The Planner subsystem in the Catalina Sky Survey (CSS) software suite is designed to help observers efficiently plan nightly asteroid and Near-Earth Object (NEO) observations. By displaying a virtual map of the sky, it helps ensure that areas previously searched, or areas unlikely to be productive, are avoided. The map shows the telescope’s current position and highlights objects requiring additional observations to improve orbit accuracy. It also indicates potential interference, such as the Moon or the Milky Way, and incorporates data from sources like the Minor Planet Center (MPC) and CSS’s own software. Observers can select specific objects or areas for observation, and this information is sent to the Acquisition subsystem for execution. This system helps streamline the planning process, improving coordination between telescopes and ensuring the most important observations are prioritized, supporting global asteroid research in alignment with NASA's Open-Source Data Management Plan. Background: Efficiently planning and managing astronomical observations to track Near-Earth Objects and asteroids is needed to minimize redundant observations and ensure follow-up opportunities for objects that require additional data. Current solutions often involve manual planning or rely on basic software tools that may not provide real-time information or account for areas of the sky that have already been observed. Planner subsystem improves on these issues by automating the planning process and providing a comprehensive virtual map of the sky, which includes the position of the telescope, areas already observed, and objects that need further observation. It also integrates real-time data on potential interferences like the Moon or the Milky Way, ensuring that the most productive areas of the sky are prioritized. This makes the Planner subsystem more efficient and effective compared to traditional methods, reducing observational redundancies and enhancing the accuracy of NEO tracking efforts. Applications:
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