SkyTools
3 Imaging Features
The
SkyTools
3 Professional Edition supports imaging. Plan imaging sessions and
optimize imaging in real time. The focus of SkyTools
imaging session planning is on helping you make the best imaging
choices. Optimum sub-exposure times are computed for image stacking,
the
final signal-to-noise ratio is estimated, the number of stacked
images required to obtain the desired signal-to-noise is
computed, and the optimum time period to observe your object is
displayed.
The imaging quality
for a selected object is drawn as a function of time below (blue
line). The relative quality depends on both the conditions and
the object. Readily compare different objects, filters,
sub-exposure times, nights, cameras, telescopes, locations, etc.
The
blue line is the imaging quality throughout the night.
When
it comes time to observe, the Real Time tool has an imaging
mode which can help you make informed choices as you work.
The Imaging Context Viewer helps to identify fields and aid in
image placement. It can also be used to point a connected
telescope simply by dragging the camera rectangle to a new
position.
-
Innovative
first of its kind Imaging Session Planner -- supports
deep sky, planetary, lunar and solar imaging for
astronomical CCDs, digital cameras, and video/web cams. Know
with certainty when each object is best imaged. When
should I start tonight? When should I stop?
Which of my target objects should I go after?
-
Exposure
Calculator -- use this tool to make critical
calculations and to explore the possibilities.
-
What is
the optimum sub-exposure for my current conditions?
-
What is the estimated Signal to Noise Ratio I will obtain
for a given exposure?
-
What is the estimated total
exposure time needed to reach a specific Signal to Noise
Ratio?
-
In what order should I expose when using
multiple filters?
-
How much effect is the moon going to
have tonight?
-
Should I travel to a dark site?
-
How long can I image a planet before rotational smear blurs
the composite image?
-
What is my field of view?
-
How many pixels will a planet cover?
-
What is the
optimum separation to use for eyepiece projection?
-
Imaging
Context Viewer -- an
innovative side window for the Atlas that displays a
simulated image for your camera and telescope.
This tool is perfect for locating the correct field; readily
compare a short exposure to the simulated image. Drag
the imaging FOV anywhere on the chart to test placement, and
if a telescope is connected the telescope will follow!
-
Deepest
Stellar Database -- stars to 20th magnitude over the
entire sky.
-
Accurate
positions for all known asteroids -- these can be
downloaded from within SkyTools to aid in identification
of moving objects.
-
Automatic
Tracking of Asteroids and Comets -- follow a comet or
asteroid during your exposures (with mounts capable of this
function).
-
Maximum
Planetary imaging time without blurring--
computes the maximum time over which the Sun or a planet can
be imaged to avoid blurring due to the rotation of the
object in the final stacked image.
-
Image
Download Selections -- DSS, SDSS, IR, H-alpha, and 2MASS
images are available for download and display in the chart
backgrounds. These images can be used in the Atlas or
in the Context Viewer to aid in camera placement.
-
Eyepiece
Projection Calculator -- computes the optimum separation
between the eyepiece and camera and computes the final
image scale for any given separation.
-
Double
Star Pair Resolution and Image Scale
-
Drift
Alignment Tool -- takes the guesswork out of aligning
your mount.
|
Imaging
Session Planner
Exposure
Calculator
Context
Viewer
|
|
