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Screen Shot of hskymon

hskymon is a Gtk+2/3 based cross-platform application to monitor celestial objects, sky condition, and telescope in Subaru Telescope Gen2 system. This program is available for all of Windows (7 or later), macOS (Mavericks or later), and UNIX base operating systems (linux etc.).
It can be used as a visibility checker, a finding charts creator, and a guiding stars finder for your obs preparation in your environment as well as a monitoring software in Subaru/Gen2 system.
It also works as an interface to access to observed data archives (SMOKA etc.).

Contents
Download
File types for object list
      OPE file
      CSV (comma separated) list
      Non-Sidereal Tracking File (TSC format)
      Non-Sidereal Tracking File (JPL HORIZONS format)
All functions in hskymon (ver4.5.7)
      Menu
      Main Window
      Object List Window : Main Target TAB
      Object List Window : Standard TAB and Finding Chart / DB TAB
      Object List Window : List Query TAB
      Plot Window
      Finding Chart Window
      AD Chart Window
      Properties Window
FAQ / usage
      How to show Object List Window
      How to display elevation plots
      How to display finding charts
      How to search Objects/Frames around targets
      Batched queries with observation data archives for the loaded object lists
      How to find standard stars
      Tip-Tilt Guide Star selection (for IRCS)
      Dithering pattern display (for HSC)
      How to load Non-Sidereal targets
      Proper motion
      How to compile from source code (UNIX)
      How to make Debian package from source code (UNIX)
      How to make RPM package from source code (UNIX)



Download

latest release = ver4.5.7 (08/25/2023) [Change Log]
macOS download macOS installer image (Gtk+2)
10.9 Mavericks or later; 64bit
This version cannot connect to the Gen2 status server.

If you get a warning from Gatekeeper, please start it with "Open" popped up by CTRL+Click.

If you are using an internet security software (ESET etc.), you may have problems on HTTP/HTTPS accesses on hskymon (stacks, slowness...). In such cases, please try to add
     /Applications/hskymon.app/Contents/MacOS/hskymon-bin
to the exclusion list in your security software.
.dmg
(77.0MB)
Windows download Windows 64bit installer (Gtk+2)
Windows 7 or later
This version cannot connect to the Gen2 status server.

If you get a warning from Smart Screen during your installation, please force to start it with More Info → Run anyway.

If you are using an internet security software (ESET etc.), you may have problems on HTTP/HTTPS accesses on hskymon (stacks, slowness...). In such cases, please try to add
     C:\Program Files\Subaru Telescope\hskymon\hskymon.exe
to the exclusion list in your security software.
.exe
(23.5MB)
linux download linux deb (64bit) (Gtk+2)
for Ubuntu 18.04LTS
This version cannot connect to the Gen2 status server.
.deb
(1.4MB)
download linux rpm (64bit) (Gtk+2)
for CentOS 7
This version cannot connect to the Gen2 status server.
.rpm
(1.6MB)
source download source code
Common for UNIX/Windows/macOS.
License= GPL3
How to install in UNIX
.tar.gz
(4.0MB)

- You can download the latest version via github.
     %  git clone https://github.com/chimari/hskymon.git


File types for input object list


You can use the following types for your target list.

     OPE file
You can use OPE files for Subaru SOSs/Gen2.
  • If OPE load some PRM file, in which stores standard stars, they are also automatically loaded. Or you can merge any PRM files manually (Menu→FileMerge PRM).
  • If you are using hskymon with XMLRPC option on Gen2 system, you can synchronously open OPE files opened in IntegGUI (Menu→FileSync OPE with IntegGUI).

Each target must be defined with its OBJECT (name), RA, DEC, and EQUINOX within <PARAMETER_LIST> section of OPE files as follows.
       <PARAMETER_LIST>  
       TGT_V5668Sgr=OBJECT="V5668 Sgr" RA=183656.87 DEC=-285539.30 EQUINOX=2000.00
       TGT_HD164536=OBJECT="HD164536" RA=180238.62 DEC=-241519.39 EQUINOX=2000.00
       TGT_sigSgr=OBJECT="sig Sgr" RA=185515.93 DEC=-261748.21 EQUINOX=2000.00
       TGT_HD149757=OBJECT="HD149757" RA=163709.54 DEC=-103401.52 EQUINOX=2000.00
       TGT_HD184915=OBJECT="HD184915" RA=193653.45 DEC=-070138.92 EQUINOX=2000.00
       TGT_V339Del=OBJECT="V339 Del" RA=202330.73 DEC=+204604.10 EQUINOX=2000.00
          ....................................
       </PARAMETER_LIST>


