Plate solving for multi-session images?

[starfield]

Hi all,

I'm looking to capture some more data for an image of the horsehead nebula that I snagged a couple of weeks back. I'd like to be able to frame the shot as close as possible to the original. Is this something plate solving can help me with? If so, what software would you all recommend? Currently I use SharpCap to grab all my images. I'm currently use a 294mc pro as my imaging camera.

Thanks

--Steve

[Slabs1960]

Use Astrophotography Tool (APT)
It allows you save plans and continue from where you left off.


It has a trial period with full functionality.

https://www.ideiki.com/astro/Default.aspx

[Stuart]

I use Sequence Generator Pro. It works fine.

[JayTee]

APT is by far the most powerful and least expensive title you you can get. After you download and use the free trial version you will be surprised at how many different functions are included with this title and that includes plate solving (using PlateSolver2), plus it captures images!

Cheers,
JT

[yobbo89]

I use sgp pro, you can just select any fit/tif saved image and it will plate solve it and start framing.

[KathyNS]

Yes, absolutely, plate solving will do this. I use SGP, with PlateSolver2 as its plate solver. I have it set for 50-pixel accuracy. So multiple sessions will be aligned to within 50 pixels of each other. My frame size is about 3300x2200 pixels, so I only have minimal cropping to do at the edges.

[Baskevo]

I use APT as well! It works really well and is super easy to use! They all do a lot of the same stuff, but I have liked APT the best so far. IMO, It's very user friendly and has a lot of functionality.

[luker78]

I currently use Stellarmate and it can do all that too. But yes platesolving is the technology that will help you achieve what you are looking to do.

Basically you load your existing image into the platesolving software. It will determine where in the sky the image is, including the field of view and the orientation. Then it will move your mount where it needs to be, you just need to rotate your camera to match. Unless you have a focuser that will do everything.

[bladekeeper]

NINA does that as well, and it doesn't cost a dime...

[starfield]

So went out 2 nights ago and tried using SharpCap with the All Sky Plate Solver. Worked like magic. Not only could I frame my shot exactly like my previous one, but my GOTO alignment was perfect after one quick plate solve. Another new tool in the toolkit! Thanks everyone.

[Juno16]

Cool!

I really like Astrophotography Tool and have great success blind solving in about 20 seconds with All Sky Plate Solver.

I tried NINA, but it didn’t play well with my Nikon.

Thanks,
Jim