Introduction

This book titled "Software Reviews" is intended to serve as a collection of reviews on various features, pros and cons of various available Astronomical Software. It is not wholly dedicated to Desktop Planetariums and Night Sky simulators, but to a larger genre of software that are related to astronomy. The motive is to help the reader to choose the software that is best for his intended usage.

Software Reviews

Starry Night

• Platform: Microsoft Windows
• System Requirements: Pretty slow on a Pentium II with 128 MB of RAM
• Plus Points: Eye Candy Graphics, Planner Feature listing bright objects visible during the night, Simulates the Night Sky from non-terrestrial locations, User Friendly, Ideal for a beginner in developing countries (Backyard Demo Version)
  
• Minus Points: Hogs system resources, Very limited database (in Backyard Demo version)
• License: Demo
• Website: http://www.starrynight.com/
• Reviewer's Rating: 4 / 10
  

Cartes du Ciel

• Platform: Microsoft Windows, Linux and other UNIX variant
• System Requirements: Minimal
• Plus Points: Extensive database covering several catalogs, Plug-in based, Additional Catalogs can be added, Low on system resources, Simple, Extensive object information, Fully configurable appearance, Capability to print finder charts, Can control telescopes, fit for the experienced amateur.
• Minus Points: Not very user friendly and somewhat complicated to use, Graphics are not good, Calculations don't seem very accurate.
• Website: http://www.stargazing.net/astropc/
• Reviewer's Rating: 9 / 10

KStars

• Platform: Linux and other UNIX variants. Apaprently supports Windows too. KDE Required.
• System Requirements: Requires about 160 MB of free RAM.
• Plus Points: Pretty stable, Observing Log feature, Conjunctions predictor, Simple and Fast, User friendly, Can control telescopes / observatories, Fully Open Source, Extremely Accurate, Links to external sources of information, inbuilt DSS / SIMBAD query feature, Additional Catalogs downloadable.
• Minus Points: Small database with only Hiparcos, NGC and IC catalogs, What's up tonight feature is not yet good, Very minimal information on objects, database may not be accurate. available.
• Website: http://edu.kde.org/kstars
• Reviewer's Rating: 7 / 10

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Akarsh Simha

Student, BTech Engg. Physics,

IITMadras. 

ATMed 8" f/8 telescope

Nikon FM10 Camera