     CSV (comma separated) list
You can also use CSV list text files for your target list like
	Object Name, RA(hhmmss.ss), Dec(ddmmss.ss), Equinox, Free comments
. For example,
	HD94028     ,105128.1 ,+201639.0 ,2000,  [comments]
	BD+36 2165  ,111248.0 ,+354343.9 ,2000,  Mv=8.4  Fe/H=-2
	HD97916     ,111554.2 ,+020512.1 ,2000,  Mv=10.2 Fe/H=-2
	BD+51 1696  ,114635.2 ,+505254.7 ,2000   
	BD-13 3442  ,114650.7 ,-140643.5 ,2000,
          ....................................
Load CSV list files : Menu→FileOpen(Merge) CSV List.

     Non-Sidereal Tracking File (TSC format)
Non-Sidereal tracking files for TSC are also loadable.
	#1 Ceres on July 26 HST
	+00.0000 +00.0000 ON% +0.000
	UTC Geocentric Equatorial Mean Polar Geocentric
	ABS
	TSC
	500
	20010727000000.000 185406.057 -303521.41   1.953782861 2000.0000
	20010727003000.000 185405.055 -303524.50   1.953904593 2000.0000
	20010727010000.000 185404.053 -303527.59   1.954026432 2000.0000
	20010727013000.000 185403.051 -303530.67   1.954148379 2000.0000
	20010727020000.000 185402.050 -303533.75   1.954270432 2000.0000
	20010727023000.000 185401.049 -303536.82   1.954392592 2000.0000
	20010727030000.000 185400.049 -303539.90   1.954514860 2000.0000
                   ..........................
Please put TSC files in an appropriate directory (maybe in the same directory where your OPE files locate) and load them from the menu.
Files must follow the format described in this page.
You should use Geocentric coordinate in TSC files. They would be automatically converted into topocentric in the program. Therefore, coordinates displayed in Object List Window or other parts of hskymon would not be exactly same as ones described in Non-Sidereal tracking files.

     Non-Sidereal Tracking File (JPL HORIZONS format)
hskymon can also load NASA JPL HORIZONS output files.
Please note that you should set
	"Ephemeris Type" = OBSERVER
	"Observer Location" = Geocentric
	"Table Settings" = 1. Astrometric RA & Dec, 20. Observer range
for your input. Either calendar date or JD is acceptable for date format.
From the main menu, HORIZONS files can be converted into the TSC format.



All functions in hskymon (ver4.5.7)

     Menu
Main Menu

File Sync OPE w/IntegGUI Synchronize OPE files which opened in IntegGUI (only w/XMLRPC option).
Up to 32 OPE files; Max of object numbers in total is 5000.
OPE Open Open an OPE files in local system.
Merge Merge an OPE file in local system.
Reload Reload OPE files already opened.
PRM Merge Merge PRM files manually.
PRM files are used in OPE files for some instruments. Some of them are used to include definition for standards (ex. FOCAS). In usual case, observer may not use this command directly.
CSV List Open Open CSV text list in local system.
Merge Merge CSV text list in local system.
Non-Sidereal Merge TSC file Merge a Non-Sidereal target described in telescope tracking file (TSC format).
Merge JPL HORIZONS file Merge a Non-Sidereal target described in JPL HORIZONS format.
Convert HORIZONS to TSC Convert and save JPL HORIZONS format into TSC tracking file.
Export to OPE Def. Save the current target list into an OPE definition text file.
Text List Save the current target list into a CSV file.
List Query Load Load saved object list with list queried results (.hsk file) into the program.
Save Save the current object list and the list queried results into a .hsk file.
Quit Quit the program.
Object Object List Open Object List Window.
Add Add one target into the object list.
In the popped up dialog, you can query the target's coordinate by its name via SIMBAD/NED.
Add Object dialog
Update AzEl Recalculate and redraw positions of all objects (This is not necessary in usual operation, because they are updated every minute).
AllSky-Cam Show Diff. Image ON/OFF of differential image for All Sky Camera.
Diff. Parameters Change parameters for creating differential images (contrast, base, averaging filters etc.). After changed parameters, new differential images will be created automatically.
Diff. Image parameters dialog
Contrast : Contrast for differential images (Larger number create higher contrast).
Base : Zero point for differential images (Larger number create brighter image).
Filtering : Averaging filters for noise reduction.
Display Parameters Change display parameters for All Sky Camera (To make a good contrast with objects on the sky-monitor, All Sky Camera images can be darken.).
Disp.  parameters dialog
Screen : Parameters to change the brightness of All Sky Camera images.
Saturation Factor : Larger number makes higher contrasted images.
Database SMOKA : List Query Batched queries with SMOKA for the loaded object list.
HST archive : List Query Batched queries with HST archive for the loaded object list.
ESO archive : List Query Batched queries with ESO archive for the loaded object list.
Gemini archive : List Query Batched queries with Gemini telescope archive for the loaded object list.
Param for Standard Parameters for finding standard stars (for Standard Locator/Rapid Rotator/Mid-IR Standard in Object List Window).
Standard Search parameters dialog
Sky Area : delta RA and delta Dec. from the target, used in Standard Locator/Rapid Rotator/Mid-IR Standard.
Param for DB Query Change search parameters for database query in Finding Chart Window.
Database Query parameters dialog
Info Check the latest ver. Check the latest version of hskymon via network.
About About this program.
Help Help for Main Window.
Properties Open Properties Window to change the configuration of the program.
Changes will be saved in
~/.hskymon
and will be also reflected form the next start up.



