AstroPlanner is a powerful software application ideal for planning and recording astronomical observations. It is among the top-rated programs designed for astronomical observation and logging tasks.
AstroPlanner is an excellent software application that is compatible with both Macintosh and Windows computers. It facilitates astronomical visual observation planning and logging, as well as control of Meade telescopes that use the LX200, LX200GPS or Autostar controllers, Celestron NexStar scopes, Astro-Physics GTO mounts, the Vixen SkySensor 2000 system, and several others.
The software features an all-sky view that provides a horizon-to-horizon view of the current sky, the location of objects, alignment stars, and more. It also incorporates the Best Pair functionality for selecting optimum telescope alignment stars and tools for facilitating iterative and drift polar alignment via computer control of the telescope.
AstroPlanner is designed to enable the observer to set up a list of astronomical objects they wish to observe. These objects can be entered manually, or they can be looked up in the supplied database of astrometric catalogues (e.g. Messier, NGC, SAO, etc.) or imported from suitably formatted text files. Solar system objects such as the sun, moon, planets, comets, and minor planets are also supported, and comet/minor planet orbital elements can be imported in the usual formats, including from the ASTORB and MPCORB databases.
Once objects are entered, the user can select items from the list for observation. The application uses the current time and site information (including horizon obstructions) to compute the visibility of the objects so that only the ones currently above the horizon need be chosen. Rise, transit, and set times are also computed to assist in planning a night's observing. Other sophisticated algorithms are incorporated to show parameters such as optimal detection magnification.
One or more observations can then be logged using the software. By specifying the telescope, eyepiece, etc. from a user-defined list, the effective focal length, magnification, and field of view can be computed, displayed, and logged, along with user notes. The field of view of the telescope is also displayed in the form of a star chart and can be compared with the actual view through the telescope.
AstroPlanner offers the ability to plot any or all items from the catalogues, including over 3 million stars in the Tycho catalogue with magnitudes down to about magnitude 11. If you have an internet connection, you can download an image of the current field of view from the DSS (Digital Sky Survey) for comparison purposes. You can also plot stars from the USNO A2.0 catalogue with magnitudes down to 20.
Overall, AstroPlanner is a powerful software application that offers a wide range of features to help astronomers plan and log their observations. It is easy to use and comes with a variety of useful tools to make the observing process as efficient as possible.
The software features an all-sky view that provides a horizon-to-horizon view of the current sky, the location of objects, alignment stars, and more. It also incorporates the Best Pair functionality for selecting optimum telescope alignment stars and tools for facilitating iterative and drift polar alignment via computer control of the telescope.
AstroPlanner is designed to enable the observer to set up a list of astronomical objects they wish to observe. These objects can be entered manually, or they can be looked up in the supplied database of astrometric catalogues (e.g. Messier, NGC, SAO, etc.) or imported from suitably formatted text files. Solar system objects such as the sun, moon, planets, comets, and minor planets are also supported, and comet/minor planet orbital elements can be imported in the usual formats, including from the ASTORB and MPCORB databases.
Once objects are entered, the user can select items from the list for observation. The application uses the current time and site information (including horizon obstructions) to compute the visibility of the objects so that only the ones currently above the horizon need be chosen. Rise, transit, and set times are also computed to assist in planning a night's observing. Other sophisticated algorithms are incorporated to show parameters such as optimal detection magnification.
One or more observations can then be logged using the software. By specifying the telescope, eyepiece, etc. from a user-defined list, the effective focal length, magnification, and field of view can be computed, displayed, and logged, along with user notes. The field of view of the telescope is also displayed in the form of a star chart and can be compared with the actual view through the telescope.
AstroPlanner offers the ability to plot any or all items from the catalogues, including over 3 million stars in the Tycho catalogue with magnitudes down to about magnitude 11. If you have an internet connection, you can download an image of the current field of view from the DSS (Digital Sky Survey) for comparison purposes. You can also plot stars from the USNO A2.0 catalogue with magnitudes down to 20.
Overall, AstroPlanner is a powerful software application that offers a wide range of features to help astronomers plan and log their observations. It is easy to use and comes with a variety of useful tools to make the observing process as efficient as possible.
What's New
Version 1.6.1: N/A