I used the Database Power Search in SkyTools 4 Imaging to generate a list of Quasars with a Redshift (z) greater than 4.5, and one of the targets returned was the QSO PMN J1451-1512 in Libra.
 
This is an image of that Quasar, PMN J1451-1512, Mag 19.14, Redshift (z): 4.76, Light Time: 13.0 Gyr (22 x 240 sec exposures) taken with my Tak Mewlon 210 F11.5 and QHY268M from my suburban skies in Brisbane (Bortle 6 to 7).
 
PMN J1451-1512
Quasar
R.A.  14h51m47.1s Dec.: -15°12'20" (2000) in Libra
Magnitude: 19.10 R
Redshift (z): 4.76
Light Time: 13.0 Gyr
Apparent Data for 2023 Jun 15  GMT+10:
Apparent RA:  14h53m05.4s, Apparent Dec: -15°18'10"
 
Takahashi Mewlon 210 F11.5
QHY 268 M Pro Bin 2x2
Thurs 15th June 2023 10:02pm to 11:41pm AEST
2023-06-15:T12:02 to 13:41 UT
22 x 240 sec exposures
 
I understand that the parameter 13Giga Years is a measurement of how long it has taken for the light from the distant Quasar to reach the Earth. I also understand that the current estimate for the age of the Universe is in the range of 13.7 to 13.80 billion years.
 
I have attached a professional observatory image (colour) from Aladin Lite (PanSTARRS), marking the location of the Quasar with a red cross.
 
Cheers
 
Dennis

   

   

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered NEO, 2023 LM1, will make a close approach on 2023-Jun-15 22:51±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.00074 AU, V Relative=9.18 km/sec, H=28.4 magnitude, diameter 5.5 m - 12 m, 'Rarity'=1. The Condition Code=7 with a  1 day observation arc. The Earth MOID=0.000795779 AU. This small object was first observed by Mt. Lemmon Survey on 2023-06-14.

Using MPC's elements for 2023 Jun 15 0000 UT, ST4v predicts that 2023 LM1 will reach a maximum brightness of 16 magnitude on Jun 15 1700 EDT (2100 UT) at a distance of 130.1k km when the NEO is predicted to be moving through Carina at 12.8"/sec in daylight below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. Close approach (to the nearest hour) is predicted to occur Jun 15 1900 EDT (2300 UT) with the NEO 114.8k km distant, 16.4 magnitude, moving through Dorado at 15.7"/sec! Unfortunately it's still in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus. This is a real screamer with very little advance warning. Hopefully someone will be able to observe it.

Here's the Object Info dialog for this MP: [attachment=2866]

This object will be very close so parallax will affect the apparent position relative to the stars. You'll need to download the elements from the MPC so that SkyTools can plot the correct position on your charts.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

CNEOS predicts that the NEO (467336) 2002 LT38 will make a close approach on 2023-Jun-24 18:28±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.04450 AU, V Relative=  7.15 km/sec, H=20.6 magnitude, diameter 200 m - 450 m, 'Rarity'=1. The Condition Code=0, with a 7673 day observation arc. The orbit is well defined. The Earth MOID=0.0343136 AU. This NEO is on the list of Potentially Hazardous Objects.

Using MPC's elements for 2023 Jun 5 0000 UT, ST4v predicts that this object will reach a maximum brightness of 15.1 magnitude on June 19-20 when the NEO will be ~0.05 AU distant moving through Ophiuchus at ~11"/min. The Minimum Re is predicted to occur (to the nearest hour) on 2023 Jun 24 1400 EDT (1800 UT) when the NEO will be 0.04 AU distant at 15.6 magnitude moving through Hercules at 12.9"/min in daylight below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio.

This object was already 15.8 magnitude in Sagittarius on the morning of Jun 13 and will remain <=15.8 magnitude until the evening of Jun 25 in Serpens. Unfortunately, this Aten class object isn't a fast mover, but it is visible over several days from both the northern & southern hemispheres.

Here's the Object Info dialog for this NEO: [attachment=2865]

Good hunting,

Phil S.

I enjoyed a bit of a “play” session last night, (9th June 2023), fitting the Celestron x0.7 Reducer to my C9.25 F/10 Edge HD SCT which transforms the OTA into an F/7 1,645mm optic.
 
The main task was to obtain the correct back focus and orient the camera, so the OTA was balanced, and generally become familiar with the new set up.
 
NEO 2023 LD looked like a suitable test target, although it would take a few hours to rise above the tree line in that part of my obstructed skies.
 
All the equipment behaved and the skies remained clear, so here is a 60 sec exposure, tracking on the NEO.
 
Cheers
 
Dennis

   

CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered NEO 2023 LA will make a close approach on 2023-Jun-12 00:35±00:02 UT at a distance of 0.00441 AU with V Relative=10.45 km/sec, H=25.2 magnitude, diameter 24 m - 54 m, 'Rarity'=1. The Condition Code=8 with an 11 day observation arc. The Earth MOID=0.00378889 AU. The first reported observation was by Mt. Lemmon Survey on 2023-06-05. The orbit is still being refined.

Using MPC's elements for 2023 Jun 6, ST4v predicts that this NEO will reach a peak brightness of 14.5 magnitude on 2023 Jun 11 at 1700 EDT at 676.8k km distant moving through Scutum at 190"/min in dayligh below the horizon as seen from Columbus, Ohio. It's predicted to be visible from Columbus on the morning of Jun 11 when it will be moving through Ophiuchus at 14.7 magnitude and 100"/min.

The southern hemisphere is favored for this close approach.

The apparent position of this NEO will be strongly affected by parallax, so you'll need to download the elements from MPC for NEOs at Today's Epoch using ST4 to get the latest data. BMD recommends downloading elements from JPL's HORIZONS system for best accuracy. Dennis in Australia has successfully imaged several close approaches, but I don't know which source he uses for his orbital elements. His tracking is very accurate.

I'll provide further updates when the orbit is refined.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Hello,

do you have any idea, why the Img. Time is 3 minutes for nearly all listed objects in my Target Selection List? I have played around with the prime time year constraints and checked the image system settings, but I have no idea what's the reason
   

Thanks
Markus

With an aim to broaden our horizons, we are launching our very own Skyhound Discord Server. This will serve as an additional platform for our community, offering another conduit to connect, engage and converse about our shared passion – astronomy.

Our forums have been a great place for in-depth, technical questions about SkyTools, and rest assured, they will continue to be. The Discord server is not a replacement, but an expansion. We hope to stir up more open and general discussions about all things astronomy, whether visual or imaging.

We envision this space to be less about support-oriented conversations (which often end up being led by me) and more about astronomy, and doing astronomy with SkyTools especially.

I understand that not everyone is familiar with or comfortable using Discord, and that is absolutely okay. The server is there for those who'd like to use it.

For those who are interested, you can join the Skyhound Discord Server by clicking on the link below. Remember, whether you are a seasoned astronomer or a novice stargazer, our Discord community has space for everyone. Head on over and be one of the first to post!

https://discord.gg/Q5uAuJ6ukd

We are looking forward to embarking on this new journey with you all, sharing more about our experiences, insights, equipment, and love for the cosmos.

Clear skies and happy observing!

Hi,

is it possible to define some user defined "region" in the target list? e.g. I want to create the region around Sadr with all the Ha as a "wild field target". Is there any possibility?

Thanks,

Markus

Hi,

I am using ASIair for my astrophotography. Is ST4 able to create plans that I can import into ASIair?

Thanks,

Markus