Many new Windows devices are now being offered with Windows 10 S. This is a limited version of Windows, and one of its features is that, in its default state, software can only be installed via the Windows Store. SkyTools is not available via the Windows Store, and it is unlikely to be anytime soon.

Any version of SkyTools can be run on a Windows 10 S device, but to do so, the Windows 10 "S" mode must be disabled. This is relatively easy to do, but once disabled there is no way to go back.

Not new to SkyTools had ver.2, then upgraded years ago to 3Pro but only very lightly used it. Very old and fluent MegaStar user. Recently decided to give it another try so installed on a new laptop and set up some of the permanent configurations. I noticed when listing the "Optimum Eyepiece" on a Nightly Planner for a comet run, some of the eyepieces listed have 2.0x next to the name. I'm assuming that ST is making a suggestion that I add a 2x Barlow to the 6 Clave or 5 LE Takahashi?  When observing that particular comet from my Bortle class 4 skies with my 13" Dob. Or does it mean something else?

I'm sure this is been covered elsewhere, but I can't seem to find it.

I'm updating my computer and want to put my Skytools 3 on it.  What is the process?  How do I download Skytools onto my new computer?  

After that, I would assume I copy the data onto a flashdrive and transfer the information?

Thanks for the help!

There will be a transit of Mercury on 11 Nov 2019. The transit starts ~7:35am EST and ends ~1:04pm EST as seen from Columbus Ohio. Be sure to use the appropriate safeguards when observing the sun. ST3 Pro has a great feature that will flag upcoming events like transits, eclipses, etc. Is there a plan to implement this feature in ST4 Visual? 

Phil S.

Hi I've removed a scope from the list.
But when I go to make a new log entry this telescope still comes up as the default option.

How do I fix this?

Thanks

Good evening,

Before creating one, has anyone created an STX file of the Multiple Star observing list? 

https://www.astroleague.org/content/mult...ng-program 

I looked in ST3 data manager but didn't come across one. If one doesn't exist, I'll create and share.

Thank you.

Mike

Hi Greg,

It seems that iTelescope T68 has been moved from Australia to New Mexico, but I can't find more info on its status. I wondered if you had more information on its status, since its right down the road from you and you're also an iTelescope user. 

Thanks,

Phil S.

I have loaded(cloned) 3 different Imaging Systems each a different OTA and I get results that are counter-intuitive.
Exposures were set at 15 SNR, all use the same ZWO 294C pro (gain 200, Bin x 1) camera with no filter and all targets are M33. Only exposure time is provided (set up time not included). System listed below:
1. Celestron 11" RASA,           279mm aperture and 620mm FL,  f/2.2 results in exposure time of 158min.
2. Celestron C8 w/x0.63 reducer, 203mm aperture and 1280mm FL, f/6.3 results in exposure time of 94min.(note: FL is 2032mm x 0.63, f/10 x 0.63)
3. Meade series 6000 quad APO,    70mm aperture and 350mm FL,  f/5   results in exposure time of 30min.

This results are different that I would of thought. I would have thought that the exposure time would have been a function of f-stop, so system #1 would have the least time, system #3 in the middle and system #2 would have the longest time.

How is the exposure calculated when the OTA changes? Is there a parameter I need to double check?

I have written an article about C/2019 Q4 (Borisov), the interstellar comet.

https://skyhound.com/2019_Q4.html

The Minor Planet Center just released an orbit for C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) and I have added it to the current comets target list.

This comet was only recognized yesterday as being of interstellar origin (a first). It is currently brighter than 19th mag.