     Main Window

The initial mode is Current Mode. For obs preparation, you should change it to Set Mode.
The objects in the monitor can be chosen by left-click.


Main Window

Mode 1 Display mode
Current Display objects in current time.
Set Display objects in specified time.
SkyCheck Display an animation of latest 20 All Sky Camera images to check the sky condition.
Date/Time 2 Local time and date for Set mode (Area name changes with observatory configuration.).Push 6 after changed.
ASC 3 All Sky Camera Start to access to All Sky Camera (every 2 minutes in default).
4 Hide Objects unused in OPE file Hide objects not used in GetObject / TT-guide stars (definition with "_TT") in OPE files.
5 Hide Objects and Characters Hide all objects and character in the sky-monitor for quick check of the sky condition.
Action 6 Set Date & Time In Set mode : Calculate and draw positions in specified time.
In Current mode : Set the current date and time into Date and Time GUI.
7 Evening (Set mode) Set the time to evening (sunset +24 min) of the specified date.
8 Rew (Set mode) Start reverse animation. Click again to stop the animation.
9 FF (Set mode) Start animation. Click again to stop the animation.
10 Morning (Set mode) Set the time to morning (sunrise -24 min) of the specified date.
Sz. 11 Change the font size of object names.



     Object List Window : Main Target TAB
Object List Window : Main Targt TAB

1 Search Object Search objects by Name and Def. ignoring spaces and capitalization. Jump to the next object with the search button.
2 Quit Close this window.
3 Plot Display Plot Window (Elevation etc.).
4 AD Display Atmospheric Dispersion Chart.
5 Finding Chart Display Finding Chart Window.
6 Add Add an object into the list. Its coordinate can be queried in SIMBAD or NED.
Add Object dialog
7 Del Delete the object from the table.
8 Up/Down Move Up/Down the object in the table.
9 AzEl Change the Azimuth display range. Select one of the following, then push Reload button.
-270 -270 < Az < +90
Normal -180 < Az < +180
+270 -90 < Az < +270
10 Browse Open an external web browser to access to the web data base sites. Select one of the following, the click Go.
SIMBAD SIMBAD
NED NED
SDSS(DR14) SDSS(DR14)
MAST (Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes) Observation database mainly for HST
MAST Portal Interactive site of MAST
Keck archive Data archive for Keck observatory.
Gemini archive Data archive for Gemini observatory.
IRSA NASA/IPAC Infrared Science Archive : Observation database mainly for Infrared
Spitzer Archive Archive of MIR Spitzer satellite
CASSIS (Cornel Atlas of Spitzer/IRS Sources) : Spitzer/IRS quick reduced spectra
Standard Locator Query stars with specified magnitudes and spectral types in HIPPARCOS, SAO, or UKIRT Faint Standard catalogs. The same function which you find in this Subaru's page.
Rapid Rotator Search rapid rotators to evaluate atmospheric absorption lines in high dispersion spectroscopy.
Mid-IR Standard Query stars with specified IRAS fluxes. (for COMICS)
SMOKA (Below 3 entries create a temporal html file [/tmp/database_fc.html] as a queried result. Please pay attention that this file must be overwritten by your second query.)
Search Subaru (and other Japanese observatories) data in SMOKA (=Subaru Mitaka Okayama Kiso Archive system).
HST archive Data archive for Hubble Space Telescope.
ESO archive Data archive for ESO.
11 Standard Search standard for the object selected in Main Target TAB.
Select one of the following database and click Search. The result will be stored in Standard TAB.
Standard Seach on hskymon
Standard Locator Query stars with specified magnitudes and spectral types in HIPPARCOS, SAO, or UKIRT Faint Standard catalogs. The same function which you find in this Subaru's page.
Rapid Rotator Query rapid rotators with specified magnitudes and spectral types.
Mid-IR Standard Query stars with specified IRAS fluxes.
Above 3 connect to SIMBAD to query the database.
The followings are the program own database.
ESO Opt/UV Standard Display stars in ESO Optical and UV spectrophotometric standard.
IRAF 1D-std (spec16/50) Display IRAF onedspec standards (spec16 and spec50).
HST CALSPEC Display stars in HST CALSPEC.
HDS Efficiency Display spectrophotometric standards for Subaru HDS efficiency measurement.


