Astronomy Software

Jan.02, 2009 in Technology and Gadgets

A lot of people like Astronomy. Many of these are men of science studied by train who study it by trade. Others are regular people who enjoy it as a hobby. Some of these hobbyists have even made important discoveries at times. It used to be that astronomy required a telescope or at least binoculars. But now thanks to astronomy software, everyone with a computer can take part in this interesting and at times exciting endeavor. This is a discussion of just some of the available software.

One popular application is SETI@Home. the point of this software was to use all the idle time on peoples home computers. Before SETI@Home the SETI radio telescope, SETI meaning Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, scanned the heavens for radio signals that would indicate a pattern, an intelligence behind them. Scientists used supercomputers to go through all the data collected. But now it’s all being done during the spare cycles on people’s computers at home and the office. People at home won’t be having discussions with aliens when they’re found. But if SETI does find alien intelligence then there are going to be a lot of happy people.

3-D screen savers are a more basic type of astronomy software. These programs kick in when a PC is idle, and show various space objects rendered in spectacular 3D computer graphics. This can include simple views as well as navigable planets, solar systems or other objects that the user can explore from any angle and distance. Search ?€œ3D Space Tour?€ on Google or Yahoo to find some of these fun programs.

Not many people know what F.I.T.S is. It’s NASA’s flexible image transport system that delivers data including 2-D and 3-D imaging. There are a variety of programs that can read and display this type of data. there’s freeware such as FITSview and professional programs like AstroArt. Google can help you find more. Try Duke University’s website.

There is even software that helps adjust for imperfections in telescope lenses. By comparing the image seen through the telescope with the image displayed in the software, the user can make adjustments to gain the best possible view of these vastly distant objects.

These are only a small sample of the astronomy software available. Web search for it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.