Observing Log
The comprehensive observing log feature is fully integrated with all object reports. You can click on any object in a report and show details of past observations of the object, or add a new observation to the log. The deep-sky, star, comet and asteroid search reports permit searching for observed and unobserved objects.
Deep-Sky Planner 5 offers extraordinary data exchange capability:
- Log reports may be printed and exported in plain text, delimited text or HTML format.
- Equipment lists may be printed, imported and exported in native Deep-Sky Planner format, and exported in delimited text, MS Excel or HTML format.
- Observation lists may be printed, imported and exported in native Deep-Sky Planner format or the non-proprietary OpenAstronomyLog 2.0 format. Observation lists can also be exported in delimited text, MS Excel or HTML format.
About the Observing Log
- log entries include name of observer, name of object, date & time of observation (local or universal), observing location, sky and weather conditions, equipment (instrument, eyepiece, optical filter, barlow/tele-compressor, camera, location method), rating, optional image, and observation notes. Add, delete, edit, and view all data in the observing log.
- Observation Browser shows essential catalog data for any observation of an object that appears in the database. See a video demonstration below.
- search the observing log by object name, observer, equipment, date and time of observation, observing location, sky and weather conditions, rating, and whether an image is attached
- specify multiple sort options (and directions) for a report
- search results may be printed or saved as formatted text, HTML or delimited text (CSV)
- magnification and true field are calculated for visual observations
- field of view and image scale are calculated for imaging observations
- altitude and extinction information are calculated and shown for cataloged objects
- ultimate flexibility in viewing and printing observations using the observation import/export feature with XSLT stylesheets. Use Knightware's stylesheets or create and use your own.
Video
The following video demonstrates some of the new features of the Observation Browser:
- sky and weather conditions data
- mini-browsers that can show online or offline resources
- acquiring a Sky Quality Meter reading electronically and inserting it into an observation
Observing Project Manager
The Observing Project Manager helps organize your visual and imaging observations. The Observing Project Manager allows you to manage your observations much like the Windows Explorer allows you to manage your files by supporting drag & drop, copy & paste, etc.
- visually organize your observations into projects
- share an observation among one or more projects
- delete projects without disturbing observations
- import and export selected observations to files
Organize and View Observations using the Observing Project Manager