Star Chart Advice

[Lismore Bloke]

What is the best star chart program? I currently use Cartes du Ciel which is great but will not allow me to examine areas during the day, when objects are below the horizon. I like to print off A3 size charts with objects plotted so I can use them outside and scribble on them. I don't have go-to, Argo or extensive sky knowledge.

[acropolite]

I seem to remember someone asking about printable star charts some time ago, Steve (janoskiss) recommended this link (http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~zs3t-tk/index.htm).

[Smirnoff]

Tri atlas project. Really cool. You can download the charts to your machine in PDF format. There's 4 different sets available, each with different levels of detail. http://www.uv.es/jrtorres/triatlas.html

[Lismore Bloke]

I have seen (and downloaded) the Triatlas. Really good stuff. I was looking more for an electronic interactive software package I can use on the PC, such as Star Atlas Pro, Starry Night, Sky Chart III. Anyone have any preferences for one. I really don't want to re-invent the wheel.

[mbaddah]

Stellarium all the way!

[Coen]

My implementation of CdC can show objects below the horizon - there is a setting on one of the set-up menus that allows for it, can not recall where off the top of my head.

I also use StarCalc which is small & fast, couple with a few catalogues such as Tycho 2.

Alternatively if horizon is an issue just set the clock in the program in question to the time of interest?

Regards

[Ian Robinson]

I like GUIDE V8.

It's brilliant and does everything I need , then some.

I can and often do print my charts.

You can get it direct from Project Pluto.

[rider]

theyre all good, but it's Stellarium for me.
great price, (Free)
you can add more star files,
fantastic realism
user-friendly program control,
simple scope control, (a few weeks to wait for this in ver.10 beta)
always being improved.
good sourceforge users group.

(and you can put in your home-site horison images )

rider