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Observatories

Configure your imaging locations in AstroManager. Each observatory represents a physical location with specific coordinates and settings.

Accessing Observatory Settings

Navigate to Settings → Observatories from the main menu.

Creating an Observatory

Step 1: Add New Observatory

  1. Click "Add Observatory"
  2. Enter basic information

Step 2: Basic Information

Field Required Description
Name Yes Descriptive name (e.g., "Home Observatory")
Description No Optional notes about this location

Step 3: Location

Field Required Description
Latitude Yes Degrees (positive = North, negative = South)
Longitude Yes Degrees (positive = East, negative = West)
Elevation Yes Meters above sea level
Timezone Yes Your local timezone

Finding Coordinates

Right-click on Google Maps and select "What's here?" to get precise coordinates.

Step 4: Observation Parameters

Field Default Description
Minimum Altitude 30° Objects below this won't be scheduled
Meridian Buffer 5 min Time buffer around meridian flip

Step 5: Save

Click "Save" to create the observatory.

Observatory Settings

Location Settings

Coordinates

  • Latitude: -90° to +90° (negative = South)
  • Longitude: -180° to +180° (negative = West)
  • Elevation: Meters above sea level

Accurate coordinates are essential for: - Altitude calculations - Rise/set times - Meridian timing - Twilight calculations

Timezone

Select your local timezone. This affects: - Displayed times in the UI - Session calendar dates - Notification timing

Observation Parameters

Minimum Altitude

The lowest altitude at which objects will be scheduled:

Value Use Case
20° Dark site with clear horizon
30° Typical suburban location
40° Light-polluted or obstructed site
50° Very restrictive conditions

Horizon Profile

Define custom horizon limits for obstructions:

  1. Click "Edit Horizon"
  2. Enter altitude limits for each azimuth
  3. Format: Azimuth (degrees) → Minimum Altitude (degrees)

Example for a tree line to the north: 

0°   (N):  25°
45°  (NE): 15°
90°  (E):  10°
135° (SE): 10°
180° (S):  10°
225° (SW): 10°
270° (W):  10°
315° (NW): 20°

Multiple Observatories

Why Multiple?

You might have multiple observatories for:

  • Home setup and remote observatory
  • Different locations (travel, star parties)
  • Multiple setups at same location

Managing Multiple

  • Set a default observatory for the dashboard
  • Select observatory when scheduling targets
  • N.I.N.A. plugin connects to one observatory at a time

Switching Observatories

In the N.I.N.A. plugin: 1. Open plugin settings 2. Select observatory from dropdown 3. Data syncs to selected observatory

Editing an Observatory

  1. Navigate to Settings → Observatories
  2. Click "Edit" on the observatory
  3. Modify settings
  4. Click "Save"

Coordinate Changes

Changing coordinates affects all observability calculations. Existing scheduled targets may need review.

Deleting an Observatory

  1. Navigate to Settings → Observatories
  2. Click "Delete" on the observatory
  3. Confirm deletion

Deletion Warning

Deleting an observatory removes all associated: - Equipment profiles - Scheduler configurations - Session history

Tips

Accurate Coordinates

Use GPS or precise mapping for best results. Even small errors affect calculations.

Realistic Minimum Altitude

Start with 30° and adjust based on your actual conditions.

Document Obstructions

Create a horizon profile if you have significant obstructions.

Test Calculations

After setup, verify altitude charts match your observations.