Hi all: I find various programs have certain features that really fit my needs, but no one program I've tried has all of them in a way that I'd find optimal. If only I could easily create a "Frankenstein" program with parts from each ! My satellite observing is done with binoculars/telescope/stopwatch. For any given night it's rather selective--3 to 10 or so targets. I've basically followed the methods described by Ted Molczan in his ObsReduce manual as the "sketch-free method."-- "I use ObsReduce in conjunction with an ephemeris generator to determine where I will intercept each satellite. I use the ephemeris generator to find satellite passes suitable for observing. I use ObsReduce to simulate each pass, looking for the earliest suitable reference star(s) at which point I will intercept the satellite, and begin tracking. This method almost guarantees me at least one useful observation, and it frees me from having to stop and sketch any of the subsequent reference stars...prediction of that first position, which is key to making the method work." I think I mentioned it to Ted, but, I'd find it very convenient if ObsReduce allowed for copying the predicted path chart directly to the "clipboard" for insertion in the Word document I prepare as nightly charts for use at the telescope. When needed I simply hand draw the pattern next to a finder chart generated by a planetarium/satellite capable program, but I really sort of like the selectivity, speed and display of star patterns ObsReduce produces. It's no big deal, but I'd find it really helpful. Peter Gertson ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- Kick start your favorite grad’s career with mobile email for under $50. **************Kick start your favorite grad’s career with mobile email for under $50. (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100122638x1221971194x1201441917/aol?redir==http://www.getpeek.com/aol) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe/Unsubscribe info, Frequently Asked Questions, SeeSat-L archive: http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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