A question for astronomers re: a star-mapping software

Frostbite · 14th May 2006, 12:54 PM

I'm looking for a type of software which would allow me to map out and calculate relative differences between stars and constellations. Sorta like a Google Earth with a star chart instead of satellite pictures of the earth. I found something called Sky Charts but it's not quite what I need.

Help would be appreciated, as I know nothing of this type of software...

Thanks!

Yllanes · 14th May 2006, 01:41 PM

I think my astronomer friends use this one (but am not sure). Check it out, if it doesn't work I can find out about a better choice:

http://www.stargazing.net/astropc/index.html

Hmmm... after rereading your post, it seems this is the one you found (I knew it as Cartes du Ciel, not Sky Charts). I'll ask and see what I can find.

gnome · 14th May 2006, 02:23 PM

This might suit you well--especially if you like Google Earth...

http://www.shatters.net/celestia/

Frostbite · 14th May 2006, 03:13 PM

Thanks for the quick answers!

Yeah Cartes du Ciel I tried, it's pretty good except I'd like to switch to another view. Celestia is even better, tho I have the same problem. I'd like to have a view of the night's sky that's wrapped around a sphere instead of the classic view. I might end up needing to use a 3D rendering program.

Plasmadog · 14th May 2006, 08:02 PM

Have a look at Stellarium. I can't post a URL, but you can Google for it.

14th May 2006, 12:54 PM	#1
Frostbite Muse Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Montreal, Qc Posts: 986	A question for astronomers re: a star-mapping software I'm looking for a type of software which would allow me to map out and calculate relative differences between stars and constellations. Sorta like a Google Earth with a star chart instead of satellite pictures of the earth. I found something called Sky Charts but it's not quite what I need. Help would be appreciated, as I know nothing of this type of software... Thanks!
	__________________ Every revolutionary idea seems to evoke three stages of reaction. They may be summed up by the phrases: 1- It's completely impossible. 2- It's possible, but it's not worth doing. 3- I said it was a good idea all along. -Arthur C. Clarke

14th May 2006, 02:23 PM	#3
gnome Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 6,258	This might suit you well--especially if you like Google Earth... http://www.shatters.net/celestia/
gnome Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 6,258	__________________

14th May 2006, 03:13 PM	#4
Frostbite Muse Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Montreal, Qc Posts: 986	Thanks for the quick answers! Yeah Cartes du Ciel I tried, it's pretty good except I'd like to switch to another view. Celestia is even better, tho I have the same problem. I'd like to have a view of the night's sky that's wrapped around a sphere instead of the classic view. I might end up needing to use a 3D rendering program.
	__________________ Every revolutionary idea seems to evoke three stages of reaction. They may be summed up by the phrases: 1- It's completely impossible. 2- It's possible, but it's not worth doing. 3- I said it was a good idea all along. -Arthur C. Clarke

14th May 2006, 01:41 PM	#2
Yllanes Muse Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Madrid Posts: 826	I think my astronomer friends use this one (but am not sure). Check it out, if it doesn't work I can find out about a better choice: http://www.stargazing.net/astropc/index.html Hmmm... after rereading your post, it seems this is the one you found (I knew it as Cartes du Ciel, not Sky Charts). I'll ask and see what I can find.

14th May 2006, 08:02 PM	#5
Plasmadog Student Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 44	Have a look at Stellarium. I can't post a URL, but you can Google for it.