Astronomy Software - Professional Recommendations

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on recommendations for professional astronomy software suitable for viewing celestial events historically and in real-time. Users suggest several tools, including Starry Night, Stellarium, and World Wide Telescope (WWT), highlighting their features and usability. Stellarium is praised for being free and user-friendly, while WWT excels in visualizing the universe across various wavelengths. TheSkyX is recommended for advanced users needing precise historical data and star charts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of celestial coordinates (RA and DEC)
  • Familiarity with astronomical software interfaces
  • Knowledge of the precession of the equinoxes
  • Basic concepts of planetary motion and historical astronomy
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore Stellarium for real-time celestial event recreation
  • Investigate World Wide Telescope for multi-wavelength astronomical viewing
  • Research TheSkyX for advanced astronomical charting and historical data analysis
  • Learn about the precession of the equinoxes and its impact on astrology
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, educators, and researchers seeking to visualize celestial events and understand historical astronomical data will benefit from this discussion.

  • #31
mreq said:
Why the Earth is in Gemini constelation. Shouldn't be in Cancer ?


I assume that you mean why is the Sun actually in Gemini rather than Cancer as according to the Horoscope?

Due to the precession of the equinoxes, The Sun drifts through the Zodiac at a rate of 1.4° per century. The Horoscope signs where named 2500 years ago when this was not known, and the Astrological dates have not been adjusted to match it.

The precession of the equinoxes is caused because the Earth wobbles slowly like a top as it spins on its axis. This causes the Tropical year(spring equinox to spring equinox) to be a slightly different length than the sidereal year (the time it takes for the Sun to return to the same position relative to the stars). This in turn causes the Seasons(and the calendar date) and the position of the Sun relative to the Stars to slowly drift with respect to each other.
 
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  • #32
If you want astronomy software that's quite powerful, and good to look at too, you might research TheSkyX from Software Bisque.
http://www.bisque.com/"

[Edit: If time is important, this software package allows you to "Input any date from 4,712 B.C. to A.D. 10,000 and any time to show a beautiful star chart for your location." (source: http://www.bisque.com/help/theskyx%20pro%20info/welcome.htm" , in the upper left hand corner click on "TheSkyX Professional Edition Website," then "Standard Features and Sample Screens," then on the right panel scroll down to the "Control the Date and Time" section.)]
 
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