Comparison of Star Charting Software

Hi,

I am doing research for reviews of Astronomy Charting Software, i.e. Programs like:
Guide
Sky Map Pro
Megastar
TheSky
Cartes du Ciel
Hallo Northern Sky
Starry Night

but not restricted to them. Please comment (if possible) on the latest version and not a cut-down edition.


I am not interest (at this time) in any Planetarium Functions (i.e. all sky simulation) these programs might have.


If anybody has opinions on whats good and needs improving, what they like and dislike. I would like to know! Don't forget to include things like
help and support as well as features and easy of use.

I gave talks a few years back to the IAS, IAA and CAC on this topic and I am updating it.

thanks
John

Hi John,

Are you also interested in non-Windows products like KStars for Linux/Unix/Mac or Equinox for hte Mac?

If so I could do a wee review of those for you.

Bart.

Hi John,

I use an online database called Aladin Sky Atlas. It is free and links in to numerous online databases from universities and research centres.
A nice point as well is that it by default generates maps black objects on a white background , and so does not kill your ink cartridge.

vizier.cfa.harvard.edu/viz-bin/nph-aladi...1&-server=Aladin

Click on the Help button to start finding your way. I have not come across anything yet that was not listed in there. It was recommended by the university , we used it during our project work in the observatory.

Regards
Inge

Bart & Inge,
Thanks for your notes. Yes, its not restricted to Windows. Also it can include on-line Charing Software (but not including static graphics),

John

Hi John,

My vote is for MegaStar - its' dual and quad pane printing options alone make it worth while (you can print 2 or 4 charts on a single page - great for star-hopping and zooming in on a target).

Steve

John, I'm finding it hard to make a start on these reviews for you, do you have a list of criteria that you have used for the otehr software you have looked at? If so could you post it here and then I'll run those criteria against KStars and Equinox.

Bart.