The parameters shown in the Main Target TAB
You can modify them by Properties Window.
parameter default display sortable description
Check mark o x Only checked objects appear in Sky Monitor.
Lock mark (o) x (Only w/XMLRPC option) The Subaru logo will appear here for the object at which telescope might be watching.
The locked object is selected when the distance between the object's coordinate and the current telescope position is less than 1 degree and the smallest among the object list.
Of course, the telescope offset and dithering offset is not counting here. This means that this lock mark is not perfect in all time.
Object number o o (OPE file number)-(Object number in OPE file).
Def. x o Definition in OPE file.
Name o o Object names. Colored in each OPE file.
Az o o Azimuth [deg]
Az display range can be changed in AzEl at the bottom of this TAB (default: -180 ∼ +180).
El o o Elevation [deg]
Up/Down mark o x Current status of the object motion.
Blue : El > 60
Green : 30 < El < 60
Yellow : 15 < El < 30 (out of ADC range)
Red : 0 < El < 15 (out of Telescope range)
not displayed : El < 0
Max. El x o Max Elevation [deg] and telescope direction at meridian (N or S).
Sec Z x o Airmass of the target (= sec(z)).
HA o o Hour Angle [hour]
Slew (o) o (Only w/XMLRPC option) Slewing time from the current telescope position [min & sec].
AD o o Atmospheric Dispersion [arcsec].
The positional separation between the observing and the guiding wavelengths. Each wavelength can be changed in Properties Window (default: 3500 and 6500A).
Ang o x Prallactic Angles [deg] (N=0deg, E=90deg).
H-PA x x Position angle in HDS w/o ImR [deg].
Moon o o Separation from the moon [deg].
RA o o Right Accession [hhmmss.ss].
Dec o o Declination [+ddmmss.ss].
Equinox o x Equinox [year].
Note o x Free comments (for CSV list), OPE file name, or Tracking file name (w/time and date in calculation).



     Object List Window : Standard TAB and Finding Chart / DB TAB

The result of Standard Search ( Max 100 stars ) and the objects list queried in Finding Chart Window ( Max. 5000 objects ) are shown here.

Standard TAB
Object List Window : Standard TAB

Finding Chart / DB TAB
Object List Window : Finding Chart / DB TAB

12 Find Standard / Database query Re-query standards / objects around the target in Finding chart.
13 Display Standards in SkyMon (Standard TAB) ON/OFF of the display of standards in Main Window.
Write queried list to CSV file (Finding Chart / DB TAB) Save list queried results into a CSV file.
14 Browse Browse the selected standard / objects around the target in SIMBAD (or NED) using an external web browser.
15 Add to Object List Add the selected objects into the Main Target List.
16 OPE Def. Create a definition for OPE file, Copy to clipboard with 17 to edit OPE files in a text editor.
17 Copy to Clipboard Clipboard copy button for OPE Def (16).



     Object List Window : List Query TAB

The result of batched queries with data archives for the loaded object list.( Max 100 bands ).

Object List Window : List Query TAB

18 Write queried list to CSV file Save queried results into a CSV file.
19 Search Object Object search using object's Name, Def and Note (ignoring spaces and capitalization).
20 Show Detail Display details of observed frames for each objects in Finding Chart / DB TAB.
21 Browse Pop up web browser to show details of observed frames for each objects.
22 Display on Sky Monitor ON/OFF of marking of objects which have archive data.



