Crux Planning Wizard | Crux Karoo Observatory

Step 01 / Capture Intent

What are you trying to plan?

This sets the tone for the rig, dataset and package recommendation.

Showpiece image Aesthetic, public-facing, finished dataset direction. Reference dataset Deeper calibrated data, useful for careful processing or education. Wide survey Large fields, seasonal context, efficient capture coverage. Small target detail Galaxies, compact nebulae, planetary nebulae and tighter framing.

Step 02 / Target and Season

Choose a target route.

The wizard now uses the full Crux target catalogue. Choose a catalogue object or use the manual target route.

Filter catalogue Target Custom target name Preferred timing

Step 03 / Rig Fit

Confirm the rig direction.

The wizard suggests a rig from the target and intent. You can accept or override it.

Use wizard recommendation Best default for most enquiries. SQA106 / IMX571 509 mm f/4.8 single widefield survey and efficient mosaics. SQA106 Dragonfly / IMX571 7× 509 mm f/4.8 parallel widefield depth; FOV unchanged. SQA106 / IMX585 509 mm f/4.8 tighter widefield crop route. SQA130 Atlas Array / IMX571 7× 624 mm f/4.8 Atlas-array depth; FOV remains one SQA130 frame. SQA130 / IMX461 624 mm f/4.8 large-format Grand Frame route. SCA310 / IMX571 1178 mm detail route; f/5.0 exposure-planning model. SCA310 / IMX585 Small-sensor galaxy, compact target and detail route.

Step 04 / FOV and Mosaic

Set the framing tolerance.

The target size gives a first mosaic signal. This step decides whether the route should stay single-frame or move into mosaic planning.

Framing preference Mosaic tolerance

Step 05 / Dataset Tier

Choose the data product level.

The wizard suggests a tier from target and intent. You can override it before building the package.

Use wizard recommendation Let the target and intent decide. Crux Source Useful calibrated source material. Crux Reference Deeper, more complete reference dataset. Crux Showcase Presentation-facing data route.

Step 06 / Package Brief

Your first capture path.

Use this summary to continue into the specialist tools or the Capture Package Builder.

Open Observatory Planner Check Target Season Check Field of View Plan Mosaic Estimate Dataset Build Capture Package