We're happy to announce the first step towards some powerful new web technology we've been working on to make target planning and acquisition a better experience.

First we'd like to introduce the live sky chart. You can view it in the FULL CONTROL panels for each observatory. (Use scopes -> Full control -> scroll through the "more details" area of each observatory listing). Then you can mouse over the small graphic to get a better idea of what's currently out there and also where the moon is located in comparison.

It will also work in conjunction with your personal "Hot list". For those not familiar with what this feature is on the right column of the LightBuckets Use Telescopes area, it is a method to easily see where your favorite targets are currently in the sky after you select an observatory to use. These will show up in the sky charts so you can visually see where your favorite targets are in the sky at any given time.

Another feature is the ability to view your target on the map when finding a target. When you are looking up a target, do the usual (type in a name and select the object from the list when we use our assist feature). You will then see a red circle highlight where the object is in the sky (if it is above the horizon). You may also QUERY MAP if you are typing in the RA and DEC manually.

We hope this makes your experience even better here at LightBuckets. There is a lot more cool stuff to come in the very near future. As always, comments and/or suggestions welcome.

~The LightBuckets Team (Steve & Alvin)

PS. If the scope is online, the green circle will represent where the scope is currently pointed. You will soon be able to see exactly where the scope is slewing to and from during a run.