<![CDATA[Skyhound Forums - Visual Deep Sky Observing]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/ Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:10:21 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Tom Polakis Astronomy Magazine Articles]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3267 Thu, 08 May 2025 11:30:38 -0400 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3267
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.]]>
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.]]> <![CDATA[Catolog Lists]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3131 Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:02:54 -0400 JayinUT]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3131
It's been several years since I have actively been observing and I have forgotten how to add lists to Sky Tools 4. I am looking for the Herschel 400 and 2500 lists. Anyone know where I can find them an how to add them?]]>
It's been several years since I have actively been observing and I have forgotten how to add lists to Sky Tools 4. I am looking for the Herschel 400 and 2500 lists. Anyone know where I can find them an how to add them?]]> <![CDATA[Where is Pallas ?]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3036 Mon, 01 Apr 2024 05:18:49 -0400 carlomuccini]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3036
https://youtu.be/V5GpFshFVHY


Carlo]]>
https://youtu.be/V5GpFshFVHY


Carlo]]> <![CDATA[SkyTools 4 Pro Atlas is Remarkable]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3005 Thu, 15 Feb 2024 10:30:05 -0500 EmeraldHillsSkies]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3005 Cosmic Challenge, Harrington maintains that this target is extremely difficult in an 18-inch scope. In fact, as the author of the book, he's honest about the fact that he rarely can detect these galaxies through his own 18-inch. (Part of the reason is - the galaxy cluster is 1 billion light years away.) But the stunningly beautiful charts built into SkyTools serve patient observers amazingly well. Here's a screenshot of the moment I found the galaxy known as MCG 5-36-18 (also known as PGC 54868).

[Image: MCG_5-36-18-38_min_2022-04-15.png]

The left window of the screenshot above is the "live" view through my RASA 11. I believe my cursor might just be pointing directly at MCG 5-36-18 (PGC 54868). The *right* window, obviously, is the Atlas from SkyTools. There's a lot of information there. But it REALLY helped. 

In contrast, for what it's worth, please allow me to insert below a screenshot of Stellarium's view of the area:

[Image: stellarium-ACO2065.png]

If you're confused by the screenshot above, it's no wonder. Essentially, Stellarium just provides a placeholder for ACO2065 -- and this is in spite of the fact that I have loaded into Stellarium every last catalog that is possibly available. Note the message at the bottom of this dialogue box in Stellarium attesting to the fact that "all star catalogs have been installed:"

[Image: stellarium-all_catalogs.png]

So whereas SkyTools has an *enormous* amount of sky data about *each* *individual* *star* (let alone the galaxies and galaxy cluster), Stellarium shows *dead* *black* *empty* *space*.

Blank space.

This is Version 23.4 of Stellarium. It's the very latest version:

[Image: stellarium_news.png]

Now that I've experienced SkyTools  - with an 11-inch RASA telescope -- I can't *imagine* using Stellarium as my primary atlas ever again. I'd be missing so much!

Of course, now I'm all-the-more eager for Greg to release the EAA version of SkyTools - because SkyTools was bound and determine to tell me that it was impossible for my RASA 11 to *detect* these galaxies -- which is one of the many reasons why I'm relying on EAA instead of an eyepiece.

If you'd like to see my painstakingly (and I'm sure, *annoying*) search to get oriented in this part of the sky hahahaha, check out the live stream below. I've taken the liberty of cueing it up to the moment I start working with the Atlas to try to find these galaxies (which are, by the way, Magnitude 17 and 18 -- and a mere 1 BILLION Light Years distant... and are only pinpoints at that distance). (Again, apologies for the fact that I'm still very new at using SkyTools. But even in the hands of a downright newbie, it's still incredibly helpful.)

https://www.youtube.com/live/o6urHY1f7rE...s08&t=5736

So - if you're listening Greg, thank you for your work. I'm not sure if you will hear the part of the video in which one of the viewers of the live stream chimes in, "Oh yes...  SkyTools was developed by a professional astronomer. That's why it has all this information." : )

(But also, if you're listening, please keep this kind of astronomy in mind for the EAA version and please remove all of the suggested limitations on my scope. With EAA, many of those limitations just don't seem to apply any more. Please let us see the entire list of targets, regardless of what SkyTools thinks we *ought* to be able to detect, and let the *scope* decide which ones it can see - please. Thank you brother!!!)

I'm "all in" on SkyTools.

Doug]]> Cosmic Challenge, Harrington maintains that this target is extremely difficult in an 18-inch scope. In fact, as the author of the book, he's honest about the fact that he rarely can detect these galaxies through his own 18-inch. (Part of the reason is - the galaxy cluster is 1 billion light years away.) But the stunningly beautiful charts built into SkyTools serve patient observers amazingly well. Here's a screenshot of the moment I found the galaxy known as MCG 5-36-18 (also known as PGC 54868).

[Image: MCG_5-36-18-38_min_2022-04-15.png]

The left window of the screenshot above is the "live" view through my RASA 11. I believe my cursor might just be pointing directly at MCG 5-36-18 (PGC 54868). The *right* window, obviously, is the Atlas from SkyTools. There's a lot of information there. But it REALLY helped. 

In contrast, for what it's worth, please allow me to insert below a screenshot of Stellarium's view of the area:

[Image: stellarium-ACO2065.png]

If you're confused by the screenshot above, it's no wonder. Essentially, Stellarium just provides a placeholder for ACO2065 -- and this is in spite of the fact that I have loaded into Stellarium every last catalog that is possibly available. Note the message at the bottom of this dialogue box in Stellarium attesting to the fact that "all star catalogs have been installed:"

[Image: stellarium-all_catalogs.png]

So whereas SkyTools has an *enormous* amount of sky data about *each* *individual* *star* (let alone the galaxies and galaxy cluster), Stellarium shows *dead* *black* *empty* *space*.

Blank space.

This is Version 23.4 of Stellarium. It's the very latest version:

[Image: stellarium_news.png]

Now that I've experienced SkyTools  - with an 11-inch RASA telescope -- I can't *imagine* using Stellarium as my primary atlas ever again. I'd be missing so much!

Of course, now I'm all-the-more eager for Greg to release the EAA version of SkyTools - because SkyTools was bound and determine to tell me that it was impossible for my RASA 11 to *detect* these galaxies -- which is one of the many reasons why I'm relying on EAA instead of an eyepiece.

If you'd like to see my painstakingly (and I'm sure, *annoying*) search to get oriented in this part of the sky hahahaha, check out the live stream below. I've taken the liberty of cueing it up to the moment I start working with the Atlas to try to find these galaxies (which are, by the way, Magnitude 17 and 18 -- and a mere 1 BILLION Light Years distant... and are only pinpoints at that distance). (Again, apologies for the fact that I'm still very new at using SkyTools. But even in the hands of a downright newbie, it's still incredibly helpful.)

https://www.youtube.com/live/o6urHY1f7rE...s08&t=5736

So - if you're listening Greg, thank you for your work. I'm not sure if you will hear the part of the video in which one of the viewers of the live stream chimes in, "Oh yes...  SkyTools was developed by a professional astronomer. That's why it has all this information." : )

(But also, if you're listening, please keep this kind of astronomy in mind for the EAA version and please remove all of the suggested limitations on my scope. With EAA, many of those limitations just don't seem to apply any more. Please let us see the entire list of targets, regardless of what SkyTools thinks we *ought* to be able to detect, and let the *scope* decide which ones it can see - please. Thank you brother!!!)

I'm "all in" on SkyTools.

Doug]]> <![CDATA[Observer's Sky Atlas]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3002 Sun, 11 Feb 2024 19:34:46 -0500 JoeNovak]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3002 DSOs only

.stx   Observer's Sky Atlas.stx (Size: 1.39 KB / Downloads: 7) ]]> DSOs only

.stx   Observer's Sky Atlas.stx (Size: 1.39 KB / Downloads: 7) ]]> <![CDATA[New Visual Observing Video Series]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2901 Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:29:40 -0400 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2901
There are two videos up. The first one was released before in a different form:


The second video in the series is an experiment. Its a bit weird. I ramble a lot... I don't know it is a viable format or not. I would appreciate hearing feedback, positive or negative. I could, for instance, do a lot more editing and make it tighter on just the actual observing.
]]>
There are two videos up. The first one was released before in a different form:


The second video in the series is an experiment. Its a bit weird. I ramble a lot... I don't know it is a viable format or not. I would appreciate hearing feedback, positive or negative. I could, for instance, do a lot more editing and make it tighter on just the actual observing.
]]> <![CDATA[New Supernova in M 33]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2688 Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:42:16 -0500 PMSchu]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2688
This object is currently well placed for northern hemisphere evening viewing.

