Free software for Windows download for free. Overview of computer planetariums

Stellarium- computer planetarium. Completely cross-platform program, suitable for Windows users, Linux, OS X. With Stellarium, you can see the sky and the stars as we see them with the naked eye, through a telescope or.

You can download it for free from the official website. The program is very easy to learn, but its capabilities are amazing.

More than 600 thousand stars are available to your attention + you can additionally download the catalog for another 210 million stars 10.5 - 12.
Colorful, eye-catching images of constellations in the sky.
Photo images of nebulae and star clusters.
Planet Earth has a realistic atmosphere, sunsets and sunrises that can be turned on and off in the settings.
Planets and all their moons.
Scalability.
Setting the time to both the past and the future.
The ability to adjust the lens and control the view through a telescope or binoculars.
Simulation of eclipses and much, much more ...

(all images are clickable and open in a new window in full size)

Setting the coordinates of Minsk

First of all, you need to open the "Location Window" (on the right, the first icon from the top, or press the F6 hotkey). We set the coordinates or select one of the proposed cities from the list, enter the height above sea level. Coordinates of Minsk: 53 ° 55'00 ″ s. NS. and 27 ° 33'00 "in. etc. This window can be closed, we will not need it soon.

Next, open the "Sky and Observation Settings" window (on the right, the third icon from the top, or press F4). You can adjust the atmosphere of the Earth and its illumination. Also the visibility of stars, planets, turn on / off the orbits of the planets. You can show the name of the constellations, display them in the starry sky, but these settings are moved to the bottom panel (move the mouse pointer over the lower left part of the screen). On the next tab, you can change the landscape, however, practical use zero (just for the sake of appearance) and on the last one - to read and get to know the stars (not the ones that wag their tails on TV, but the real ones).

For the first time, the “Settings” (F2) tab can be left alone for now, after a more detailed acquaintance with it, you can already experiment with it.

And the last tab we need in the left sidebar is the "Search Window" (or F3). If you know in advance what you want to see and do not want to wander through infinite outer space - just enter the object you need in the search box, for example, Jupiter. For the Messier catalog, you must use the Latin alphabet, i.e. M 31(Andromeda Nebula) - where "M" is for English keyboard layout.

Andromeda Galaxy

On the bottom panel of the Stellarium program, as I said earlier, you can show / hide the outlines of constellations, turn on / off the equatorial and azimuthal grids, show objects of deep space and planets, important- turn on night mode (the shade of red, the pupils of your eyes will still be wide in the dark), turn on full-screen mode, show artificial earth satellites and view through the eyepiece. And a little more to the right, we can "control" time: slow down or speed up, stop time and return to the present.

Let's try to focus on the planet Saturn. Let's set the date (F5) to June 15, 2015, choose the night time, so that the light and the Sun do not interfere and we can see the planet and its satellites well. We set the time 1:17. Open the "Search Window" (F3) and enter in the line - Saturn, click on the magnifying glass. And-and-and-and, here it is.

Saturn and its moons

To keep track of the planet, and constantly leave it in the center of our field of view - press the "space" key on the keyboard. Zoom in / out is done by rotating the mouse wheel.

Let's go ahead and use the program Stellarium on practice.

Imagine that today August 2, 2015 3 hours 37 minutes morning (night). You have . And your goal is to observe the famous and unique the Andromeda nebula(or simply M 31). But before we go outside and look at the starry, cloudless sky (and we have it), let's first simulate what we can actually see.

Launch Stellarium. In the upper right corner, click on the "Plugin configuration" icon. In the window that opens, select the eyepieces tab and click the "Add" button. We give a conscious name - "" and, knowing its characteristics, we enter the visible field of view - 4.4, focus (or magnification) - 15. Excellent.

Next, press F3 - the "Search window" will open, enter in Latin M 31 and click on the magnifying glass. Now this nebula is in our field of view and in the center. Return to the upper right corner again and click on the first "Eyepiece View" icon. We admire and enjoy. Here's what came out for me:

We look through binoculars

I want to note that this is a very perfect picture and do not forget that this is a computer model. In fact, when you point your binoculars and see this nebula, it will seem less noticeable and smaller in diameter. You will not be able to see the nearby nebula M 110 due to the illumination of the main nebula. But such modeling will teach you to orient yourself in the sky and not be distracted by the invisible side regions of the starry sky that do not fall into the lens of a telescope or binoculars.

Thus, you can already at home, in any weather, draw up a route, a path along which you will move and find new objects for yourself. Choose a day and time. Select objects in advance, write them down in a notebook, as well as in which constellations they are located and how to look for them. This will save you a lot of time. Remember in. I had an approximate route and I knew what I could see that night. I wasn't chasing distant invisible nebulae or globular star clusters, I knew they couldn't be seen with binoculars. I used the program Stellarium and she did not disappoint me.

This concludes the review of the program and its use in observations. Starry sky for you!

Stellarium is the best amateur astronomer's guide. This program is a kind of interactive atlas of celestial bodies and provides many options for the user.

Stellarium software - free software, a planetarium that has an open source... The program is compatible with the following operating systems: Windows, macOS, GNU / Linux, UNIX-like OS... It has been released since 2001 and supports 136 languages, uses the Qt interface.

