4Stargazing

There are a host of software companies claiming to have the top of the line program for simulating the galaxy and providing the most user friendly experience, which makes it difficult for consumers to make a decision on where to invest their hard earned money.  For those seeking a powerful program to use alongside their computerized telescopes the decisions become even more complex since factors such as compatibility and being portable are introduced as potential problems or setbacks.  Since the average piece of astronomy software can reach prices of one hundred dollars or more, it is critical find the best fit for each particular consumer in mind.  The focus of this article is the software application SkyMap Pro 11, and how it stacks up against the competition.

SkyMap Pro released their eleventh version in March of 2007, and those familiar with the software responded with primarily mixed reviews.  Those who enjoyed the program in the past appreciated the added features packed within the exact same primary interface, while those who preferred the use of similar applications complained that not enough had changed to warrant an additional release. 

After downloading the software and launching SkyMap Pro, the interface screens will almost instantly remind the user of a 1990’s type Windows experience.  There are no flashy texts or stylish buttons to push; instead the appearance is fairly basic and unappealing.  Some basic features are usable through shortcuts though, like zooming in on a particular region or customizing some basic options like what magnitude or colors of stars to show on the main map.  To find any celestial object there is an input field where named stars and nebulas can be typed, and hopefully you’re good with spelling because mistakes do not grant partial credit in SkyMap Pro.  Overall the version did not seem to have evolved hardly at all since the early releases back in the nineties, but then again it completed whatever function was required and is on par with other software applications within the genre.

Since many will also want to use SkyMap Pro with their telescopes, this appeared to be the true test of its capabilities.  Those same simplistic features that frustrated users within their homes suddenly became much more beneficial.  When given the command to locate a constellation both the telescope and SkyMap react accordingly, centering the desired location within the telescopes view most of the time.  At first, the images were all off until the daylight savings time was manually adjusted; this was a bit of a disappointment that this primary function did not update automatically.

Other than that, my overall impressions of SkyMap Pro 11 were mostly positive.  Although in need of a serious makeover, Skymap has an extensive database of additional updates to download and many of the other features found with the other top software offered within this genre.  The low points were far outweighed by the good, and overall SkyMap Pro 11 is a solid choice for celestial viewing needs.

Maris Multimedia Limited introduces the innovative Redshift 7 software, an all-in-one planetarium software package chock full of real-time depictions and movement of celestial objects, star constellations, and galaxies of afar for the passionate astronomer to discover on their personal computer. The award winning software gathers the ingredients of the sky collectively in a comprehensive guide that includes hundreds of inventive ways for the accomplished star gazer to examine, analyze, and upgrade the database; easily making this software a best-seller among other planetarium programs. Redshift 7 is comprised of more than 2.5 million stars to enjoy in the downloadable version, and offers even more planets and deep sky objects in the purchased and installed program. The explorer of the stars can observe the newly added horizon panoramas for the Earth, Moon, and Mars, or follow the link to www.redshift-live.com in order to swap or record fascinating guided tours online and benefit from plentiful workspace on the World Wide Web. The star gazer can become a master of their own universe with this diversified software that puts the choice of where to go and what to view into the hands of the person using the software. The newest version of this scientifically accurate software has enhanced features to include more impressive observations for the star gazing fanatic, including a plethora of solar systems, celestial bodies, and dwarf planets. The 3D flights from star to star are impressive for the astronomer when they are combined with a realistic 3-D model of the galaxy and create the impression of conducting a space mission in the universe during a specific period of time. Time travel in space comes to life for the scientific astronomers using Redshift7, which presents views of the celestial objects and their alignments in the night sky at any given time between 4173 B.C. and 9999 A.D. With the addition of the recently improved tracking and visualization tools incorporated into the Redshift software, the avid astronomer can follow the churning course of asteroids, comets, and meteor showers or plot them on a chart while studying their pathways. Constructed with interactive functions, this software also provides controls for the most admired brands of computerized telescopes, allowing the user to compare their real-life observations to the pictures and visualizations depicted on the computer. Created with ease of use for the beginner astronomer first floundering their way through the depths of the universe, Redshift 7 contains limitless exclusive features including the incredible multimedia tours, astonishing journeys through the universe in the future, and tremendous access online to the Digitized Sky Survey and Google Maps. Redshift offers high quality videos and animations that are sure to contain new information expansive enough to make a thrilling and memorable experience for even the advanced astronomer that is planning on increasing their knowledge and education of the solar system and the millions of other wonders of the night time skies. Satisfaction is not far away for the ambitious space enthusiast while the Redshift software is installing on the home computer, promising voyages to points in the galaxy amateur astronomers were unaware of even existing.

