Set up your first imaging sequence

How to automate and coordinate your gear over multiple nights of imaging

When imaging deep-sky objects, we take multiple long exposures, either using a DSLR or cooled astrophotography camera, with the aim of capturing many hours of sub-exposures to stack together.

The process of capturing this data, which can involve changing filters and star focusing, is called an imaging sequence and it can take days, weeks or even months to capture your chosen target. However, if you use items such as electronic filter wheels and autofocusers, this sequence can be automated using software that tells your equipment when to perform crucial actions such as locating the target, changing the filter or even making meridian flips. It can also ensure you return to the exact same patch of sky and continue imaging your deep-sky object over multiple nights - very useful if weather conditions interrupt your astrophotography sessions.

Sequence Generator Pro (SGPro) is a subscription-based software that connects to your equipment, including mount, camera and accessories like electronic autofocusers and filter wheels. It performs many handy functions, including slewing to and framing the target, checking the position and rotation of an image, and changing between filters. Here I'll run through the process of selecting a target and setting up your equipment in SGPro so that you can create an imaging sequence. We'll use

one of SGPro's most important features, its 'Framing & Mosaic Wizard'. To use this effectively, there are a few parameters that must be set depending on your equipment, including its image scale and the size of your camera sensor, considering your telescope and camera combination. You can use the field of view calculator at www.astronomy.tools to help find these.

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