Sky Chart Software

arcticeddie · Joined: 25 Aug 2007 Posts: 25 Location: St. Petersburg, FL

I'm looking for a freeware program that will take my time/date and position data and show me a picture of the sky if I walk outside and look up. It would also be nice to advance the clock temporarily to see what might be visible early the next morning. Can you offer some suggestions?

I tried Meade's program but I can't find a way of inputting the observers position. I also tried Cartes du Ciel V2.76C but only a zoomed view is available and after awhile it started issuing floating point error windows when I tried to manipulate the view.

I'm slowly talking myself into a Meade LX200R-8 with accessories for asteroid hunting.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5621

Hi

I don't use a computer too mcuh for my observing, but the Sky&Telescope website has a Sky Chart that can be set for your time and location.
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arcticeddie · Joined: 25 Aug 2007 Posts: 25 Location: St. Petersburg, FL

Thanks for your reply. I'll look at their website.

I tried the Hallos Northern Sky program(hnsky230L) and it seems to do what I want without being too complex or non-intuitive. With the laptop in the field and no access to internet this will solve the problem.

Thanks again.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5621

You are very welcome.
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Phone: 847-513-6201
Fax: 847-919-3003