Target Search & Filtering¶

AstroManager's powerful search and filtering system helps you find the perfect targets for your imaging sessions.

Saved Targets¶

Navigate to "Saved Targets" from the main menu to access your organized target lists and search functionality.

Search Interface¶

Search Bar¶

The search bar at the top allows quick searches:

• Type an object name or catalog ID
• Results update as you type
• Matches against names, aliases, and catalog designations

Filter Panel¶

Click "Filters" to expand the comprehensive filter options.

Filter Categories¶

Observability Filters¶

These filters help you find objects visible from your location:

Tonight's Observability¶

Time-Based¶

Object Property Filters¶

Filter by physical characteristics:

Type & Classification¶

• Object Type: Galaxy, Nebula, Cluster, etc.
• Sub-Type: Spiral galaxy, planetary nebula, open cluster, etc.
• Constellation: One or multiple constellations

Size & Brightness¶

Moon Interference¶

Configure moon-related filtering:

Equipment Matching¶

Match targets to your equipment:

Imaging Possibilities¶

The Imaging Possibilities feature calculates the best imaging opportunities for your targets over the coming months.

How It Works¶

1. Select a target from your search results
2. View the "Imaging Possibilities" panel
3. See monthly breakdowns of:
4. Available imaging hours
5. Moon interference periods
6. Best dates for imaging

Monthly Analysis¶

For each month, you'll see:

• Total Observable Hours: How long the object is above minimum altitude
• Moon-Free Hours: Time when moon doesn't interfere
• Best Dates: Specific nights with optimal conditions
• Peak Altitude: Maximum altitude reached

Planning Ahead¶

Use this feature to:

• Plan projects months in advance
• Schedule mosaic sessions during moon-free periods
• Identify the best season for each target

Search Results¶

Result Cards¶

Each search result displays:

• Object Image: Preview thumbnail
• Name & Catalog IDs: Primary and alternate designations
• Type Icon: Visual indicator of object type
• Key Stats: Magnitude, size, constellation
• Quick Actions: Add to list, schedule, view details

Sorting Options¶

Sort results by:

• Name (alphabetical)
• Magnitude (brightest first)
• Size (largest first)
• Altitude (highest tonight first)
• Observable Duration (longest first)

Pagination¶

Results are paginated for performance:

• Default: 25 results per page
• Navigate with page controls
• Or load more incrementally

Saving Searches¶

Quick Filters¶

Save frequently used filter combinations:

1. Configure your desired filters
2. Click "Save Filter"
3. Give it a name (e.g., "Bright Galaxies - No Moon")
4. Access saved filters from the dropdown

Default Filters¶

Set your most common filters as defaults:

1. Configure filters
2. Click "Set as Default"
3. These filters apply automatically when you open the page

Advanced Techniques¶

Combining Filters¶

Filters are combined with AND logic:

• "Galaxy" + "Observable Tonight" + "Size > 10'" = Galaxies visible tonight larger than 10 arcminutes

Exclusion Filters¶

Some filters support exclusion:

• Exclude specific constellations
• Exclude objects you've already imaged
• Exclude objects in your current schedule

Seasonal Planning¶

To find targets for a specific season:

1. Set the date range filter
2. Enable observability calculation for that period
3. Sort by peak altitude or duration

Tips¶