01Sessions
Planner
Plan imaging nights around a target, location, setup, conditions, and session outcome so preparation and logging stay in one workflow.
Platform guide
Help & Support
StellarDistance brings astrophotography planning, target selection, weather context, and setup calculations into one focused desktop workspace. This guide explains what each part of the platform is for and how the sections fit together.
Platform overview
Core sections
Each section supports a specific part of the astrophotography workflow, from choosing a target to checking whether the optical setup is ready.
02Targets
Objects
Browse deep-sky targets with practical catalog data that helps you compare objects before choosing what to image next.
03Selection
Sky View
Use the visual sky map to inspect target position, object type, and surrounding context when narrowing down a target list.
04Sites
Locations
Save and compare observing sites so location, sky quality, and planning context are easier to keep organized.
05Conditions
Weather
Check astronomy-relevant conditions for a location and use the forecast as part of your session planning decision.
06Setup
Tools
Calculate image scale, field of view, sampling, and setup behavior from telescope and camera values.
07Spacing
Backfocus
Build an imaging train and compare the effective spacing against the required backfocus distance for your optical setup.
FAQ
Product questions
Direct answers about the current StellarDistance platform and its planning tools.
What is StellarDistance?
StellarDistance is a focused astrophotography workspace for planning imaging sessions, selecting deep-sky targets, checking conditions, and calculating setup values.
What is the Planner for?
The Planner helps structure an imaging session around the date, time, target, location, equipment, conditions, and later session notes.
How do Objects and Sky View help with target selection?
Objects provides target data for comparison, while Sky View adds a visual map so you can understand where targets sit and how they relate to the wider sky.
What are Locations used for?
Locations keep observing sites organized and provide context for planning decisions that depend on where a session will take place.
How is Weather used in planning?
Weather supports the planning decision by showing forecast conditions that matter for astrophotography, such as cloud cover and observing quality.
What is the Tools section for?
Tools is for setup calculations such as image scale, field of view, focal ratio behavior, sampling, and practical telescope-camera matching.
How does the Backfocus calculator help?
The Backfocus calculator compares your required optical spacing with the camera, filter, adapters, and other train components you enter.
What should I do if a value or result seems incorrect?
Check the input values first, especially units, focal length, sensor size, pixel size, spacing, and selected components. Small input differences can change the result.
Is StellarDistance already optimized for mobile and tablet?
StellarDistance is currently focused on desktop use. Mobile and tablet optimization will come in later updates.