Starry Night Pro 6

by Imaginova

Product Features

• Includes DVD-ROM software, DVD movie, astronomy book, and user's guide
• Advanced sky-exploring software for the serious astronomer
• Follow the paths of 25+ interplanetary probes through the solar system
• Pan around 25 3-D models of spacecraft; track 830+ artificial satellites
• Zoom in on 3-D models of comets, asteroids, and satellites

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000HDC91S
• Item model number: P60-C1U
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,752 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
  • #25 in Software > Education & Reference > Secondary Education > Science
  • #36 in Software > Education & Reference > Science

Product Description

Amazon.com

Increase your in-the-field observing success with Starry Night Pro version 6.0. With extensive data sets, advanced telescope control, and comprehensive observational tools, Starry Night Pro is a powerful program designed for the serious astronomer. Transform your computer into a sophisticated virtual observatory today!

Watch spectacular sunsets in one of many new photo-realistic horizon panoramas.

Get the most up-to-date images of the Sun and the Earth using the exclusive LiveSky.com link. View larger.

Select from dozens of deep sky databases for the celestial objects and galaxies you want to explore. View larger.

Plan observing sessions with an Event Finder that instantly displays celestial events, such as lunar and solar eclipses and conjunctions, for months far into the future. View larger.

Easily observe Mars in the field using data from the built-in Ephemeris Generator. View larger.

New Version 6.0 Pro Features
You can create Observing Lists of astronomical objects using a variety of filters such as magnitude, altitude above horizon, type or database. These lists will help you see what objects you have observed and which ones you still need to hunt down. With amazing efficiency, you'll find targets effortlessly with the three-view starhopping charts customized to your equipment. Select your equipment from expanded default database of over 300 Orion, Meade, Celestron and Vixen scopes, binoculars, SBIG, Apogee, FLI and Starlight Express CCD chips, and more.

Improved Digital Settings
The new Pro version 6.0 allows you to take advantage of improved Digital Settings Circles Support for non-motorized telescopes such as Orion SkyQuest IntelliScope, NGCMAX, Lumicon Sky Vector, Discovery Digital Star Finder, Orion SkyWizard III, and Celestron Advanced Astromaster. Or, for more advanced telescopes, you can control your robotic telescope focuser with Computer Controlled Focuser Support (Windows only). Supported models include AstroOptik telescopes, Astrophysics GTO mount, Finger Lakes focusers, Gemini equipped mount, JMI Smart Focus, Meade LX200 and Autostar, Optec TCF-S, and PCFocus. Mac lovers need not feel left out--smoothly track and follow satellites with the Meade LX200 GPS telescope (Mac only).

The Moon
Get to know our closest planet with the new Pro version 6.0--recognize more than 1000 craters, valleys and more instantly with surface feature outlines for the Moon. Once you're done checking-out the moon, you can effortlessly view the locations of 160-plus extrasolar planets. With Pro version 6.0 you can enjoy eight photorealistic Earth horizon panoramas, watch the sunset over Gusev Crater's horizon panorama created with data from Mars Rover Spirit, or explore 10 Moon panoramas taken by Apollo astronauts!

And don't forget, Starry Night Pro 6.0 also includes all the new data and features from Starry Night Enthusiast version 6.0, including the ability to:

• Follow the paths of over 25 interplanetary probes through the solar system
• Zoom in on 3-D models of comets, asteroids, satellites and spacecraft
• Plan observing sessions with Event Finder that instantly displays celestial events, such as lunar and solar eclipses and conjunctions, for months far into the future
• Browse a library of over 100 Starry Night files that demonstrate events such as eclipses, planetary alignments and close-ups of galaxies and planets

Beyond The Moon
The Pro version 6.0 will satisfy amateurs and professionals alike--with Starry Night Pro version 6.0 you can see the sky from any location in the universe up to 700 million light years away, visit 16,000,000 stars, access 500+ million stars online, explore the PGC Catalog of 980,000 galaxies, and much more. You'll get to know just how big (some say infinitely expanding) the universe is with the Zwicky catalog, which contains 9134 clusters, select objects from dozens of databases for double stars, quasars and pulsars, and digitized Sky Survey images. If the rest of the universe isn't big enough for you, you can spend time viewing the Milky Way in 12 wavelengths, from infrared and radio to X-ray. You can even create custom constellation sets, add your own horizon panoramas, and add custom field of view indicators to match your telescope eyepiece, binoculars, CCDs or DSLRs, all with the Pro version 6.0.

What's in the Box
DVD-ROM of Starry Night software for Windows and Macintosh, an exclusive "SkyTheater" DVD with over an hour or original movies about space, Starry Night Companion, a 192-page illustrated astronomy book, and a new, comprehensive 210-page User's Guide.