     Plot Window
Plot Window

Parameter 1 Parameter to be plotted in Y-axis.
Elevation Elevation. Moon elevation can be over-plotted.
Azimuth Azimuth (-180 ∼ +180 deg).
Atmospheric Dispersion Atmospheric dispersion and Parallactic angle.
AD-PA vs El. Parallactic angle and Elevation.
Separation from the Moon Separation from the moon and Elevation.
HDS PA w/o ImR NsOpt HDS position angle w/o Image Rotator (ImR).
Action 2 Refresh Redraw the plot (Automatic redraw in Current mode every minute).
3 Quit Close this window.
4 Save as PDF Save the plot to a PDF.
5 Print Out Print out the plot.
5 Plot Moon Display the moon (elevation only).
Because the calculation of the moon position require some extent of CPU time, the plot might get slow.
Plot 7 Target to be plotted
Single Object Only one object selected in Main Target TAB.
Selected Objects Objects checked in Main Target TAB.
All Objects All objects in the list.
Centered on 8 Center of X-axis.
MidNight Midnight (0h).
Current Current time (fixed at 1/4 from the left.)
Meridian Meridian time of the target.
Mouse wheel scroll
The X display range can be changed with mouse scroll wheel.



     Finding Chart Window
Finding Chart Window

Image Source After changed parameters in this frame, please click Download & Redraw (1) to retrieve the new finding chart image.
1 Download & Redraw Download and redraw the finding chart image via HTTP.
2 Image Source The HTTP source for finding chart images.
NASA SkyView, SDSS, ESO, StSci etc. are available for the source.
Due to the limitation by its server, the maximum image size for PanSTARRS is 25 arcmin. SkyView server is recommended for HSC (w/ very wide FoV).
3 Size Size of the finding chart [arcmin].
Only square image can be retrieved. After changed Instrument, the size will be automatically adjusted.
4 Scale/Color Only with SkyView, you can choose the display scale (Linear/Log/Sqrt/HistEq/LogLog) and the inverse (Inv) of the finding chart image.
Instrument Select the Subaru instrument to be drawn its FOV. After changed parameters in this frame, please click Redraw (5) to redraw the FOV of the instrument.
5 Redraw Redraw the FOV of the instrument (w/o Image retrieving).
6 Instrument Select the instrument.
7 Detail ON/OFF of the detailed view of the FOV.
8 PA Position Angle [deg]
SupCam : North is Up=90deg, East is up=0deg (on zview)
HSC : North is Up=-90deg, West is up=0deg (on zview)
Other : North is up=0deg, East is up=90deg
9 Flip Flip (mirror) the finding chart. (ex. NsOpt w/Image Rotator)
Database Database query to identify objects in the finding chart.
SIMBAD / NED / GSC 2.4.1 / PanSTARRS-1 / SDSS DR15 / LAMOST DR3 / USNO-B / UCAC 4 / GAIA DR2 / 2MASS / WISE / AKARI (IRC & FIS) / SMOKA / HST archive / ESO archive / Gemini archive are available.
Maximum object number is 5000. Pay attention to the size of FOV. Especially in the case of NED, the number of the identified objects could be huge.
The queried result will be displayed in Finding Chart TAB of Object List Window. The result can be saved into a CSV file using Save queried List to CSV file button at the top of the TAB.
10 Query Database query via HTTP.
11 Disp ON/OFF of the display of the queried result on the finding chart.
12 Auto ON/OFF of the Automatic database query after every new finding chart image retrieving.
13 Search Param. Change parameters for database query. You can select the database and change parameters for them.
Database Query parameters dialog
Action 14 Draw Non-Sidereal Orbit ON/OFF of the orbital drawing for Non-Sidereal target.
15 HSC Dithering Parameter Open HSC Dithering Parameter dialog.
HSC Dithering Parameter Window
16 Save as PDF Save the char to PDF.
17 Print Out Print out the chart.
18 Show Help Display helps for Finding Chart Window.
19 Quit Close this window
Mouse click and wheel scroll
Left click
(only with queried objects display)
Select a queried object.
Middle click Move the clicked point to the center (only w/magnified image).
Right click Show the distance between the clicked two points (the third click to clear the display).
Wheel scroll 5-step magnification around the cursor.
ALT + Wheel scroll 5-step magnification w/o moving the center.
SHIFT + Wheel scroll Rotate the position angle with 5-degree step.
CTRL + Wheel scroll Rotate the position angle with 1-degree step.



