When it comes to deep-sky astrophotography, timing and precision are everything. Knowing exactly when a target object is optimally positioned in the night sky can make the difference between a successful imaging session and wasted hours under the stars. This is where the Nova DSO Altitude Tracker by Anton Gutscher comes into play – a free and powerful Python-based tool that offers exactly the kind of planning support astrophotographers need.
Developed with both functionality and usability in mind, the Nova Tracker visualizes the altitude and azimuth of selected deep-sky objects (DSOs) and even tracks the position of the Moon. With a clean and insightful interface, users can easily assess which objects are observable at what times – and most importantly, at which minimum altitude thresholds. This makes it much easier to plan multi-hour imaging sessions efficiently, especially when combined with narrowband filters and long exposure times.
One of the standout features is the Tracker’s direct connection to the SIMBAD astronomical database and to Stellarium. This means objects can be searched and selected directly within the tool and then seamlessly displayed in Stellarium for immediate sky orientation. For those who image across multiple nights or plan a year’s worth of targets, the integrated monthly and yearly previews of imaging opportunities are incredibly helpful.
Anton Gutscher has also enabled the app for multi-user access via web login, making it ideal for astronomy clubs or remote setups. There’s no need for local installation if a central host computer is used – users simply log in and start planning.
From altitude curves and filter planning to session notes and database integration, the Nova DSO Altitude Tracker proves to be a comprehensive assistant for any astrophotographer who wants to maximize both imaging time and data quality.
Anton Gutscher’s work deserves high praise – not only for creating such a useful and elegant tool but also for sharing it freely with the community. It’s contributions like these that significantly enhance our ability to explore and document the universe with clarity and precision.
More information, installation guides, and downloads can be found on the official GitHub page:
https://github.com/mrantonSG/nova_DSO_tracker
Highly recommended!
A brief summary of the app can be found in the following PDF document:
