Astronomy Software
Many people love Astronomy. Many of these are men of science studied by train who study it by trade. Others are merely hobbyists who enjoy it. Hobbyists have even made many amazing discoveries. For the longest time telescopes or at least binocular were the tools of choice. Today however, computers make it possible to practice astronomy without them thanks to astronomy software. The list of programs is almost endless.
One of the most well known programs is SETI@Home. the point of this software was to use all the idle time on peoples 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 all that computing power is distributed online. There won’t be some kind of alert if intelligent life is 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. These are anything from static images to interactive 3-D views. A search engine like Google can help you locate one of these programs.
Not many people know what F.I.T.S is. 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. Many programs use this standard. These include freeware and software for sale. Google can help you find more. Duke’s physics website lists many more.
Amateur astronomers can even find help with imperfect telescopes. 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. Install some today.