     AD Chart Window

Display of the Atmospheric Dispersion (AD) Chart.

AD Chart Window

Action 1 Quit Close this window.
2 Redraw Redraw the chart (Automatic redraw every minute).
Instrument 3 Rotator ImR / InR The fixed position angle using Image Rotator or Instrumental Rotator.
HDS (w/o ImR) NsOpt HDS w/o Image Rotator (The position angle automatically calculated every minute).
HDS (zenith) NsOpt HDS w/Image Rotator zenith mode (The position angle automatically calculated and set to the parallactic angle every minute).
For UV observation (Blue light should come to the upper side).
4 PA Position angle [deg] for Rotator (3) = ImR / InR.
5 Flip ON/OFF of flipping (should be ON in the case of NsOpt w/ImR).
6 Slit Width Slit width of the instrument [arcsec].
Wavelength 7 Target Wavelengths for observation [A].
8 Guide Wavelength for guiding [A].
The light with the long wavelength is displayed with red, and the shorter wavelength is displayed with blue.
Seeing 9 Seeing size of the star [arcsec].
Plot 10 The size of the chart [arcsec].



     Properties Window

The setups will be stored in
~/.hskymon
and reflected at the next start up.


Observatory

Properties Window : Observatory

Setup for observatory condition. The default is of course Subaru Telescope. But, you may adopt this program to the other telescopes.
  • Some of main telescopes in the world are registered and can be selected. Furthermore, you can add a new telescope manually.
  • The slewing speed of the Subaru telescope is 0.5 deg/sec for both of Az. and El (used in XMLRPC mode to calculate telescope slewing time).
  • Pointing Analysis Correction is not necessary in usual case.


AllSky Camera

Properties Window : AllSky Camera

Configuration for AllSky Camera. The default is CFHT ASIVA (Mid-IR).
  • Some of cameras in the world main telescopes are registered here. But, you can add a new camera.
  • Specify X and Y pixel for the zenith, diameter to the horizon, rotation angle for the north is up in the image.
  • The default update interval is 120 sec.
  • 20 downloaded images are stored on memory not using temporary files (except the latest one) in default.


AD

Properties Window : AD

Parameters for Atmospheric Dispersion calculation.


Obj. List

Properties Window : Obj. List

Display parameters for Object List in Main Target TAB.


Browsing

Properties Window : Browsing

Parameters for Browsing and Network access.
  • No browser setup in Windows and macOS(using the system default browser).
  • Skyview RGB composite in Finding Chart can make faked color images using any 3-band image sources in SkyView. Its sources can be selected here.


Color/Font

Properties Window : Color/Font

Setups for colors and fonts used in Main Window.
  • Base : Font set and its basic size for charts and plots.
  • Object : Font set and its size for objects displayed in Main Window.


Window

Properties Window : Color/Font

Window sizes in pixel. Main window size will be reflected after rebooted the program.
  • The size of Main Window will be affected after rebooted the program.




FAQ / usage

     How to show Object List Window
Click any objects displayed in Main Window.
Or, use Main Menu → ObjectObject List.


     How to display elevation plots
Select a target in Object List Window : Main Target TAB. then, click Plot at the bottom of the window.
Plot button on Object List Window


     How to display finding charts
Select a target in Object List Window : Main Target TAB. then, click Finding Chart at the bottom of the window.
FC button on Object List Window
After popped up the chart, change instruments, chart area size, and image source. Then, click Download & Redraw (1) on the top-left corner of the window to update the chart.


     How to search Objects/Frames around targets
  1. Using a web browser (Search radius is < 2 arcmin from the target.)
    1. In Object List Window, select a target in the list and choose a database to search. Then, push Go button.
      Query on web browser : Choose a database
    2. The query result comes up on your web browser.
      Query on Web browser : Result
  2. Using a finding chart
    1. In Object List Window, select a target and push Finding Chart button to display its finding chart.
      Finding Chart Database Query : FC button
    2. In Finding Chart Window, change image source and/or size and push Download & Redraw to renew the finding chart image, if necessary.
      Finding Chart Database Query : FC Image setup
    3. Push Search Param. button to display the database search parameter setup window.
      Finding Chart Database Query : Search Param. button
    4. Select a database in which you want to search.
      Finding Chart Database Query : Database selection
    5. Push Query button.
      Finding Chart Database Query : Query button
    6. The result comes up on Finding Chart Window and Object List Window : Finding Chart TAB.
      You can export it into a CSV file using Save queried List to CSV file button at the top of the TAB.
      Finding Chart Database Query : Result on FC      Finding Chart Database Query : Result in Finding Chart TAB


