STAR Atlas:PRO frequently asked questions - FAQs


How should I use the Magnitude Filter?

This setting can be of great help to the viewer. This function is to allow the program to determine what sized celestial objects can be viewed.

On the one hand if the setting too high, it will remove a number of interesting objects from view; while on the other, increasing the sensitivity too far will clutter the desktop with so many objects that viewing becomes difficult or impossible.

To give the viewer an idea of how to use this setting goes to: -

1. Open Star Atlas: PRO.
2. Click on [Chart Prefs].
3. Click [Restore Defaults] � bottom, right hand corner.
4. Click on [Horizon view] � top, right hand corner.
5. Close this menu by clicking on [Redraw] � bottom, right hand corner.
6. When �Sky View� appears � click on [Horizon] � [North, South, East or West].
7. Take note of the number of objects on the chart � the default is {Auto} � magnitude 6.5
8. Now click on [Mag. Filter] then {No Limit} then [Close and Redraw]. � note the significant increase in the number of objects on the desktop. For most situations this setting is far too sensitive and will clutter the desktop. The background is now at a magnitude of 20 � the faintest objects are seen.

9. Next, click on [Mag. Filter] � [Set Limit Manually] and set the tab on �Magnitude 6� when allows bright objects only to be seen on the desktop. Note the limited number of objects now seen.
10. Clearly, there needs to be a compromise and the {Auto} setting gives the optimal view � with the default set at Magnitude 11.

This setting is very valuable in many situations and it is hoped that the data above will make it possible for the viewer to use this function wisely. There are many ways to use this setting, placing excessive quantities of objects on the desktop will only make effective use of the program more difficult!

We hope that this will help with many hours of happy viewing. - Dr Ian Buttfield.

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