Question 1

What is ReadySetShoot?

Accepted Answer

ReadySetShoot is a free web-based astrophotography session planner. It provides real-time comet tracking using JPL Horizons data, galaxy and nebula visibility windows, astronomical darkness calculators, and weather condition overlays to help photographers plan the perfect night shoot.

Question 2

How does ReadySetShoot track comets?

Accepted Answer

ReadySetShoot connects to the JPL Horizons API — NASA's authoritative solar system ephemeris system — to fetch real-time orbital data for active comets. It calculates each comet's altitude, azimuth, rise and set times, magnitude, and visibility windows based on your location and astronomical darkness periods.

Question 3

What deep-sky objects does ReadySetShoot support?

Accepted Answer

ReadySetShoot currently includes a curated catalogue of galaxies and 98 nebulae, each with rise, transit and set times, altitude charts, and optimal viewing windows calculated for your location. Planet visibility is also included.