     Batched queries with observation data archives for the loaded object lists
hskymon can run batched queries with observation data archives (SMOKA, HST, ESO, and Gemini telescope archives) for the loaded object lists.
Use Main Menu → Database[archive name] : List Query for these functions. Then, set one instrument (and observation mode), search radius, observation date (etc.) for the query.
List Query setup for SMOKA
Queried results (only the band names, tota exposures, and shot numbers) will be shown in "List Query" TAB of Object List Window. If you want to check the details for each object, u`Show Detail and/or Browse buttons at the bottom of the TAB.
buttons in List Query TAB
The former shows the details of the observed frames in "Finding Chart / DB" TAB, and the latter pops up a web browser.
Queried results in Finding Chart / DB TAB
Be aware that you cannot run two or more queries simultaneously in one computer.
List queried results can be saved / loaded by Main Menu → FileList QuerySave / Load. It would be helpful when your list is too large to run batch queries every time.
List queried results also can be saved into a CSV file with the top left button in "List Query" TAB.


     How to find standard stars
  1. In Object List Window, select a target in the list and choose a type of standard stars. Then, push Search button.
    Standard Star : Search button
  2. The result comes up on Main Window and Object List Window : Standard TAB.
    Standard Seach on hskymon      Standard Star : Object List Window
  3. Sort the result standard list by distance form the target and choose an appropriate one.
  4. How to add the selected standard star into your list.
    1. If you already have an OPE file and just add one standard star, use OPE Def. in the bottom of Standard TAB to create its definition.
      Then copy and paste it into your OPE file.
    2. If you add it into the list of Main TAB, use Add to Obj. List button in the bottom of the TAB.
  5. For "Standard Locator"/"Rapid Rotator"/"Mid-IR Standard", you can set searching areas and parameters in the window popped up by Main Menu → DatabaseParam for Standard.
    Standard Search parameters dialog


     Tip-Tilt Guide Star selection (for IRCS)
  1. Start hskymon, and load your main target list.
    1. Load an OPE file in which your main targets are included.
    2. or Prepare a CSV text file like
      		NGC 3242, 102446.11, -183832.64, 2000.00
      , load it by Menu → FileCSV ListOpen.
    3. or Pop up Add Object dialog (Menu → ListAdd) to add a new target.
      Add Object dialog
      If the target can be queried in SIMBAD or NED, you can get target's coordinate in this dialog.
  2. Get the finding chart for the target.
    Use PanSTARRS or SDSS image for the chart. Select IRCS for the instrument.
  3. In the right upper menu of the Finding Chart Window, push Search Param. button (13) to display the database search parameter setup window,
    Database Query Frame in FC Window
    and select GSC (or one of PanSTARRS, SDSS, and USNO-B) as the database.
    Database Search Param. Window
  4. Query in the database with Query button (10).
    Database Query Frame in FC Window
    Select an appropriate guide star among found objects (for LGS; d < 60arcsec & R < 18mag).
    TT-Guide star selection in FC      TT-Gude star selection : Object List Window : Finding Chart TAB
  5. Add the selected Tip-Tilt Guide Star into your OPE file.
    1. If you already have an OPE file and just add one Tip-Tilt Guide Star, use OPE Def. in the bottom of Finding Chat TAB to create a definition for the TGGS.
      Then copy and paste it into your OPE file.
    2. If you create a list of Tip-Tilt Guide Stars, use Add to Obj. List button in the bottom of Finding Chart TAB (Object List Window) to add the selected guide star into the main object list.
      TT-Gude star selection : Object List Window : Main target TAB
      Use Menu → FileExport to to save the object list into
      • an OPE definition (Text file),
        		    TGT_NGC3242=OBJECT="NGC 3242" RA=102446.11 DEC=-183832.64 EQUINOX=2000.00
        		    TGT_NGC3242_TT=OBJECT="NGC 3242 TTGS" RA=102446.40 DEC=-183918.95 EQUINOX=2000.00
      • or a CSV text file.
        		         NGC 3242, 102446.11, -183832.64, 2000.00
        		    NGC 3242 TTGS, 102446.40, -183918.95, 2000.00, added via FC (NGC3242)


