"There
is no perfect software for the observer, but SkyTools
comes close in form and
function." -- Sky & Telescope.
SkyTools
is a collection of innovative software observing tools.
But it's more than just a collection of separate tools;
the real
power of SkyTools lies in the way each works seamlessly with the other.
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The
Observation Planner singles out objects for
observation on a particular night, listing the optimum time
to observe each.
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The
Simulation Charts display or print sophisticated
telescope/binocular finder charts. These charts
accurately simulate what you see in your telescope, finder,
eyepiece or binoculars. With accurate magnitude limits
and orientation these charts are revolutionizing star
hopping.
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The
Interactive Atlas displays or prints more traditional
atlas-like charts. This tool encompasses the features
found in competing star charting software.
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The
Observing Logbook not only provides a place to record
your observations, but contains a powerful search engine for
finding or listing your past observations.
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The
Designation Search tool puts millions of objects at
your fingertips. Type in any of over a hundred
recognized catalog designations or browse the database by
object type and designation.
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The
Database Power Search can generate lists of objects
based on a wide variety of search criteria.
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The
Current Events Planner will list upcoming
astronomical events, tell you how visible they will be from
your location, and even makes a handy monthly calendar
listing appulses, meteor showers, eclipses, Jovian moon
events, etc.
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The
Nightly Events Planner provides details of a night's
events in a handy graphical format that allows you to asses the
visibility of an event at a glance.
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The
Special Events tool can be used to search for past or
future astronomical events.
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The
Ephemeris tool lists the position of moving objects
such as planets, asteroids, comets, and even the relative
positions of long period binary stars. The unique Nightly
Optimum Viewing ephemeris lists the optimum time to
observe an object each night--a very useful feature for
following comets.
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The
Real Time add-on uses the computer clock to provide
up to the minute observing advice and to control a wide
variety of telescopes.
SkyTools
has much to offer any observer, from the beginner in the
backyard who wants to catch the shadow of Io transit Jupiter to the advanced deep sky aficionado hunting down faint Sharpless
objects from a dark sky site.
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Star
Hoppers Rather than spend time tediously customizing each
chart for star hopping, you simply enter a description of your
telescope, finding device, and typical observing conditions.
After that, you can print a specialized star hopping chart directly from the target list without even looking at it first.
These charts are properly oriented and use the correct magnitude
limits for your scope/binoculars/finder. The result is a chart
that empowers novice observers to star hop to difficult
objects and seasoned star hoppers will find they can get there
more efficiently. Laptop users will find the natural
on-screen versions of these charts will accomplish the same
purpose while preserving your night vision.
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GoTo/PushTo
Users The SkyTools
observing lists provide the perfect platform for targeting
your telescope. In the field the natural looking simulated photorealistic views
will help you locate even the toughest object. The
adjustable NightVision mode will protect your night
vision. The
telescope interface is a separately purchased add-on. See Real
Time for more information.
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Messier
and Herschel Certificate Observers These and many other
SkyTools observing lists are filterable by sky darkness, altitude, classification, limiting magnitude and constellation.
This powerful planning tool allows you to quickly and easily
determine which targets are best observed tonight and when --
computing real optimum viewing times that depend on sky darkness, altitude, object type, and magnitude.
Enter logs directly from the observing list and when you are
all done, print your logs for submission for your
certificate.
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Planet
Observers SkyTools accurately plots the positions of
twenty planetary satellites, draws them at their apparent size
when appropriate, displays and predicts shadow transits and
other events, and accurately renders planet features. The best
resolution eyepiece view simulates the level of detail visible in your telescope under
ideal conditions. The primary features of the Moon and
Mars are drawn and labeled. The position of the great
red spot on Jupiter is also accurately modeled. See
our Mars Feature for details.
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Comet
Chasers SkyTools accurately draws the apparent size of
the coma and the tail position on charts. The latest orbital
elements are always available from our web site,
downloadable directly via SkyTools. This up to date
information includes up to date and accurate magnitude and coma diameters compiled by us from recent observations.
Only SkyTools can predict the apparent size of a comet in
the eyepiece and only SkyTools users have access to our
compiled data. Another unique feature -- the SkyTools Optimum Viewing Ephemeris
-- lists the optimum time to
view a comet on a nightly basis. This innovative ephemeris can be plotted on
a chart for use at the telescope. See our Comet
Feature for details.
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Minor
Planet Observers The latest orbital database can be
easily downloaded and used by SkyTools. Only SkyTools keeps
more than one set of these downloaded osculating orbital elements and chooses the
set that is most appropriate for the given date and time.
The database shipped with the program includes the first
10000 numbered minor planets with orbits computed at 40-day
intervals for years to come.
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Novae
and Supernovae Observers The brighter of the current novae and supernovae
are available for download from our web site, directly from
SkyTools, in the handy form of an observing list.
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Double
Star Observers Unique to SkyTools, all
37,000+ multiple star systems separate
naturally into as many as 20 components, including accurately plotted long
period binaries. Zoom all the way into a 1" field of view! The
best resolution eyepiece view simulates the resolving ability
of your instrument.
Read
about our Club Discount
Program
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