Phil S.]]>
This object is currently well placed for northern hemisphere evening viewing.

Phil S.]]> <![CDATA[ST4 Filters]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2557 Mon, 20 Jun 2022 08:13:49 -0400 Twah_Pisto]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2557

Just was thinking about different filters Broadband, Narrowband, OIII, HA, etc filters for ST4 and if we define the wavelength's like the cameras in Imaging, that ST4 V could suggest the type of filter to use? Not sure how much would be involved or if it would be possible for ST4 to do that with the objects and all.    And was thinking it could be used for Imaging as well.

Just thinking
Thanks
Mike]]>

Just was thinking about different filters Broadband, Narrowband, OIII, HA, etc filters for ST4 and if we define the wavelength's like the cameras in Imaging, that ST4 V could suggest the type of filter to use? Not sure how much would be involved or if it would be possible for ST4 to do that with the objects and all.    And was thinking it could be used for Imaging as well.

Just thinking
Thanks
Mike]]> <![CDATA[SN2022hrs in NGC4647]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2514 Thu, 28 Apr 2022 10:06:14 -0400 fredworld]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2514 Fred]]> Fred]]> <![CDATA[Supernova 2022an in Centaurus]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2448 Tue, 15 Feb 2022 12:24:33 -0500 PMSchu]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2448
Phil S.]]>
Phil S.]]> <![CDATA[OOTW 2021 stx file]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2402 Mon, 10 Jan 2022 13:56:50 -0500 obrazell]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2402
.stx   OOTW2021.stx (Size: 940 bytes / Downloads: 12) ]]>
.stx   OOTW2021.stx (Size: 940 bytes / Downloads: 12) ]]> <![CDATA[Sharing Observing list?]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2041 Fri, 19 Mar 2021 23:54:24 -0400 chrisp9au]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2041
Are we able, and encouraged, to upload observing lists that we create?

If we are, how do we achieve this?

I have the following lists from handbooks to contribute, mostly for Southern Hemisphere observers really.

Deep Sky Companions - Southern Gems, Stephen O'Meara
Deep Sky Companions - The Secret Deep, Stephen O'Meara
Pearls of the Southern Skies - Dieter Willasch & Auke Slotegraaf
Objects in the Heavens - Peter Birren Naoyuki Kurita]]>
Are we able, and encouraged, to upload observing lists that we create?

If we are, how do we achieve this?

I have the following lists from handbooks to contribute, mostly for Southern Hemisphere observers really.

Deep Sky Companions - Southern Gems, Stephen O'Meara
Deep Sky Companions - The Secret Deep, Stephen O'Meara
Pearls of the Southern Skies - Dieter Willasch & Auke Slotegraaf
Objects in the Heavens - Peter Birren Naoyuki Kurita]]> <![CDATA[Fairly Bright Nova in Cassiopiea]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2040 Fri, 19 Mar 2021 13:20:21 -0400 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2040 Nova Cas 2021 to the Current Bright Novae and Supernovae list. It is mag 7.9.]]> Nova Cas 2021 to the Current Bright Novae and Supernovae list. It is mag 7.9.]]> <![CDATA[How to Plan a Messier Marathon]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2028 Fri, 12 Mar 2021 16:07:26 -0500 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2028
One of my laments for the Nightly Planner was that it wasn't well suited to planning a Messier Marathon. The purpose of the Nightly Planner is to select the best objects to view on a given night. It's not meant to get you a bad view of something low on the horizon. For good views, the Messier objects are best observed year round, rather than be forced into a single night. 

I was thinking about this and it is one of the reasons that I added the Observing Plan feature. When we plan a Messier Marathon our goal is to observe every object on the list, no matter how bad the view. In this case,  what we want to do is to observe each object when we have the best chance to see it, and to move through the list efficiently. 

Here are the steps to make your own Messier Marathon plan using SkyTools 4 Visual:

1. Pick a night in the spring when you will be free to attempt it. The best nights for a Marathon can be found on the web, but they often choose only the very best night, yet others may work too. New moon nights work best, but a few days before/after may work too. Note the teal line on the Nightbar preview on the Night selection tool, which indicates the altitude of the moon during the night. The best nights will be when the moon is not above the horizon during the dark part of the night.

