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GTB · Bushton Bushwacker Joined: 05 Jun 2007 Posts: 2206 Status:

If anybody is interested in astronomy I have recently downloaded a fantastic bit of software which has a database of 23.3 million stars (if you want to download the extra packs) and displays them in real time. This bit of soft ware, which is free, is called Stellarium. Simply download the 40mb programme, enter in your GPS coordinates where you live (you can obtain these from the net) along with your altitude (height above sea level) and this programme does the rest.

When you view the screen the time on the programme can be configured to that on your computer and you will looking at the sky in real-time so the stars and planets on your monitor will be in exactly the same position in the night sky where you live. You can even set constellation lines, search for stars/galaxies/planets/moons and speed up time to watch the sun set. There's a heck of a lot of stuff to play with on there.

It really is a fantastic bit of software and you can learn a hell of a lot from it.

The astronomy software is Stellarium: http://www.stellarium.org/

Have fun.

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Biggles · Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2009 1:52 pm Post subject:

ive been using it for a few years now its soo good i agree

Chepfer · Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 1:44 pm Post subject:

Sounds fantastic. i'll check it out

Biggles · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 10:09 pm Post subject:

Another freebie i use is

Chepfer · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 2:41 pm Post subject:

Thanks Biggles.

I'm thinking of going over and seeing what the Wiltshire astonomical society is like.

I hear they meet at the field behind the red liion in lacock once a montha with big old telescopes ..... and everyone is welcome to view the stars up close ....

Biggles · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 3:36 pm Post subject:

ive been thinking of going over too

i got a big telescope last year and well still learning

Chepfer · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 1:32 pm Post subject:

A friend of mine goes and says the club is brilliant, in fact it is one of the best in the country as many of the top astronimers live here !

Have a look at www.wasnet.co.uk