This section describes how to use several software packages that you can use to plan an observing session.

Stellarium

Stellarium is an open source planetarium program that allows you to set the position of the telescope you will be using, as well as the time. It can help you predict which objects might be suitable to view, and where the moon will be during your session. Stellarium is available for Windows, Linux or Mac.

To download Stellarium, visit http://www.stellarium.org/

These instructions will help you get started using Stellarium: Stellarium (pdf)

Starry Night

Starry Night is a program created by the Imaginova group. It allows you to set the location of the telescope and the observation time and shows where the Moon, sun, planets, and interesting objects will be during the time of your observation. You can also change the planet or moon from which you wish to observe.

To find out more about Starry Night, visit http://www.starrynight.com/

These instructions will help you get started using Starry Night: Starry Night (pdf)