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Windows Software for Observing |
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"I like SkyTools3 Pro the most as the interface is very intuitive, the star charts are simply the best looking and the observing list generator is the best out there." |
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Observation Planning |
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The SkyTools Planner is widely held to be the best in the business. It uses a complex scientific model of the sky and telescope to select objects to observe from an observing list. Over 100 lists are available for easy download or you can roll your own with the tools provided. |
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Star Hopping |
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Star hopping with SkyTools is easy using the Telescope/Binocular simulations.
These charts display up to three views: a simulated eyepiece view,
finding device view, and naked-eye context view. The charts
accurately simulate orientations, fields of view, and limiting
magnitudes.
Each view closely matches what you can see, eliminating the need to flip the chart, match only the brighter stars, or tediously hand-place FOV circles. |
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Astro-Imaging |
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Edition adds support for imaging. Plan imaging sessions and
optimize imaging in real time via custom imaging tools.
The focus of SkyTools imaging session planning is on helping you make the best imaging choices. The imaging session planning tools suggest optimum sub-exposure times for image stacking, estimate the final signal-to-noise ratio, compute the number of stacked images required to obtain the desired signal-to-noise, and display the imaging quality as a function of time graphically. "The exposure calculator is a dream come true and looks to calculate recommendations very well." |
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Logging Observations |
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The SkyTools logbook is a program in itself, not only providing a place to record your observations, but a means of organization and a powerful search engine. Customizable presets can be created to your taste which make entering viewing conditions fast and simple. Defaults can be set so you don't have to enter the same information over and over. The logs are indexed by object type, night, instrument, observer, location, and constellation, and can be filtered using any combination of these indices. "Once you start using SkyTools, you may never go back to pen and paper." -- Sky & Telescope |
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Atlas & Simulation Charts |
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Different tasks require
different charts. SkyTools offers exquisitely realistic overhead
sky and naked-eye charts, accurately simulated for your location,
phase of the moon, and light pollution.
Finder charts customized for your telescope & finder or binoculars make star hopping quick and easy. Simulated eyepiece views makes finding the most tiny or difficult objects possible. The Interactive Atlas is like a fine atlas, but you have complete control over presentation, magnitude limits, etc. "its (SkyTools 3) charting capabilities are awesome." -- Rod Mollise |
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Real Time & Telescope Control |
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The Real Time tool is designed specifically for use at the telescope. In real time mode SkyTools continually updates to the current time by reading the computer's clock, providing up-to-the-minute observing advice. An interface is also provided for controlling a variety of telescopes. The Real Time tool is included with the Professional Edition. For the Standard Edition it is a separately purchased add-on.
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Largest, Highest Quality Databases |
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SkyTools uses Fully Integrated databases, drawing
the best data from multiple sources to create highly corrected databases
for both stars and deep sky objects. Consistency, accuracy,
speed, completeness, and optimized searching are
the result.
Most other software takes the data engine approach, where raw astronomical catalogs are overlaid on a chart or searched separately. This leads to many problems. The catalogs are often poorly cross referenced, are prone to errors, and the same object from different catalogs can appear on the chart at different locations. As a bonus, there is no need for large downloads after your purchase. When you zoom-in all double stars separate into components, even those with orbits (plotted at the correct position for the date). The Pro edition star database contains over 522 million stars down to 20th magnitude! "The SkyTools 3 (ST3) databases are undoubtedly the most advanced of any amateur software" |
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SkyTools
3 is the only
complete suite of software tools designed specifically for astronomical
observing. Designed by an avid observer trained as a
professional astronomer, each tool is second to none. But what
makes SkyTools truly powerful is the seamless and intuitive way each tool
works with the others.
Support
is provided for most GOTO telescopes via the