2. Select a telescope, location, observer and open the Messier Observing List (usually found in the Default folder).

3. Disable all filters. Sort the list by Difficulty, looking for any marked as undetectable. Any object marked as undetectable will most likely be impossible to observe on this night. For most locations and telescope, it is common for a few objects to be out of reach. The idea it to try for as many as possible. But you can try different nights to see if you can get more of these objects to be detectable. Select one of these undetectable objects and look at the red dashed line on the NightBar. Most objects will be low on the horizon during evening or morning twilight. In general, if in the morning twilight, try nights later in the month. If in evening twilight, try nights earlier in the month.

4. Set the weather to what is typical for this time of year or to match the forecast.

5. Under Generate Observing Plan set the amount of time you will typically need to find an object plus the amount of time you intend to view it. For a marathon, allow a little extra time for finding objects and less time to view them. It is best to be honest, especially with the time to find each object.

6. Enable the check box next to Plan to generate your plan.

7. I recommend right-clicking on the View Time column and selecting "Reset Custom View Times."

You may be a bit disappointing in the result. In addition to those objects that are not detectable, the algorithm may toss some objects in order to fit them all into the time allotted. A dark site and a larger telescope will naturally allow you to see more objects.

To see which objects are being skipped, right-click on the check mark column. Select Clear All, and then Check Displayed. Remove the check next to Plan. The objects that were not included in the plan will not have check marks next to them.]]>
One of my laments for the Nightly Planner was that it wasn't well suited to planning a Messier Marathon. The purpose of the Nightly Planner is to select the best objects to view on a given night. It's not meant to get you a bad view of something low on the horizon. For good views, the Messier objects are best observed year round, rather than be forced into a single night. 

I was thinking about this and it is one of the reasons that I added the Observing Plan feature. When we plan a Messier Marathon our goal is to observe every object on the list, no matter how bad the view. In this case,  what we want to do is to observe each object when we have the best chance to see it, and to move through the list efficiently. 

Here are the steps to make your own Messier Marathon plan using SkyTools 4 Visual:

1. Pick a night in the spring when you will be free to attempt it. The best nights for a Marathon can be found on the web, but they often choose only the very best night, yet others may work too. New moon nights work best, but a few days before/after may work too. Note the teal line on the Nightbar preview on the Night selection tool, which indicates the altitude of the moon during the night. The best nights will be when the moon is not above the horizon during the dark part of the night.

2. Select a telescope, location, observer and open the Messier Observing List (usually found in the Default folder).

3. Disable all filters. Sort the list by Difficulty, looking for any marked as undetectable. Any object marked as undetectable will most likely be impossible to observe on this night. For most locations and telescope, it is common for a few objects to be out of reach. The idea it to try for as many as possible. But you can try different nights to see if you can get more of these objects to be detectable. Select one of these undetectable objects and look at the red dashed line on the NightBar. Most objects will be low on the horizon during evening or morning twilight. In general, if in the morning twilight, try nights later in the month. If in evening twilight, try nights earlier in the month.

4. Set the weather to what is typical for this time of year or to match the forecast.

5. Under Generate Observing Plan set the amount of time you will typically need to find an object plus the amount of time you intend to view it. For a marathon, allow a little extra time for finding objects and less time to view them. It is best to be honest, especially with the time to find each object.

6. Enable the check box next to Plan to generate your plan.

7. I recommend right-clicking on the View Time column and selecting "Reset Custom View Times."

You may be a bit disappointing in the result. In addition to those objects that are not detectable, the algorithm may toss some objects in order to fit them all into the time allotted. A dark site and a larger telescope will naturally allow you to see more objects.

To see which objects are being skipped, right-click on the check mark column. Select Clear All, and then Check Displayed. Remove the check next to Plan. The objects that were not included in the plan will not have check marks next to them.]]> <![CDATA[Naked eye nova in Sagittarius?]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=1994 Thu, 04 Feb 2021 11:59:48 -0500 PMSchu]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=1994
The Current bright novae/supernovae lists Nova Sgr 2020 No. 4 as mag 5.5. Is this correct, or another case similar to what occurred with RX And? It would be cool if there's a nova visible to the naked eye. It's less than 2.5° from the Trifid nebula & M 21.

Phil S.]]>
The Current bright novae/supernovae lists Nova Sgr 2020 No. 4 as mag 5.5. Is this correct, or another case similar to what occurred with RX And? It would be cool if there's a nova visible to the naked eye. It's less than 2.5° from the Trifid nebula & M 21.

Phil S.]]>