using the alt/az on the Target Selection tool. It is not useful information. Look at the star/end times, especially the bright green bar under the graphic at the top that appears when you select an object. This takes into account everything that might affect the quality of your images, including the altitude, so this is what should be focused on.

2. It sounds like maybe you are using the Target Selection tool for planning purposes, which is common for newcomers who have used other software. But that's not really what its for. It is for selecting targets that are appropriate for your imaging system. I urge that targets be selected independent of any night, even ones that won't be available for months, that you ant to image. The process is to pick targets, create many imaging projects, and then let the scheduler pick the best projects to image on a given night. The Scheduler is really smart, and can break down your imaging on a filter by filter basis.

Have you found our youtube? There are videos that describe making an obstructed horizon, using the Target Selection tool, and creating imaging projects for the Scheduler.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-NVd5n...r-aoryXNGA