Remembering what things you want to image

[carldr]

Hey guys,

I'm just wondering how you note which targets you want to image. Do you just write them down somewhere, or do you use software?

I see some amazing images that I would like to have a go at, but the best time to image the targets could be some months away, by which time my scraps of paper have disappeared!

C.

[26Left]

Notepad type app on my smartphone. But, I still forget or get sidetracked

[reddoss]

I choose targets that are high in the sky (to minimise tracking errors and usally better seeing) using Stellarium. I often have problems remebering their NCG numbers, so I write them down.

[JohnnyD333]

I also type them into my iphone. I use Stellarium or Starry Night to figure out what to look at. I jump ahead to the time of night Im going to image, punch in the Messier and NGC catalog, and pick a couple that are in my viewing area. Sadly, I usually pick quite a few and never get through them all:(

[AndyUK]

I do very similar to Johnny, although in addition, if I see an image of something I like, I use Stellarium to find it, see what time of year it will be accessible (by skipping forward months sometimes) and then put a note in my Outlook task list to remind me to keep a look out for it...... and, like Johnny, the Outlook task list tends to get very cluttered and then I have to roll them forward for a year's time...!

[carldr]

So nothing magic then! I guess I just need to be more organised (Actually, "Become more organised" has been on my to-do list for several years now!)

Thanks for your replies guys.

[iwatkins]

Probably easier for imagers rather than visual as imagers tend to hit maybe one or two targets a night.

Personally I just have a look at what is visible tonight while setup is cooling down and then target them.

Cheers

Ian

[Telrad]

I use a notepad/log-book and Stellarium, I agree with Ian and choose what targets I want while I wait for my scope to cool, whilst warm up on SGL

[Catanonia]

Post It notes of the M / NGC and IC number in the observatory of things that I would like to image. If I get caught on the hop with a good night and no targets, I pick one off the list assuming it is nice and high.

Stellarion definately helps to find them and how close to zenith they are.

[ashworthacca]

I create an observing (imaging) list in Skysafari.

[Rob_Jn]

I make a note of objects in an excel spreadsheet with their RA & DEC - for example interesting things I see in Sky & Telescope and posted here. I can then sort by RA to see what's best placed. I'll have to admit setting up and doing some unplanned imaging as well

Rob.

[NickK]

Just the standard desktop stickies!

[chrisshillito]

For ASCOM controlled mounts use EQTOUR and TonightSky to build a custom tour of objects.

Chris.