by Byron Soulsby Isabella Plains Lunar Observatory
Australia
Getting Started
Use
Download and install AstroPlanner
either for full functionality using
the Mac OS X version, or the limited Windows version.
To observe stars and the Moon you need firstly to be able to connect
your telescope/computer using AstroPlanner.
The easiest way to do this
is to
obtain a cable, driver and usb/serial adaptor if required. Use Google
Earth to find your observing site(s) for your Latitude, Longitude
and height above
sea level for input to the preferences file of AstroPlanner.
Alignment
This software is designed for some
goto telescopes, particularly those from Meade with the AutoStar
controller. Connect your AutoStar to the serial port of the computer
making sure that the Fix Clock option is unchecked in the AstroPlanner
Observing window (if it is checked connection is not possible).
Observing
I suggest you commence your observing of simple objects such as the
Moon and some alignment stars which can be selected on the Observing
window. If data is available, edit the resources file by changing the
horizon diagram to suit your site's obstructions. The best way is to
scale a photograph calibrated for elevation of trees, buildings etc
using the altitude circle of your telescope. Once completed the local
horizon will be included in the Sky window of AstroPlanner to
enable
quick recognition of visible objects (these can be highlighted in the
Observing window of AstroPlanner).
Produced by the Isabella
Plains Lunar Observatory Australia, 2008 May 12.