Deepsky Astronomy Software - The best deep sky astronomy software

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	Integration with Deepsky

Frequently Asked Questions and Tips

	Deepsky contains so many features, what's the best way to get up to speed fast?
	What is the Deepsky AstroCards version about?
	What sets Deepsky apart from other planetarium style software?
	What is Deepsky's purpose?
	Why is Deepsky so inexpensive compared to other astronomy software?
	Does Deepsky support telescope control?

	What is the moon icon on the lower left portion of the screen?
	What is right click on spreadsheet used for?
	Object Details
	How do you quickly sort a column in the spreadsheet
	Is there additional information for objects besides what shows up on the spreadsheet?
	Can I attach an image to a deepsky object or logbook entry?
	There's so many image formats supported in Deepsky. Which is the best to use?
	Is there an easy way to log observations quickly?
	What is the LX200 AUTO CONTROLLER feature?
	I have a list of objects on my spreadsheet. How do I create a chart showing those objects?
	Is there a way to print out a range of charts?
	What is the best way to navigate while in the charts?
	What types of logbooks are available in Deepsky?

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	Deepsky contains so many features, what's the best way to get up to speed fast?
	The best way to get up to speed is to view our online training videos. You can view them by going to training videos We also offer the training videos on CD ROM.
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	What is the Deepsky AstroCards version about?
	The AstroCards version of Deepsky is a light version of Deepsky Astronomy Software that include an electronic version of the popular AstroCard star charts. It is targeted for people who don't need all of the advanced capabilities that our flagship product Deepsky offers.
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	What sets Deepsky apart from other planetarium style software?
	Deepsky is unique because its primary tool is the spreadsheet. While Deepsky has beautiful star charts, the initial spreadsheet interface allows the user to find the information they want quickly and easily. Whereas planetarium software display only their information on star charts, Deepsky uses a variety of screens to display the information where it will be most useful to you. Whether you are viewing a spreadsheet of objects sorted to your liking, or viewing a colorful star chart with objects from your observing plan, you will be amazed at the integration Deepsky provides, giving you a more efficient and fun way to plan your observing sessions.
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	What is Deepsky's purpose?
	Deepsky is an observing suite of tools. It's a database, observing planner, logbook, star chart maker, imaging enhancement system, telescope control system, and a whole lot more. In addition, Deepsky can provide you with information on the Sun, Moon, Planets, Comets, and Asteroids. It comes with up to 410,000 images (DVD) of deep sky and solar system objects and 8,000+ observing notes from other observers.
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	Why is Deepsky so inexpensive compared to other astronomy software?
	Good software doesn't have to cost a lot of money! My belief is that good software will sell itself. And since this is really a hobby of mine, I enjoy providing the software to you at a low price.
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	Does Deepsky support telescope control to automatically position to a given object?
	YES! Deepsky currently supports ASCOM based telescopes. This includes the Meade LX200 and Autostar based telescopes, the Celestron Nexstar telescope series, and several more. For a complete list of supported scopes, click here.
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Tips on Using Deepsky


	What is the moon icon on the lower left portion of the screen?
	This icon shows the approximate phase of the moon for the date you have set in the DATE tab.
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	What is right click on spreadsheet used for?
	Right click on an object on the spreadsheet and you will be presented with a menu of choices pertaining to the selected object. You can edit details of the object, log an observation, print a chart, and much more.
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	Object Details
	Use OBJECT DETAILS to view detail information on the object you clicked on including images if they are available.
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	How do you quickly sort a column in the spreadsheet
	Use SORT ASCENDING/DESCENDING on the right click menu after clicking anywhere on a column in the spreadsheet.
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	Is there additional information for objects besides what shows up on the spreadsheet?
	Description Details provides additional information about the currently selected object that won't appear in a spreadsheet column.
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	Can I attach an image to a deepsky object or logbook entry?
	Deepsky can attach images to an object in the database or to a logbook entry. Doing this lets you see an image while viewing other data in Deepsky.
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	There's so many image formats supported in Deepsky. Which is the best to use?
	Over 30 image formats are supported. LEAD gives you the best compression/image quality.
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	Is there an easy way to log observations quickly?
	Use the EZ Logbook feature to enter general repetitive information about your observation. Deepsky will automatically create logbook entries for you based on the objects you tagged in your observing plan. This makes keeping track of things a snap.
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	What is the LX200 AUTO CONTROLLER feature?
	If you own an LX 200 telescope, check out the AUTO CONTROLLER feature in the SLIDE SHOW. Here you can instruct your computer to log entries as you view them right at the telescope. You use the LX 200 hand controller to trigger the log creation steps on your computer.
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	I have a list of objects on my spreadsheet. How do I create a chart showing those objects?
	Just click the toolbar icon that looks like the constellation Orion.
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	Is there a way to print out a range of charts?
	You can print a range of charts by simply entering a RA and DEC range in the ATLAS function.
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	What is the best way to navigate while in the charts?
	To quickly navigate within the charts, right click on any object symbol and the charts will center on that object.
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	What types of logbooks are available in Deepsky?
	Deepsky uses two types of logbooks, PERSONAL and OTHER. The personal logbook is where you store your own information. It is the most flexible type of logbook. Other logbooks provide detailed notes from other amateur astronomers on thousands of Deepsky objects. This information is integrated into Deepsky at various levels.