A lot of people like Astronomy. Some of these are professionals who work in observatories. Others are regular people who enjoy it as a hobby. Some of these hobbyists have even made important discoveries at times. It used to be that astronomy required a telescope or at least binoculars. 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 popular application 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. The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence was set to search space for radio signals that indicated intelligent design. the data were analyzed with supercomputers. But now all that computing power is distributed online. 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.
3-D screen savers are a more basic type of astronomy software. These bring space objects to life when you’re not using your computer. This can be as simple as an image or an actual 3D representation you can navigate. Search “3D Space Tour” on Google or Yahoo to find some of these fun programs.
Not many people know what F.I.T.S is. It’s a data standard called flexible image transport system that delivers spatial data and multidimensional arrays. There are a variety of programs that can read and display this type of data. there’s freeware such as FITSview and professional programs like AstroArt. A wide selection of FITS viewers can be found with a simple Internet search. Some are listed at Duke University’s web site: http://www.phy.duke.edu/.
There is even software that helps adjust for imperfections in telescope lenses. 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.