Hi All,

This thread concerns a strange process in observing logs. Hope I used the right forum to describe the problem.

Last night, I made some observations, and as I do routinely, I wanted, to day, to enter my notes in ST4. 
Opening the "New log Defaults" windows, I wanted to precise my observations details: I opened the "observing location" windows, and as expected, ST4 asked me the choice between "ask" and "select from list". 
I chose select from list, and ST4 showed me all my observing locations.
Right now, all seemed correct.

But the problem occurred when I wanted to define my instrument. As usual, I clicked on the "instrument" windows, and ST4 showed me the usual choice between "ask" and "select from list". I chose to click on "select from list", the usual window opened, but in it, there was only "naked eye", and nothing more. 
None of my numerous instruments.
I verified in "set up / telescopes", all my instruments were perfectly detailled.

I recommenced the process several times, without any improvement.
As I do routinely a back up of logs, lists, and notes after each session, I restore ST4 from my last back up. The problem was exactly the same.

I would like to know if I did a mistake, or if it is a bug of the ST4 visual 1.11.15. 
Many thanks for your help

Bertrand
Marseille, France

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered NEO, 2025 LB, will make a close approach on 2025-Jun-04 07:07±00:03 UT at a distance of 0.00102 AU, moving with  V Relative=11.21 km/sec, H=26.7 magnitude, diameter 12 m - 27 m and 'Rarity'=1. As of 2025 Jun 2, there is a 1 day observation arc, the Condition Code=7 and the Earth MOID=0.000791639 AU. The solution date was 2025-Jun-02 08:12:02 PDT. The initial reported observation was by Pan-STARRS 1, Haleakala on 2025-06-01. This NEO is too small to make MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs). CNEOS lists its last close approach as occurring in June 1933 at a nominal distance of 0.00560 AU.

Using MPC's elements for the epoch 2025 May 5 0000 UT (downloaded on 2025 Jun 2), ST4.1.1.15 Visual Pro predicts that this NEO's close approach will occur (to the nearest hour) on 2025 Jun 4 0300 EDT (0700 UT) with the NEO 156.1k km distant traveling through Lynx at 14.2"/second and 16.7 magnitude. Peak brightness is predicted on 2025 Jun 3 2300 EDT (Jun 4 0300 UT) with the NEO 233.8k km distant, traveling through Canes Venatici at 408"/minute and 15.8 magnitude.  This object is so new that it wasn't added to MPC's file of NEOs at Today's Epoch that ST4 can download from the MPC website. I had to download the orbital elements for a single object. That always provides the standard epoch for the elements (currently 2025 May 5 0000 UT).

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2025 LB:    

Since this object will pass very close and it's a recent discovery, observers should follow the directions in the Important Thread at the top of this forum section to download orbital elements close to their time of observation. This NEO will be moving very quickly across the sky at close approach and at 16.7 magnitude will require a large telescope to see it.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered NEO, 2025 KE1, will make a close approach on 2025-May-23 01:31±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.00129 AU moving with V Relative=18.65 km/sec, H=26.4 magnitude, diameter 14 m - 31 m and 'Rarity'=1. There is currently a 1 day observation arc, the Condition Code=7 and the Earth MOID=0.00136553 AU. The solution date was 2025-May-22 03:12:01 PDT. The initial reported observation was by Catalina Sky Survey on 2025-05-21. This approach is even closer than the calculated MOID which is very uncommon. This NEO is too small to make the MPC's list of PHAs.

Using MPC's orbital elemets for the epoch 2025 May 22 0000 UT, ST4.1.1.14 Visual Pro predicts that the close approach will occur (to the nearest hour) on 2025 May 22 2200 EDT (May 23 0200 UT) at a distnce of 196.7k km traveling through Apus at 14.0 mgnitude and 19.1"/second, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio! Peak brightness of 13.3 magnitude is predicted to occur on May 22 2000 EDT at a distance of 219.0k km traveling through Scorpius at 15.6"/second in daylight, below the horizon in Columbus. This object will be best from the southern hemisphere.