Product Description

Increase your in-the-field observing success with Starry Night Pro version 6. Use the Events Finder to choose targets, or make your own Observing List for a specific night or for specific objects of interest. Print out three-view starhopping charts customized to your equipment that effortlessly guide you to challenging objects. With extensive data sets, advanced telescope control, and comprehensive observational tools, Starry Night Pro is a powerful program designed for the serious astronomer. Transform your computer into a sophisticated virtual observatory. Smoothly track and follow satellites with the Meade LX200/RCX400 telescopes (Mac only) Recognize 1000+ craters, valleys and more instantly with surface feature outlines for the Moon View the locations of 160+ extrasolar planets Enjoy 8 additional photorealistic Earth horizon panoramas Watch the sun set over Gusev Crater horizon panorama created with data from Mars Rover Spirit Explore Moon panoramas taken by Apollo astronauts Multiple surface maps of Earth, Moon and Mars Customize the sky with 3 additional cloud panoramas Mimic effects of the atmospheric scattering Follow the paths of over 25 interplanetary probes Zoom in on 3-D models of comets, asteroids, satellites and spacecraft Library of over 100 Starry Night files

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for anyone interested in astronomy, February 23, 2008

By 

J. Knecht - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Starry Night Pro 6 (CD-ROM)

The more I use this feature rich software the more I love it. It points out the location of any sky object from any location at any time, in both the past and future. The software will highlight and label any object you want to find and provides significantly more detail than any star chart. You can also define the maximum star magnitude to be displayed based on the visibility conditions of your location. Star patterns are shown as they would appear in the field of view of your equipment (telescope, lenses, finderscope, binoculars, etc.), which I find handy when navigating my telescope to find a particular object. You can even flip the image to see how the orientation of the objects would look through your telescope. (I use a manual Orion SkyQuest XT8 Dobsonian telescope, so I do not use the telescope control features.) You can even have the program search for and point you to the location of any object you define (planets, stars, meteor showers, constellations, asteroids, Messier objects, NGC objects, etc.). Although the astrophotographs provided are better than what you will see with the naked eye through your telescope, they do help in locating the objects. (Their brightness can also be adjusted.) The pictures can be turned on or off at your discretion. What I described here is just a portion of the capabilities and features available. The bottom line is if you are interested in getting the most out of your telescope, this program is a must have!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Starry Night Pro, October 18, 2007

By 

Norman R. Caisse "Seybrew" (Pensacola, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Starry Night Pro 6 (CD-ROM)

Excellent program as to ease of use. Really enjoy viewing the night sky real time. I look at my computer screen then go out into my back yard and I can see the stars exactly as they are on my computer. Very educational program in Astronomy.

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Versatile, powerful and provides a multitude of resources for stargazing, January 18, 2008

By 

Eric Flescher "Dr. Eric Flescher" (Olathe, KS (near Kansas City)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Starry Night Pro 6 (CD-ROM)

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Starry Night Pro 6.2
http://www.starrynightstore.com/stniso.html
USD $150
c 2007
Macintosh/Windows/
284 Richmond St. E.
Suite 300
Toronto, UN M5A 1PA, Canada

Reviewed Dr. Eric Flescher, ([e-mail])


Strengths: Very versatile. Starry Night Pro is a feast for your eyes and astronomical mind. Starry Night works with Macintosh and PC Windows version (different version OS are available). Different pricing for different versions of Starry Night to meet your needs. Upgrades are possible to add to lower priced versions and previous versions can be updated to newer vesions. Starry Night can update celestial coordinates for objects which are "on the go" like comets and satellites. Customizable interface allows for a variety of types of sky and celestial viewing. Other DVDs (DVD Skytheater DVD etc) include simulations, videos and slide shows. Three different ways to locate celestial objects on the sky maps. The sky observing window can be customized with legends, coloration, titles and much more, to showcase your views of the sky. A variety of keyboard shortcuts (Mac and Windows versions) allow quick access of features used frequently. Left hand pane has 12 different options.

Weaknesses: Labeling can be a pain as there are different ways to configure the icons and it is a little confusing. Starry Night Pro 6 requires OSX 10.2.8 or later. (If you use an earlier OS try a different version of SN. The Pro version might have more tools then you might need. See website for differences versions of Starry Night, to see which one might be best for you and price range. Companion Astronomical Guide Books are found for lesser versions then Pro or Pro Plus. Factual information is easily accessed on the User Guide in the Toolbar under HELP.

Rating: 5/5



Introductions

Astronomy is a fascinating to children and adults. To elevate their understanding and observing the planets, celestial objects and phenomenon, many users think about a telescope as their first astronomical instrument of choice. Today planetarium programs, for locating celestial objects and assisting with their assorted endeavors, is a growing first choice before buying a telescope. One software program packed with numerous possibilities for various budgets and astronomical lifestyles is Starry Night.

Currently the Comet Observer Award coordinator for the Astronomical League, I began hunting comets in ernest in 2001 using a version of this program There were many fine astronomical planetarium programs on the market. Starry Night is very Macintosh friendly but is cross platform, so that I could "talk" to amateurs who using the Windows version. Initially having purchased Starry Night before 2001, I needed for the software to be able to update coordinates of objects "that did not sit still" like comets, asteroids and satellites. These objects "that moved in the sky" had to be updated manually to appear in the right place and it was quite a chore. Typing in the new objects into the database was tedious and time consuming. A new version solved my problem. It was a pleasure to have the information updated automatically. Finding and knowing the new accurate coordinates of the objects on a daily basis became a painless process. This was "worth it's weight in gold" and made my astronomical work more efficient. I could then concentrate on other tasks.

