SkyTools
3: Software for Comet Observing
SkyTools
3 offers the comet observer more than just a position.
Exclusive
features not found in other software:
-
Current
magnitudes derived from recent observations
-
Current
coma diameters derived from recent observations
-
Visual
difficulty estimates
-
Custom
observing synopses
-
Unique
daily optimum viewing time charts
Finding
Comets
With
the aid of the multi-view telescope (or binocular) finder
charts it is a simple matter even for a beginner to find
a naked eye, telescopic or binocular comet. The charts are true
simulations that display what you can expect to see in the eyepiece, at
your location with your instrument. Everything from light
pollution to the experience of the observer is taken into
account. Click on the thumbnail to see a plot of comet Ikeya-Zhang
as seen in 8x56 binoculars from a dark site. The comet is
plotted every night at the time when it is best observed. All
you have to do is print the chart and then go out and look at
the time indicated for each night.
Time
Wasted on Fickle Comets
You
can rely on SkyTools to remain current. As an example, in
late 2008 comet observers around the world turned their
telescopes to view the bright comet 85P/Boethin only to see
nothing. Unknown to them, this comet had disintegrated and was no longer detectable. Every software
product except SkyTools continued to show this comet as an easy
object for small telescopes for weeks and even months after it
was known to have disappeared, as did many web sites.
Why?
Because all software products obtain
their comet data directly from the Minor Planet Center, which is fine for
generating precise positions. But the magnitude parameters
published with these positions are often out of date or in
error. In the ever-changing world of comet observing,
knowing the current size and magnitude of a comet is
essential. This information can only be obtained from
recent observations and SkyTools is the only software that
integrates these recent observations into its easily accessible
online database.
Is
that Comet Visible in My Telescope?
What
makes visual comet observing frustrating is that the big diffuse comets are
far more difficult to detect than the small compact ones.
Even with an accurate magnitude it is difficult to know if a
given comet will be visible to you. SkyTools uses a
sophisticated algorithm to take the guesswork out of comet
observing. It predicts how difficult it will be to
detect a comet under your conditions with your
telescope/binoculars and it accurately depicts the comet's
diameter, giving you a clear idea of what to look for in the
eyepiece.
When
and Where Should I Look?
The
SkyTools planning tools really shine for comets. Quickly
find out which nights are best to observe your comet, what time
you should go out, and either create a custom finder chart or
drive your computer controlled scope right to it.
Custom
Observing Synopses
SkyTools
can tell you, in words, everything you need to
know about observing a comet:
On this night C/2007 N3 (Lulin) is best visible between 06:52p and 12:43a, with the optimum view at 08:44p. Look for it in Cancer, high in the sky in moonlight. It is easy visually in the Orion StarBlast 4.5. Use the Explorer II 17mm for optimum visual detection. It is magnitude 6 with a diameter of 14.0'.
In the following 30 days this object is obvious visually on March 13-27, with the best view coming on March 13. During this period it will fade rapidly and will reach peak altitude of 71° on March 16.
C/2007 N3 (Lulin) is past perihelion, which occurred in early January 2009. In late February this comet passed within 0.4 AU of the earth. It also reached maximum brightness of magnitude 4.5 in late February. The best visibility from
Tuscon near maximum brightness was predicted to be in late February when it was approximately magnitude 4.5. On February 24 this comet was moving quickly across the sky at a peak rate of 12.9 "/min.
Logging
Your Observations
Once
you have made your observation the SkyTools logbook provides an
ideal means of recording what you saw. Use the Night
Log to record the entirety of the observing experience,
such as that time when those Raccoons nearly scared you into
dropping your Nagler!
The
SkyTools
Starter Edition offers all of the same features (except
logging).
Read
more about SkyTools 3
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