PiFinder peculiar galaxies come through new update

The latest update for PiFinder, version 1.11.2, is now available. This release addresses data issues discovered in the ARP catalog and includes several bug fixes. Users can download the prebuilt image for this version and find instructions for updating the software. This update ensures improved accuracy and usability for those exploring the ARP galaxies and other catalog objects with PiFinder.

PiFinder peculiar galaxies come through new v1.11.2 update

• Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies: Explore Halton Arp’s catalog of unusual galaxies with detailed photos to aid in identification and observation, ensuring you know exactly what to look for.
   

PiFinder can display images of any catalog object, oriented as they will appear in the eyepiece. The Arp galaxies exhibit a variety of shapes, brightness levels, and general observability, making it useful to visualize the size and shape of the target object. This feature allows users to confidently pursue more challenging objects, ensuring they are on target and can use the images to accurately identify smaller objects with properly rotated and scaled star fields.

PiFinder software updates

• Swapped direction of azimuth arrows in Locate screen per great discussion here on Cloudy Nights!
• Change default exposure time to 0.4 as this works very reliably under almost all skies.  For dark skies, 0.2 seconds (5 solves per second!) is absolutely workable!
• Exposure is now saved between sessions
• Better GPS status info along with quicker initial fixes
• Allow wider range of FOV's to accommodate slightly different lens versions available worldwide.
   

v1.11.2 bug fixes

• Fixed position of some ARP catalog objects
• Regenerated images for all ARP objects to better frame objects
• Added more cross reference names in catalogs
• When pushing objects from SkySafari, PiFinder now properly displays the Locate screen

The prebuilt image for this release is available at:

• https://ddbeeedxfpnp0.cloudfront.net/software/PiFinder_1.11.2.img
   

For information about how to update software versions:

• https://pifinder.readthedocs.io/en/release/user_guide.html#update-software