STAR Atlas:PRO frequently asked questions - FAQs


How do I add objects to the Observation Planner ?

The Observation Planner is a very useful feature of STAR Atlas: PRO and may be accessed in a number of ways. The purpose of this feature is to allow the user to store information on any object of interest so that when it comes to viewing time (with the telescope), STAR Atlas: PRO will list which of the Target Objects in the Observation Planner that will be observable from your geographic location.

To use this feature: -

1. Open STAR Atlas: PRO.
2. Click on [Locate] on the main menu.
3. Then click on [91] � [Observation Planner].

METHOD ONE � ADDING DIRECTLY INTO THE PLANNER.

4. It is now possible to add Astronomical Objects of interest into the planner using the [Add] button (however this is not the recommended method).
5. Other techniques are easily available.

METHOD TWO � ADDING FROM THE ASTRONOMICAL DATABASES.

6. Locate on an object of interest: -

a. Click [Locate]
b. Then click [NGC / IC and Messier Objects]
c. Now click [Messier] at bottom left of screen
d. Under [Object Designation] (top left) add �31�.
e. Then click [Find] next to this.
f. This takes the viewer to the NGC etc Catalogues.

7. Now click [Copy to Obs] (bottom centre).
8. Then click [Yes].
9. Click [Map], which takes the viewer to the desktop.
10. Now re-examine the Observation Planner by

a. Click on [Locate] on the main menu.
b. Then click on [91] � [Observation Planner].
c. Now you will see a list of names of astronomical interest with �M31, Great Nebula in Andromeda� as you newest entry.

METHOD THREE ADDING DIRECTLY FROM THE DESKTOP.

11. The next way of adding an object to the Observation Planner is to find an object on the desktop chart.
12. Right click with the cursor on the object and go to [Identify Object].
13. A menu comes up listing the [Objects located at the cursor].
14. Select the object of interest via the button [Select Object] at the bottom.
15. Click [Copy to Obs].
16. This will add the object into the Observation Planner.

METHOD FOUR � ADDING FROM A DATABASE MENU.

17. The final way to add an object to the Observation Planner is to go [Locate].
18. This opens the Astronomical Database Manager which gives you access to all of STAR Atlas: PRO�s Astronomical Catalogue data.
19. Click on any of the many database menus; say [Star Cross Reference].
20. From the [List] command select any object, say [10].
21. Now click [Copy to Obs] and again the selected object is added to the Observation Planner.
22. This option is available in any one of these databases.
23. A further feature is the capacity to choose �observable target� objects from within the Observation Planner. To do this: -
24. Open the [Observation Planner], which hopefully now contains a number of planned observations.
25. Click on [Observable] (bottom left) which then brings up a menu, which in turn allows the observer to select those astronomical objects, which are available for viewing at the current time and place.
26. Click on [List Qualifying Objects] and those objects currently visible in the observer�s sky will be listed.

From here you can generate a list of objects to watch through the telescope on a day of your choosing.
You can use the Planner in your computer, you can print it for ease of access or you can load into your browser for export to share with others.

Good Viewing!

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