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2025 KE1:    

Since this object will pass very close to earth, follow the directions for downloading the most accurate orbital elements in the 'Important Threads' Post at the top of this forum section. This NEO will be a real screamer at 19"/second.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

CNEOS predicts that the medium-sized NEO, (424482) 2008 DG5, will make a close approach on 2025-Jun-05 23:59±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.02335 AU moving with V Relative=6.21 km/sec, H=19.6 magnitude, diameter 320 m - 700 m and 'Rarity'=2. There is currently a 8819 day observation arc, the Condition Code=0 and the Earth MOID=0.0186531 AU. The solution date was 2025-May-21 05:49:02 PDT. This object was discovered at Catalina on 2008-02-28 by CSS. This NEO is on MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs). Two more close approaches of ~0.023 AU are predicted on 2080-Jun-02 05:43±<00:01 UT and 2163-Jun-04 22:22±00:05 UT.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2025 May 22 0000 UT, ST4.1.1.14 Visual Pro predicts that (424482) DG5 will reach a peak brightness of 13.6 magnitude on the evening of 2025 Jun 1 at a distance of 0.03 AU traveling through Bootes at 16.5"/minute. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2025 June 5 2000 EDT (June 6 0000 UT) with the NEO 0.02 AU distant traveling through Canes Venatici at 14.1 magnitude and 22.6"/minute, but in daylight in Columbus, Ohio. The close approach should be visible in Europe, weather permitting. This object is already brighter than 15 magnitude and is predicted to remain so until June 8.

Here's the Object Info dialog for this NEO:    

This should be an easy NEO to observe.

Good Hunting,

Phil S.

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered NEO, 2025 KF, will make a close approach on 2025-May-21 17:26±00:04 UT at a distance of 0.00077 AU moving with V Relative=11.58 km/sec, H=27.1 magnitude, diameter 10 m - 23 m and 'Rarity'=1. There is a 1 day observation arc, the Condition Code=7 and the Earth MOID=0.000805912 AU. The solution date was 2025-May-20 06:23:01 PDT. The initial reported observation was by MAP, San Pedro de Atacama on 2025-05-19.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2025 May 20 0000 UT, ST4.1.1.14 Visual Pro predicts that this NEO will reach a peak brightness of 13.8 magnitude on 2025 May 21 at 1200 EDT at a distance of only 133.3k km traveling through Centaurus at 14.8"/second, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2025 May 21 1400 EDT (1800 UT) with the NEO at 14.5 magnitude and 119.5k km traveling through Hydrus at 19.2"/second in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. This object will be best from the southern hemisphere.

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2025 KF:    

Since this object will pass very close and will be moving extremely fast, observers should follow the directions in the post at the top of this forum section to obtain orbital elements close to the time of their observations.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Hello, I am trying to add my Optolong L quad as one of my filters and am not certain of the format needed. What I have is below in a text file, and I am not specifically sure of the percentages. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

656.3 486.1
495.9 500.7
435.8 546.1 577 578.1
598 589.6 615.4 616.1

Here's an article about the close approach of the NEO (612356) 2002 JX8 that's due to occur on 2025 May 9 2302 UT:

https://www.space.com/stargazing/a-stadi...live-video

The close approach is going to be live streamed on YouTube.

Phil S.

Tom Polakis has created a pdf that includes all of the articles he did in a series for Astronomy magazine. These are excellent articles and together represent something similar to the old Burnham's.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T441ZT3iY3iVgVgX5zNMsdsS16mnz9ZY/view?usp=sharing

If people are interested I can produce a SkyTools observing list to go along with it.

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered NEO, 2025 HF1, will make a close approach on 2025-Apr-24 11:13±00:03 UT at a distance of 0.00263 AU moving with V Relative=14.74 km/sec, H=26.3 magnitude, diameter 14 m - 32 m and 'Rarity'=1. Currently there is a 0.73177 day observation arc, the Condition Code=7 and the Earth MOID=0.000637618 AU. The solution date was 2025-Apr-23 06:22:44 PDT. The initial reported observation was by Mt. Lemmon Survey on 2025-04-22. This NEO is too small to make the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs). The next close approach is predicted in October 2028, but at 0.014 AU distance.

Using MPC's orbital elements for 2025 Apr 23 0000 UT ST4.1.11.14 Visual Pro predicts that 2025 HF1 will make its close approach (to the nearest hour) on 2025 Apr 24 at 0700 EDT traveling through Cancer 395.6k km distant at 447"/minute and 16.6 magnitude, but in daylight and below the horizon as seen from Columbus, Ohio. Peak brightness of 15.9 magnitude is predicted on 2025 Apr 24 around 0000 EDT with the NEO 548k km distant traveling through Leo at 247"/minute.

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2025 HF1:    

There was still a 3 minute uncertainty in the time of the close approach of this object, so for best accuracy anyone planning to observe this NEO should follow the directions for downloading orbital elements for fast changing orbits in the post at the top of this forum section.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

I have a telescope defined with 2 magnifying finders. 

When I bring up a finder chart (via View Scope/Binocs) it only shows finder 1. 

I cannot find where to select finder 2. I have searched the program help and these forums.

I am on Sky Tools version 4.0.11.14.

How do I do this?

Thank you,

Paul