SkyTools
3 Features at a Glance
SkyTools
is the most useful and powerful software available to today's
observer. The planning features, charting capability and
integrated databases are second to none. Compare the
features below to the competition: many of the most useful
features, such as true optimum viewing times, visual difficulty
ratings, plots of exposure quality, and multiple-view
telescope simulations, are not available in any other
product--even those that cost as much as $250.
Innovative
Planning Features
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The
NightBar displays sky darkness and object
altitude at a glance
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Imaging
Session Planner -- supports deep sky, planetary, lunar
and solar imaging for astronomical CCDs, digital cameras,
and video/web cams. (Pro edition) Learn
more
-
Exposure
Calculator -- use this tool to make critical
calculations and to explore the possibilities. (Pro
edition) Learn
more
-
Powerful
filtered high-speed data searching Learn
more
-
Observing
lists filterable by sky darkness, object altitude,
classification, constellation, and much more
-
True
optimum viewing times based on a complex model that
considers object type, brightness, altitude, and the
darkness of the sky
-
Visual
Difficulty ratings based on a complex model of the sky and
your instrument
-
Double-star
pair splittablity ratings based on a sophisticated model
of you telescope, eye, and sky conditions
-
Your
obstructed horizon is used when computing rising,
setting, and optimum viewing windows
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The
Current Events generator finds upcoming appulses,
transits, occultations, meteor showers, eclipses,
oppositions, greatest elongations, Jupiter satellite events,
planetary satellite elongations, and more Learn
more
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The
printable monthly Event Calendar lists upcoming
astronomical events
-
The
Nightly Event Planner tells you at a glance what your
prospects are for observing each event (anything from an Io
shadow transit to a lunar eclipse) Learn
more
-
The
Optimum Viewing Ephemeris lists the optimum time to view
an object daily
Comprehensive
Databases
-
The
largest, most comprehensive stellar database available,
integrating the best data from nearly a dozen catalogs.
Learn
more
-
All
37,000+ multiple star systems separate into components,
including accurately plotted long-period binaries
-
Over
1 million galaxies, 4000 galaxy groups, 12000 quasars,
3000 dark nebulae
-
Unprecedented
cross reference capabilities: 18 stellar cross
references, 53 open cluster, 14 planetary nebulae, and many,
many more.
-
An
ability to look up an object by simply typing in a
designation that no other software comes close to
matching
-
Browse
any database by catalog
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Highly
accurate and corrected planetary/diffuse nebula database
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Historical
comets with over 1600 orbits
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10000
minor planets with orbits computed at 40-day intervals until
2013
-
Add
unlimited numbers of supplemental comets, minor planets,
stellar, and deep sky objects
Innovative
Interface
-
State
of the art, multithreaded for no waiting
-
View
charts, object information, user data, and log entries
directly from an observing list
-
Print
multiple finder charts customized for your instrument
without human intervention
-
View
or print appropriate charts directly from an event list or
ephemeris
-
Variable-brightness
red night vision mode
Internet
Features
-
Automatically
download the latest comet, asteroid, and novae/supernovae
data directly from our web site in observing list form
-
Join
the SkyTools community: directly browse our web site for
observing lists and user data to download, or share your own export files
Learn
more
-
Download
Digital Sky Survey images centered on a specific
object or at any position
-
Automatic
program updates
Integrated
Observing Logbook
-
Expedited
log entry form using preset defaults -- enter multiple
logs quickly and easily Learn
more
-
List
log entries by object class, night, location, observer,
instrument or constellation
-
Filtered
log entry searches by multiple criteria including
constellation, dates, observers, locations etc.
-
"Night"
logs -- separately record the entire experience for a
given night of observations
-
Export
in a variety of formats,
print, and copy to the clipboard individual logs or sets of
log entries
-
Record
miscellaneous observations such as meteor showers,
atmospheric phenomena, etc.
Interactive
Atlas
-
All
the features commonly found in dedicated sky mapping
software Learn
more
-
Photo-realistic
star display provides breathtakingly
beautiful realistic star fields. Highly configurable
to any taste. Great on a laptop in the field.
-
All
double stars naturally split into pairs on the
charts. Long-period binary stars with orbits are
accurately depicted at the current location.
-
Classic
atlas display for those who prefer the traditional look
-
Star
colors based on B-V index
-
Smart
labels that never overwrite one another
-
Accurately
rendered planet features
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Unprecedented
customization of chart component styles, colors, lines
and fonts
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Accurate
positions for all planetary satellites visible in
amateur instruments, including Himalia, Amalthea and Phoebe
-
Download
and display DSS images in the chart background
Telescope/Binocular
Simulations
-
Take
a step beyond the atlas or planetarium!
-
A
sophisticated model is used to simulate the sky brightness,
limiting stellar magnitude, and visibility of extended
objects
-
Atmospheric
extinction is modeled (stars and other objects dim
appropriately toward the horizon)
-
Fields
of view are computed automatically from the information
provided about your telescope or binoculars
-
Three-view
star hopping charts customized for your instrument will
guide you to even the most difficult objects--no more
hand-placing FOV circles! Learn
more
-
Innovative
Star Drift Indicator allows for quick orientation at the
eyepiece; simulated eyepiece views can be dragged to any
rotation angle
-
Download
and display DSS images in the
eyepiece view
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Realistic
overhead sky and naked-eye simulations show you exactly
what you can see from your site
Real
Time Observing
-
Use
SkyTools at the telescope Learn
more
-
Targets
are recommended in real time
-
Fully
integrated telescope control
User
Data Management
-
Create
your own content, with notes, images, ratings, and web links
attached to objects Learn
more
-
Assign
your own notes to objects
-
Assign
images to objects
-
Assign
web site links to objects
-
Create
an obstructed horizon customized for your observing
location
-
Synchronize
your data between two computers
-
Import/export
log entries, notes, images and web links -- any/all can also
be exported along with the objects in an observing list
-
Import/export
custom chart preference schemes
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Selective
backup/restore of all user data for safe keeping
-
Unlimited
import of the latest minor planet and comet data
-
Supplemental
stellar and deep sky databases (add your own objects)
Printed
Charts
-
Print
paper versions of the atlas, simulations, or finder charts
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Print
Preview
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Highly
customizable separately from the on-screen display
-
Selectively
add elements
such as a keys, various object information (including object
notes!) and blank space for written notes or drawings
Miscellaneous
Features
-
Define
your telescope or binoculars quickly by simply selecting
your model from our database
-
Generate
telescope reports that list the performance
characteristic of your instrument, including the true field
of view and stellar limiting magnitude of each eyepiece,
recommended additional eyepieces, camera data, etc.
-
Computations
are of the highest accuracy, including the effects of the
observer's location, elevation, atmospheric refraction and
extinction
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