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Many people love Astronomy. Some are serious scientists who study it for a living, or who even teach it. Some are enthusiasts who delve into the stars 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 of the most well known programs 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.

Most people don’t know about F.I.T.S. 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. There are a variety of programs that can read and display this type of data. These include free ware 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 web site: http://www.phy.duke.edu/~kolena/imagepro.html

Software such as Aberrator allows an amateur astronomer to view images of stars through various telescopes with aberrations in the lens. By comparing the image seen through the telescope with the image displayed in the software, the user can make adjustments to gain the best possible view of these vastly distant objects.

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

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