     Dithering pattern display (for HSC)
Clicking HSC Dithering Parameter button (15) on Finding Chart Window, HSC Dithering Parameter dialog will be popped up.
In this window, you can set parameters for HSC dithering pattern and display it on the finding chart.
HSC Dithering Parameter Window
  • "+" marks on the chart correspond to the target position without RA/Dec offset.
  • HSC CCD chips are displayed without field curvature calculation. Therefore, the chart may include a little bit of shift on the outer edge of the FOV. Please use HSCPlanner for more careful field checks.
HSC dithering pattern on Finding Chart


     How to load Non-Sidereal targets
For non-sidereal targets (planets, asteroids, comets etc.), both of TSC and JPL HORIZONS format tracking files are loadable as targets in hskymon.
Because hskymon does not automatically load them described in loaded OPE files, you have to load each of them manually from the menu. During observations, you should put tracking files in the same directory of Gen2 system where your OPE files are stored.
The tracking coordinates must be calculated with Geocentric. Inside of hskymon, those coordinates are translated into Topocentric. Therefore, coordinates shown in Object List Window or other parts in hskymon should not exactly coincide with those described in tracking files.
After loaded Non-Sidereal targets, you can confirm calculation time ranges of each file in Note section of Object List Window. When the current / set time & date is out of its calculation time range, the object is displayed with "x" mark in Main Window.
Non-Sidereal targets : Main Target TAB     Non-Sidereal targets on hskymon
In Finding Chart Window, you can check orbits of Non-Sidereal targets.
Finding Chart for Non-Sidereal targets
Using Menu → Non-SiderealConvert HORIZONS to TSC, JPL HORIZONS format files can be translated and saved into TSC format ones.


     Proper motion
If a target is suspected to have a proper motion, you can check it on the Finding Chart Window using Database query (10) in SIMBAD (or USNO-B, GAIA).
Proper motion of Baranard star
The green line and dot show the proper motion from J2000 to the observing date (the date specified in Main Window).
OPE Def in Object List Window : Finding Chart TAB (16) makes a definition considering the shift by proper motion (The left green dot in the image).


     How to compile from source code (UNIX)
  1. Required libraries to build hskymon are
    Gtk+2(>2.24) or Gtk+3 (>3.22), libxml2, openssl, json-c, and xmlrpc-c (only w/XMLRPC option) and their developer's environment.
  2. get the source code
    1. download .tar.gz and extract it, and change directory.
    2. If you download the source code via git
        % git clone https://github.com/chimari/hskymon.git
      Then,
        % cd hskymon
        % touch configure configure.ac aclocal.m4 Makefile.am Makefile.in
      This is necessary to avoid errors on aclocal.
  3. ./configure
    [option]
       --with-gtk3     : use Gtk+3 instead of Gtk+2
       --with-xmlrpc   : make w/xmlrpc to get telescope status in Gen2
       --with-win32    : make for Windows (32bit/64bit)
       --with-gtkmac   : make w/gtk-mac-integration for macOS
       --with-maintain : designate deprecated functions (for maintainer)

    If you find some errors concerning aclocal etc. stop the configure script, please try
    ./autogen.sh
    instead of ./configure .
  4. make
  5. sudo make install
    Only an executable binary, "hskymon", is required to run the program.


     How to make Debian package from source code
  1. Please prepare required libraries to build from the source code listed above.
  2. Get the source code and extract it.
  3. % cd hskymon-x.x.x/debian/
  4. % debuild -us -uc -b
  5. Then, a .deb package will be created at the same level directory where the source (hskymon-x.x.x/) is located.


     How to make RPM package from source code
  1. Please prepare required libraries to build from the source code listed above.
  2. Please also prepare rpmbuild environment in your linux system.
  3. % cd ~/rpmbuild/SOURCE/
    Download the source code (.tar.gz) into the SOURCE directory.
  4. % cd ../SPEC/
    Extract hskymon.spec into the SPEC directory.
    % tar zxvf ~/rpmbuild/SOURCES/hskymon-x.x.x.tar.gz hskymon-x.x.x/hskymon.spec --strip=1 -C  ~/rpmbuild/SPECS/
  5. Build RPM.
    % rpmbuild -bb --clean ~/rpmbuild/SPECS/hskymon.spec
  6. Then, you will find a .rpm package in ~/rpmbuild/RPM/(your architecture)/ .



Akito Tajitsu
Last modified: Wed Sep 27 13:21:17 JST 2023


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