Astronomy Online

A lot of people like Astronomy.  Many of these are men of science studied by train who study it by trade.  Others are regular people who enjoy it as a hobby.  Hobbyists have even made many amazing discoveries.  In the old days it was the job of telescopes. But now thanks to astronomy software, everyone with a computer can take part in this interesting and at times exciting endeavor. Here are some of the programs available.

One of the most well known astronomy softwares is SETI@Home. Launched in May of 1999 this was a project to create a virtual supercomputer, made up of large numbers of Internet connected 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. But now it’s all being done during the spare cycles on people’s computers at home and the office. There won’t be some kind of alert if intelligent life is found. But if SETI ever does find intelligence, then everyone who was part of SETI@Home can say they played a role.

A simple type of astronomy software is the 3D screen saver. These programs kick in when a PC is idle, and show various space objects rendered in spectacular 3D computer graphics. 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. Search “3D Space Tour” on Google or Yahoo to find some of these fun programs.

F.I.T.S is something not many people have heard of.  It’s NASA’s flexible image transport system that delivers data including 2-D and 3-D imaging.  There are a variety of programs that can read and display this type of data. These include free astronomy software FITSview and AVIS to for sale programs like AstroArt and AIP. A wide selection of FITS viewers can be found with a simple Internet search. Some are listed at Duke University’s website: phy.duke.edu.

Amateur astronomers can even find help with imperfect telescopes.  The software displays images that help the hobbyist adjust the telescope.

There is a lot more astronomy software out there in the world. Web search and download it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.