Since then, I have been able to Tlocate and photograph over 36 comets, 10 asteroids,many galaxies, nebulae and more.I become so enraptured with this program and the finding comets that eventually I created the Comet Observers Award. It is now being achieved by many amateur astronomers in the US and abroad. And I have not looked back with this program not only for these reasons but for its versatility, power, Macintosh oriented abilities and ease of use and much more.Since then, I decided to look at the Starry Night 6 version with when I started using OSX 10.4.11, as the previous version 4.5 was slowing down and sometimes crashing. I wanted to see if version 6 could help. I am glad to say it did.

Starry Night Pro works with Macintosh and Windows versions and both versions come on the DVD. Starry Night Pro 6 for Macintosh is native to OSX so your computer needs to have version OSX 10.2.8 or later. (Earlier OSX and Windows version are still available). The program has ten main features. These are (1) Getting Started and using the basic controls; (2) Changing viewing and directions; (3) Sky Data: Using Object databases; (4) Date and time viewing; (5) Labeling objects and configuring your view; (6) Finding working with and viewing your objects; (7) Learning more about objects; (8) Using options; (9) Advanced options etc.; (10) Printing, miscellaneous features and other options.

Getting Started and using the basic controls

Three ways help to control the program: (a) using the tool bar at the top; (b) using the side panes (small panel like vertically placed labels); (c) and/or the button bars (only in Windows version). Operating the controls can be performed in either of the three ways or in combination which gives you on the go flexibility. The disadvantage is that you have to learn three ways of learning the different controls if you want to use the three types of controls depending upon your preferences. It is really a personal, visual and creative preference which way the features are managed. But it is not that difficult and there is much help along the way.

The Starry Night Quickstart is a six sided booklet for helping you get started with the program. Basically the working of the program breaks down to these nine parts. Getting started with the software was the first task.

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Your desktop opens and to a starry background view. Modifying your viewing direction helps orient a proper accurate view. Clicking on either N, E ,S , W( in the top toolbar) and your "sky" will quickly "slew" (quickly move) to the area which can be viewed on your desktop. A trick I learned , pressing the spacebar, while this was happening, made the action go much more quickly.

The software is highly customizable which adds to the appeal for using the software. Depending upon preferences, the "look and feel" of the desktop could be modified for "seeing, identifying and observing" in more enjoyable ways. By using the nine Preferences (Starry Night Pro menu with Macintosh and File menu for Windows), general options from the drop down box, users work with additional options. The default cursor is a "hand" icon (is troublesome sometimes) can be changed.

(2) Changing viewing and directions;

The top toolbar can display and change time mode, location and field of view. Options include hiding the toolbar in the View toolbar. The time area shows the date and time for selecting your viewing. The time mode, a series of icons similar like those for movie controls, allows the user to stop or to put into action, the movement of the "heavens" over time during the day or night. Clicking on any of these reveal pulldown menus and ways for even more options. Hiding the toolbar in the View toolbar is an option if you desire. The time area shows the date and time to select your viewing. In the top tool bar is the " time mode", which is a series of icons, similar like those for movie controls, allowing the user to stop or to put into action, the movement of the "heavens" over time during the day or night. For example you can let the time progress, stop the "sky" at a different time or switch to a different time frame.

Viewing direction (orientation) by default, shows your view facing south, looking slightly over the horizon. By using the Preferences (Starry Night Pro menu with Macintosh and File menu for Windows) and then the General setting from the drop down box, the user can decide other options. The default cursor is a "hand" icon. Holding the mouse button down and dragging on the window drags the sky view in whichever direction desired. Looking high above the horizon, a red marker called the "zenith" can be seen or if looking straight down, the "nadir" (the point below your feet) can also be observed. These can be changed in the Preferences as well.''

(3) Sky Data: Using Object databases;

Sky Data is the heart of using these programs. The Object database helps locate deep space objects like double stars, nebula, supernova and other objects. The Solar System Stars and Deep sky objects allows the identification and finding literally millions of objects. The number of objects can also be increased or decreased (hidden from view). Identifying and finding objects in the sky and using the information to simulate the sky, objects, events, phenomenon etc is part of the fun for using such a program.

The Sky data part of the software can add to the multimedia possibilities. Some of the sky date that is required for certain type of celestial objects requires connecting to the Internet (called LiveSky events). It is your option to turn this feature on or off. Upcoming Events in LiveSky can show events immediately (eclipses, planetary conjunctions, moon events for example). The Hertzprung-Russell diagram can also show a multitude of options that emphasizes the stars age versus the stars mass. Starry Night can show 19 million celestial objects but a host of images can be also used from a database know as the Digitized Sky Survey (DSS). Online telescope imaging in the LiveSky control can image a part of the sky by using controlled remote telescope over the Internet.

The Sky Data section shows the astronomical events that can occur or the... Read more ›