Stellarium

Anyway to display current planetary diameters in arcseconds in info window?

Asked by Richard Carlson

Was wondering if the current planet diameter in arc - seconds could be displayed in info window when the cursor is on the selected object. This would be a good indicator of the planets actual current and visual telescopic view when observed through a telescope.

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Peter Mousley
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Matthew Gates (matthew-porpoisehead) said : 		#1

You could use the angle measure plugin to measure the size of any object.

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Best Peter Mousley (scrupeus) said : 		#2

Am I not understanding the question correctly? When you select a planet, the 'apparent diameter' is displayed as the last info item. Given that all planets are less than 1 arc minute, the given value is even in the required units of arc seconds.
Richard, you may also want to try the Oculars plugin - it simulates the view through a telescope (improved versions on the way...) You can activate it using the Plugins tab of the Configuration window (app restart required) and then run it with the new toolbar button.

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Richard Carlson (carlsonrichard) said : 		#3

I've tried the ocular plugin and noticed that the planetary diameter is shown in arc-seconds. This is what I was looking for. It is a good indicator for anyone who has experience using a large telescope and have a good general idea what to expect when viewing the planets though a telescope visually. The arc-second indicator gives one the necessary information needed to comprehend the physical size and what may or may not be expected to be seen at various magnifications though a telescope. Thank you for your response to my question.