Which astronomy software?

RussellH · #1 29-10-2005, 11:03 AM

I looked back through all the threads, and I'm surprised this hasn't come up before.

I'd have thought one of the first noobie questions would be 'Which astronomy software should I get?', or is it just everyone here has been doing Astronomy long enough that this is obvious by now?

But it appears not, so let me be the guinea pig to see what answers come up.

It seems Starry Night Pro is the "ultimate" software, although I've seen die-hards poo poo it as being for compter geeks, not real astronomers, and those have usually espoused the virtues of Deep Sky instead.

I'm downloading various freeware and trial software as we speak, and Catre de Circe or whatever it is I also see mentioned.

Came across Distant Suns too, which seems more of a teaching tool than skychart software.

I've also downloaded several satellite programs, assuming one of them will have Iridium flare predictions, as my kids like those.

So, opinions on what's good for what would be appreciated.
- Which of the 500 versions of the starry night software is required/good/crap (the US$260 package is obviously quite expensive)?
- Why is Deepsky better/worse than Starry Night?
- Which freeware is better than all the commercial stuff? etc

I'm a computerholic, so saying don't get any probably won't cut it. The cost of this may also reduce the amount I have to spend on a scope, if opinion was that Starry Night Pro +bells & whistles is really worth the money.

Thanks. Russell.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #2 29-10-2005, 11:27 AM

FWIW I find using Starry Night very intuitive so its my fav. But I also have CDC for when I wanted to drive a goto scope. Very simple and easy to use once you get used to it. Hate meades autostart suite. Probably the least intuitive prog I've used. The Sky is ok but its certainly not my favourite, especially if using it to drive a goto.

I don't use Deepsky much as I haven't taken the time to learn how to use it properly yet, but I can say this for it, if your looking to tour a particular section of the sky you can filter its database very easily to find objects in that area and then print out star charts just for that area. Also a great logging program

You can download a free version (fully working with a few limitations) here http://www.deepsky2000.com/DeepskyFree.html

PS check out this link http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ht=Planetarium or the links at the bottom of the webpage

Mick (Michael) · #3 29-10-2005, 11:41 AM

Hello Russell, you will get lots of different opinions on your questions. This is what I use and like Sky Charts, VMA, Orbitron. RTGUI,this one goes well with Sky Charts. OK there free, but they are all I need at this point.

Dennis · #4 29-10-2005, 02:11 PM

Hi Russell

Starry Night Pro 5.7 for playing on my desktop PC, giving presentations at my astronomy club, general looking at the sky for conjunctions, sheer enjoyment, etc.

SkyTools for observation planning.

The Sky Pro 6 for controlling my GoTo telescope.

Cheers

Dennis

gbeal · #5 29-10-2005, 04:58 PM

My collection includes Guide, SkyMap Pro (great for DSC's). Don't forget also Mars Previewer, and Virtual Moon Atlas.

RussellH · #6 31-10-2005, 07:21 AM

So which version of Starry night would you guys recommend?

ving (David) · #7 31-10-2005, 09:34 AM

hi russell,
I think you may not have used the right search terms... theres plenty of threads on this topic.
anyhow, I use cartes du ciel. free and a great proggy. you can get updates and ad-on catalogues for it too

I use a proggy called "planetarium" out in the field on my palm pilot too

RussellH · #8 31-10-2005, 10:59 AM

Hmm that's wierd, a search is bringing up more than what I found going back through the threads in this topic.

I'm beginning to think I'm fighting a losing battle here anyway, every link to 1 piece of software, shows up 3 more!

Guess I just try out all the downloads I can for now, and then if not happy with them, try and figure out the most economical way of getting Starry Night Pro.

Thanks for the info.

ving (David) · #9 31-10-2005, 11:00 AM

no prob

Robby · #10 31-10-2005, 12:16 PM

I find TheSky from Software Bisque very good.
Not as flashly as StarryNight, but for finding stuff & general charting it is excellent. Will also control GOTO scopes, DSC's etc... Hooked into my DSC it shows where the scope is pointing as as I move the scope the planetarium moves as well...
Cheers

cventer · #11 31-10-2005, 01:14 PM

I second Robby's opinion. I also find TheSky 6 from Software Bisque very good.

If you are into imaging with SBIG self guiding cameras then the features that show the chip and guide chip and allow you to rotate the camera FOV indicator to find a suitable guidestar are invalulable. When you image link the sky snaps the image and FOV retricle to the image showing exaclty whwere your guide chip is looking.

It would be impossible to plan guiding on certain objects without this feature,,,,

Regards
Chris

5ash (Philip) · #12 27-11-2005, 12:36 PM

Hi russell,
I use starry night enthusiast ($115) and find it excellent . You can zoom into a Mars or jupiter and see exactly where the satellites and main features are in real time. Great for satellite transits, great red spot etc. Also shows comets and is updated all the time.
philip

janoskiss (Steve H) · #13 27-11-2005, 01:45 PM

See earlier threads on the same topic (under "similar threads" at the bottom of this page).

anthony2302749 · #14 27-11-2005, 07:11 PM

Hi Russell

Have a look at AstroPlanner http://www.ilangainc.com/astroplanner/ it is a astronomical planning and logging software and gives you full control over your telescope. I use it most of the time especially when imaging. Cost between US$20 to US$30.

I will not go through the features of this software it would be best to go to the link above.

Anthony