Sky Atlas

The Sky Atlas allows you to search for various objects in the sky using N.I.N.A.'s own database of deep sky objects. Filters and sorting options can be applied to search results. Additionally, you may set selected objects as a Sequence target, or to send them to the Framing Assistant.

For further information about the Sky Atlas, refer to the Object Browser advanced topic.

The Sky Atlas interface consists of following elements:

The SkyAtlas tab

  1. Search Field

    Search for the object by name or various catalog designations. Some familiar names (e.g., "Andromeda") are not implemented at the moment

  2. Filters

    Filtering and modifying a search can be done by various object criteria and parameters.

  3. Search result order

    Search results can be ordered by one of several criteria: Size, Apparent Magnitude, Constellation, RA, Dec, Surface Brightness and Object Type. Display order can be either Descending or Ascending, and you can specify the number the items displayed per page.

    Important

    Be aware that a large number of search results may lead to performance issues

  4. Search

    Press the Search button to initiate the search

  5. Moon phase and day information

    Displays the current moon phase and other day information. The accuracy of this information depends upon the correct latitude and longitude being specified under Optoions > General > Astrometry.

  6. Object information

    Displays various information about objects that are found by a search. The information includes the object name, RA, Dec, Type, Constellation, Apparent magnitude, surface brightness, and size.

    If the optional Sky Atlas Image Repository has been installed and the path to it specified under Options > General > General > Sky Atlas Image Directory, a small image of the object is displayed.

  7. Object altitude

    Displays the target object's altitude, the direction point at which it will transit, the darkness phase of the current day, and includes a veritical marker for the current time. The accuracy of the altitude curve requires that the latitude and longitude be set under Options > General > Astrometry.

  8. Set as Sequence

    Sets the selected object as a Sequence target

  9. Set for Framing Assistant

    Sets the selected object as the target in the Framing Assistant

  10. Slew

    Slews the mount to the selected object