I am looking for some new software similar to Power Age Sky Simulator. That package worked great for me but about a year after I bought the product it tells me my "demo" version has expired even though it is NOT a demo, and it wont load anymore. All attempts to contact the company are ignored, so they can go straight to the core of the Sun as far as I'm concerned. I even tried to buy the latest version (although I shouldn't have to) but their Web site said my credit card was not valid, but of course it is a valid card! So despite their great product, I will no longer consider them. That said, here is what I am looking for.
I want to be able to zoom in on any part of the sky and print the various levels of zoom.
I want to be able to control the magnitude of stars displayed on the screen and printed copies.
I want it to show and label all DSO to at least Mag 12.
I want the ability to turn constellation lines on and off.
I want to set the time and location and all that obvious stuff.
Beyond that I don't really need a lot of other features. Other features would be OK if they don't get in the way.
When seeking a particular DSO I like to print a naked eye view of the area of the sky that contains the DSO. Then I like to print a slightly zoomed in view that would represent what I can see in the finder scope with a slight increase in the magnitude of stars showing. Then I like to print a close up with much a greater magnitude of stars that represents what I will see in the eyepiece so I can zero in on my target.
What suggestions do you have for software that will accomplish this? I appreciate any suggestions that you have. I looked at things like "Distant Suns" but it has a lot of whistles and bells and doesn't seem to do the basic stuff that I listed above. Thanks for any input.
Daryl
I want to be able to zoom in on any part of the sky and print the various levels of zoom.
I want to be able to control the magnitude of stars displayed on the screen and printed copies.
I want it to show and label all DSO to at least Mag 12.
I want the ability to turn constellation lines on and off.
I want to set the time and location and all that obvious stuff.
Beyond that I don't really need a lot of other features. Other features would be OK if they don't get in the way.
When seeking a particular DSO I like to print a naked eye view of the area of the sky that contains the DSO. Then I like to print a slightly zoomed in view that would represent what I can see in the finder scope with a slight increase in the magnitude of stars showing. Then I like to print a close up with much a greater magnitude of stars that represents what I will see in the eyepiece so I can zero in on my target.
What suggestions do you have for software that will accomplish this? I appreciate any suggestions that you have. I looked at things like "Distant Suns" but it has a lot of whistles and bells and doesn't seem to do the basic stuff that I listed above. Thanks for any input.
Daryl
