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Scheduler Overview

The AstroManager Scheduler is the heart of automated target management, intelligently selecting what to image based on conditions, priorities, and your imaging goals.

What is the Scheduler?

The Scheduler maintains a database of your imaging projects and, at runtime, decides which target should be actively imaging at any given moment. It considers:

  • Target Observability: Altitude, hour angle, meridian position
  • Moon Interference: Distance and illumination impact per filter
  • Your Priorities: Which projects matter most to you
  • Completion Status: Progress toward your imaging goals
  • Equipment Constraints: Filter availability, FOV requirements

Core Concepts

Scheduled Target

A Scheduled Target is a deep sky object added to your active scheduler with:

  • Assigned priority (1-10, where 1 is highest)
  • Status (Active, Paused, Complete)
  • One or more imaging goals
  • Optional mosaic configuration

Imaging Goal

An Imaging Goal defines what exposures you want:

Property Description
Filter L, R, G, B, Ha, OIII, SII, etc.
Exposure Time Duration in seconds
Target Count How many frames you want
Captured Count How many you've acquired
Binning 1x1, 2x2, etc.

Priority System

Priority determines imaging order when multiple targets are observable:

Priority Level Use Case
1-2 Critical Must complete this session
3-4 High Important ongoing projects
5-6 Normal Standard projects
7-8 Low Fill-in targets
9-10 Minimal Image only if nothing else available

How Scheduling Works

Target Selection Algorithm

When the N.I.N.A. plugin queries for the next target:

  1. Filter Observable Targets
  2. Above minimum altitude
  3. Not in meridian exclusion zone

  4. Meets moon distance requirements

  5. Apply Scoring

  6. Priority weight
  7. Current altitude score
  8. Time remaining above horizon

  9. Completion progress

  10. Select Best Target

  11. Highest combined score wins

  12. If tied, prefer less complete targets

  13. Return Target & Goals

  14. Target coordinates
  15. Current imaging goal (filter, exposure)
  16. Dither and focus settings

Real-Time Adaptation

The scheduler continuously adapts:

  • Changing Conditions: As objects rise/set, selection updates
  • Moon Movement: Targets may become available/unavailable
  • Completion: Finished goals trigger re-evaluation
  • Interruptions: Gracefully handles clouds, equipment issues

Scheduler Modes

Automatic Mode

Let AstroManager decide everything:

  • Selects targets based on algorithm
  • Switches targets as conditions change
  • Optimizes for maximum productivity

Priority Mode

Focus on highest priority targets:

  • Strictly follows priority order
  • Only switches when current target sets
  • Best for specific project deadlines

Single Target Mode

Lock onto one target:

  • Images only the selected target
  • Ignores other scheduled targets
  • Useful for completing a specific object

Workflow

1. Add Targets

From your target lists or DSO database:

  1. Select "Schedule" on a target
  2. Or go to Scheduler → Add Target
  3. Choose the object

2. Configure Imaging Goals

For each target, define your exposure plan:

  1. Add imaging goals (filter + exposure + count)
  2. Set any filter-specific requirements
  3. Configure total desired frames

3. Set Priority

Assign priority based on importance:

  • Lower numbers = higher priority
  • Consider seasonal observability
  • Balance between projects

4. Activate

Ensure target status is Active:

  • Active targets are included in scheduling
  • Paused targets are temporarily excluded
  • Complete targets are ignored

5. Image

With N.I.N.A. plugin connected:

  1. Start your sequence with AstroManager Target Scheduler
  2. Scheduler provides targets automatically
  3. Progress updates in real-time

Scheduler Interface

Target List View

See all scheduled targets with:

  • Target name and thumbnail
  • Priority indicator
  • Completion progress bar
  • Current status
  • Quick actions

Detail View

Click a target to see:

  • Full imaging goal breakdown
  • Per-filter progress
  • Observability chart
  • Session history

Filters & Sorting

Filter Description
Status Active, Paused, Complete
Priority Specific priority levels
Observable Currently above horizon
Completion Incomplete, In Progress, Done

Best Practices

Planning Strategy

Seasonal Planning

Schedule targets appropriate for the current season. Don't add summer objects in winter.

Priority Balance

Don't make everything priority 1. Use the full range for intelligent scheduling.

Realistic Goals

Set achievable frame counts. 100 frames at 5 minutes = 8+ hours.

Goal Configuration

Filter Order

The scheduler will prioritize based on current conditions. Let it choose optimal filters.

Exposure Time

Balance between SNR and flexibility. 3-5 minute subs are often optimal.

Binning Strategy

Consider binning for narrowband or luminance to improve SNR.

Monitoring

Regular Review

Check scheduler weekly to update priorities and remove completed targets.

Progress Tracking

Monitor completion percentages to balance time across projects.