Software choices for a beginner

[gwmbox]

Hi all

I have a Skywatcher EQ1 Refractor scope, about a year old. When I bought it the Shop owner gave me a copy of Starry Night but I think it is very old, the manual says printed in 1998, and the software says version 2.1 so I am guessing it is quite old.

Is there better software or is Starry Night new versions the best tool still?

While I'd love to get a new version and a pro version, the budget is very tight.

So what software solutions do you use and recommend for a beginner to help find and locate items in the sky?

Thanks

[Barrykgerdes]

There are lots of good astronomy programs available and some of the best are free.

Try Stellarium at www.stellarium.org (http://www.stellarium.org)

Barry

[graham.hobart]

I second that, even with some other software, I find I tturn to Stellarium frequently to simulate later night skies or find interesting objects. And you can't beat the price (free!)
Skysafari is a nice programme too, I llike the tonight's best feature.
Happy hunting

[PCH]

ahem, - that would be ...

www.steLLarium.org - the single L variety will have you whisked off to another more dodgy looking site altogether ! :thumbsup:

[mithrandir]

Stellarium has colourful graphics but needs good OpenGL support (NVidia cards preferred to ATI).

If you have less graphics power to throw at it, Carte du Ciel (aka Skycharts) (http://www.ap-i.net/skychart/start), C2A (http://astrosurf.com/c2a/english/), or Hallo Northern Sky (http://www.hnsky.org/software.htm).

If you have a Mac, iPad or iPhone look at SkySafari Pro at the Apple store.

[Barrykgerdes]

Sorry about the typo

I have a lot of trouble with my keyboard. It has a habit of missing letters, dyslexia, wrong key etc. I have replaced the keyboard many times but they all have the same trouble.:shrug::lol::lol:

Barry

PS who is going to refer to it as "finger trouble"

[adman]

yeah - and while we are at it - what is with www.stelarium.com (http://www.stelarium.com) ??

[mithrandir]

I must get my keyboards from the same manufacturer. "Preview Post" before "Send" means I spot most of them.
You did :)

[Barrykgerdes]

Beats me. I have not seen that before. My keyboard that has a mind of its own has never taken me there before.

Barry