Astronomy Software

Astronomy is a popular subject. Some of these are professionals who work in observatories. Some are enthusiasts who delve into the stars as a hobby. A number of amazing discoveries have been made by amateurs. For the longest time telescopes or at least binocular were the tools of choice. Today however, computers make it possible to practice astronomy without them thanks to astronomy software. This is a discussion of just some of the available software.

One popular application is SETI@Home. the point of this software was to use all the idle time on peoples home computers. Before SETI@Home the SETI radio telescope, SETI meaning Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, scanned the heavens for radio signals that would indicate a pattern, an intelligence behind them. Supercomputers on site were used to analyze the data. Today, however, it’s up to people’s computers at home and at the office. People at home won’t be having discussions with aliens when they’re found. But if SETI does find alien intelligence then there are going to be a lot of happy people.

A 3-D screen saver is another type of astronomy software. With this software during idle time your computer can show vivid 3D worlds. This can include simple views as well as navigable planets, solar systems or other objects that the user can explore from any angle and distance. A search engine like Google can help you locate one of these programs.

Not many people know what F.I.T.S is. It’s Flexible Image Transport System, which is a NASA and IAU endorsed format to store and deliver not only images but spacial data and multi-dimensional arrays such as 2-D and 3-D images. It’s used in a lot of software. there’s freeware such as FITSview and professional programs like AstroArt. A web search will find many more. Duke’s physics website lists many more.

Software such as Aberrator allows an amateur astronomer to view images of stars through various telescopes with aberrations in the lens. Images seen through the telescope are compared with those shown by the software and adjustments can be made.

Astronomy software is as varied as the universe. Download some and have fun.