Attached is the stx file for the DSF forum object of the week 2021. This is in ST4 format so cannot be used with ST3. These are mostly challenging or very challenging objects for medium sized telescopes

Attached Files

  OOTW2021.stx (Size: 940 bytes / Downloads: 12)

The NEO 2022 AC4 is predicted to reach max brightness of 14.7 magnitude on 2022 Jan 10 ~2200 EST in Auriga. It will be slightly fainter, but closer & faster over the course of the next few hours reaching a speed of ~ 17"/sec! A real screamer.

The predicted path is shown here from Central Ohio (40°N):  [attachment=2183]

Parallax will affect all observations as this object is quite close. Also note that the time should read 20 - 23 hrs on 1/10 because the tens digit of the hours isn't displayed as BMD has noted in another post. I suspect that this is due to the length of the field allotted for the output character string being too short when seconds are part of the time output - an unusual occurrence.

Good hunting,

Phil S.

Hi Greg,

I've been creating observing logs to keep track of close approaching asteroids, but that's not an ideal solution. All the MP log entries really slow down the Restore operation. Can you suggest a better way to rank the quality of close approaches? I want to keep track of the ones that I've already evaluated. Perhaps the log entries can be deleted once the ratings have beeen applied. I do like the information that the logs allow me to add regarding maximum brightness & minimum earth distance though. Would Notes offer the seme options?

TIA,

Phil S.

As the Nexus DSC seems to be getting more popular it would be nice if ST4 could output the current comets list in a format that it could read. The Nexus DSC basically reads an MPC softCmt00.txt file that has to be copied onto a MicroSD and put in the device. Although one can of course edit the one from the MPC or Gideons site it would be nice for ST4 users to do it easily. Just to balance out all the requests from the MP users 

Hi All,

This big, bright NEA is currently in Puppis at -49° Dec moving north & brightening. Max brightness is predicted to reach 10.4 mag on Jan 18 @ 1900 EST when it will be in Pisces ~7° Dec. It should be visible from both northern & southern hemispheres, weather permitting. It's already 15th mag & should remain at least that bright until Jan 25.

Here's the predicted path: [attachment=2176]

Good hunting,

Phil S.

On Using the Eyepiece Viewer help page, what are the meanings of the Z and L arrows in the image?

Also, what determines the angle of the W arrow on the eyepiece FOV circle? For example, viewing 65 Psc on the Interactive Atlas has W to the right, but after selecting Eyepiece View, the W arrow points near upper left.

Hello,

As advanced users of the minor planet database, I wanted to let you guys know that the latest update fixes several bugs in the minor planet database management. In particular, deleting a minor planet, or a set of elements, could truncate or corrupt your database. Adding a minor planet manually could cause similar problems.

I recommend cleaning your database (using the built-in feature) after the update, by deleting as many minor planets as possible. There is no danger in doing so, as all necessary elements are not allowed to be deleted. Once the database is as clean as you can make it, close the Minor Planet Database dialog. Then re-open it and add new and more recent orbital elements.

I apologize for these problems that I know have caused considerable trouble, and I wish you guys the best hunting in 2022!

The Apollo class MP 2021 YK is predicted to reach 16.1 Mag on the night of 2022 Jan 1-2. Here's the predicted path as seen from the Houston TX area: [attachment=2167]

From this location the path crosses NGC 891 between 21:43 to 21:44 CST.

Hope you have good weather BMD. The orbit certainty is 9 so there may be refinements in the next few days.

Phil S.

Like the planets, the large (8°x10°), faint, squashed football shaped glow resides at the anti-solar position along the ecliptic. It seems, for me, easiest to view when in Pisces during mid October. I was wondering if there is a way to illustrate/simulate its position in ST4v? Similar to the seasonal map down the page at https://skyandtelescope.org/observing/ta...420151410/

Say I want to compare the RASC Finest NGCs with the SAC Best NGCs. Or seasonal lists by different authors. What are the best ways to compare two lists, to see which objects are in both, and which objects are in one but not the other?

Thanks,
Lee