Software Bisque has skillfully combined the concepts of computer software with advanced technology telescopes and produced a program called TheSky designed to provide exploring astronomers with the opportunity to discover the expansive universe on their desktop. A full-featured reference database, TheSky software is comprised of graphical features in its software that entice astronomers of all levels, including the early learner to the accomplished expert. TheSky software displays precise depictions of the universe from any locale on the Earth between the dates of 4713 B.C. and 10,000 A.D., allowing the galaxy explorer travel in time as well as in the sky.

Thousands of amazing comets, tiny planets, and astonishing asteroids can be effortlessly located and tagged with their name, magnitude, and position with this up-to-the-minute software published by Software Bisque. The CD-ROM versions of this software include over 700 outstanding images of NCG objects and amazing solar system objects for the enjoyment of the beginning astronomer first learning the solar system. The skilled astronomer maintains complete control over the objects they desire to view using filtering, while beginners can walk through the sky in the helpful tutorial. The tutorial is conveniently designed with tons of illustrations and a search tool that the innovative apprentice can utilize to obtain definitions of astronomy words by typing them into the search bar and pressing enter.

Adding destinations to the Auxiliary Objects by plugging in the declination and ascension is thrilling and challenging for the advancing star gazer that loves interactive features. Adjusting the Brightness and Contrast option allows the analytical space explorer the ability to alter the method by which the sky is examined by lighting up ingredients of the sky more or decreasing the light to fade others out. Novice astronomers having trouble finding their way around can get a helping hand from the 150-page manual or meander onto the online help section to jumpstart moving in the right direction.

Planetarium features display realistic representations of the sky and calculate the position of diverse objects in the sky. For the solar system studying student, the Three Dimensional Solar System Simulator illustrates the planet lineup from any position on Earth. For the scholar that studies the tides of the ocean in accordance with the moon, the Moon-phase calendar displays the moon phases and corresponding calendars. The phenomenal animation aspect of TheSky software allows the user to select objects that they desire to watch in motion. The animation of the objects that the exploring astronomer chose to view can even be observed in retrograde movement while going back in time. Animated events can be recorded by the star gazer in order to view astronomical events at a later date utilizing the Event Recorder.

Originally designed for DOS, TheSky software is now compatible to use with Microsoft Windows as well as Mac OS. The Pro edition of the software uses SGT system to interface with telescopes and is capable of handling a few of the GoTo scopes as well. Designed to accommodate a variety of observational and educational functions, the possibilities of this solar system-packed software is certain to please astronomers of all levels.

The advancing astronomer that is interested in gaining further knowledge to blend with the use of their telescope will discover almost instant gratification in Starry Night software. Created for the PC, Starry Night software provides an entire planetarium to study and learn from the comfort of your desktop. The formations in the sky can be seen in stunning detail with this software, presenting to the observer stars, the moon, galaxies, planets, and even artificial satellites. With several different versions to choose from, there is a program to fit in every exploring astronomer’s budget.

The full package contains a CD-ROM made for the PC, a manual, and an introduction to astronomy book. The Basic version will run around $30. It contains fewer stars than the other versions and spans a shorter time period, but is great for the beginner that is just starting to enter the field of astronomy. The Backyard version, costing in the range of about $50, or $35 if you download it online, is the middle of the line bundle and contains a few additional features. In this version, there are more stars and a longer time period is covered for usage. The Pro version, hitting the wallet at $130 contains enormous star catalogs. It also covers a much longer time span, teaches computer operation for the telescope, admission to online libraries of stars, and several other more advanced features that everyone will enjoy.

Beginners will find the need to explore the manual a little bit before attempting to use the software, whereas advanced astronomers that know enough about astronomy to jump right in can skip most of the instruction. It should be understood though that there are a few features that may not be easily understood without the manual, and a few of the palettes and buttons are difficult to get the gist of without a bit of practice.

Starry Night contains a palette that consists of the planets, the planet’s moons, asteroids, and several more celestial objects. All the user needs to do is click on a name, and the screen will zoom in on the planet, centering it on the screen. If it is locked in place, the orbit and path the planet will be displayed.  There is also a fabulous feature that allows the user to move through time, and watch as the orbits of planets and moons change. The software also includes a list of major sky events to access such as limited events like eclipses and solar flares. Amazingly, Starry Night allows the viewer to not only view these occurrences from the Earth, but also gives other perspectives such as a view of the eclipse from the moon.

Starry Night allows the user to upload enhancements from the internet, including new spacecrafts, new comets, and updated orbits. Computer controlled telescopes can also be linked through the computer to Starry Night in order to find or track objects. The appearance of the sky in the Starry Night software can be modified to a night view to help with the adjustment of the eyes, and even change the images in the software to mirror image to mimic the way a telescope reveals images to the eye. Used in conjunction with the telescope or even as a stand alone viewing device, Starry Night software provides a cost-effective and clever way to experience the sky and everything it entails.