Minimum system requirements:

3D graphics card that supports OpenGL0 technology, as well as GLSL 1.3
Availability of 250 MB hard disk space
512 MB RAM

3D graphics card that supports OpenGL3 technology, as well as GLSL 1.3
Availability of 1.5 GB hard disk space
1 GB of RAM

Program features

A default catalog that contains over 600,000 stars and additional catalogs with over 177 million stars. You can search for stars both by name and visually in the sky. When a star is selected, the short info about it, starting from the spectral type and apparent magnitude, and ending with the coordinates.
A default catalog that contains over 80,000 deep sky objects and an additional catalog with over 1 million deep sky objects. As with the stars, there is short description objects. In addition, nebula images are embedded in the program. There is a complete one.
Asterisms highlighted with lines and illustrations of constellations, which can be turned off if desired.

The names, descriptions and history of the observed objects from the point of view of different cultures.
When the ambience effect is turned off, on the bottom panel ( hotkey"A"), you can see the image of the Milky Way strip.
There is an opportunity to bring the planets closer Solar system so much so that you can see the movement of their satellites. It is noteworthy that due to the rotation of the Earth, which is taken into account in the Stellarium program, to observe the planet, you will either have to "Center the observed object" (using the "Space" key), or stop the flow of time. Otherwise, the object will constantly go out of sight.

Time control is one of the most important functions of the program, which allows not only to stop the flow of time, but also to rewind it forward and backward. This allows you to predict the position of celestial bodies open for observation at night from your location.
There is a fisheye effect, which is relevant for creating projections onto planetarium domes.
It is possible to observe through the telescope simulator, with different eyepieces and lenses.
Toggle on / off equatorial and azimuth grid.

Display of meteor showers.
Simulated Iridium outbreaks. This phenomenon is the reflection of sunlight from the smooth surfaces of artificial Earth satellites, the Iridium network. This network includes 66 spacecraft.
Simulation of eclipses.
Simulation of novae and supernovae.
Simulation of supernovae and new stars
There is a plug-in system that allows you to add artificial satellites, eyepiece simulation, telescope configuration, and more.
There is a function of adding new objects of the solar system from Internet resources. You can also add your own deep sky objects, landscapes, constellation images, scripts, and more.

Stellarium program interface

After starting the program, you will see a view from the earth's surface to the sky, the arrangement of objects on which corresponds to the arrangement of objects from your point of view. For automatic detection user coordinates may require internet connection. If the location is not determined, you should use the corresponding function on the panel on the left.

The program interface is represented by several pull-out panels that are located on the sides of the monitor.

Left panel

1. Location Window - allows you to select a location for observing the sky.

Search window - allows you to search by the name of the object, by its coordinates, or simply select from the list of known objects.
Settings window - contains six tabs:
1. Basic - contains language settings, tables of celestial coordinates (ephemeris), as well as saving the current observation settings.
2. Information - allows you to customize the items displayed in the description of space bodies.
3. Navigation - includes control settings (including hot keys), date / time, their display and correction.
4. Service - changing the features of the observation interface itself, choosing a folder for screenshots, updating the catalog of stars.
5. Scripts is a great feature that allows you to use prepared scripts for displaying certain objects, as well as entire sequences of objects. This is true for lectures, especially in planetariums.
6. Plugins - contains a list and description of available plugins.
Astronomical calculations window - contains several tools for determining the coordinates of moving objects (comets, meteors, etc.), calculating ephemeris, object phenomena (for example, the conjunction or opposition of planets), and the dependence of altitude on time.
Help window. In addition to the manual, support service and other things, there is a list of hotkeys.

Bottom panel

The bottom panel of the Stellarium program contains 24 control and display buttons:

On / off constellation line [C]
On / off constellation names [V]
Constellation on / off [R]
Equatorial grid on / off [E]
On / off azimuth grid [Z]
Earth display on / off [G]
On / off cardinal points [Q]
Atmosphere on / off [A]

On / off deep space objects [D]
On / off planet names
Toggle between equatorial and azimuth ascension
Center the selected object [Space] - allows you to fix the gaze on the object
Night mode
Full screen mode
On / off display of exoplanets
On / off display of meteor showers
Show meteor shower search box
View through the telescope eyepiece [A] - simulates observation of an object through a telescope. A window for choosing a telescope, lens and eyepiece will appear in the upper right corner.
On / off display of artificial earth satellites
Four time control buttons: rewind [J], pause / start [K], fast forward, return to current time [L].
Exit the program.

Telescope simulation

When a specific object is selected for observation, the telescope settings panel becomes active in the upper right corner. First of all, you can turn on the simulation of the eyepiece "View through the eyepiece", and a drop-down menu for choosing an eyepiece, telescope and lens appears.

Also in the upper right corner there is a "Plugin configuration", the extreme button.

Let's summarize

The Stellarium program is a one-of-a-kind virtual planetarium. Its advantages include a wide range of capabilities, an impressive database of cosmic bodies with a description of their parameters, an intuitive interface, moderate system requirements, and free distribution. Thus, every amateur astronomer can afford to have such a great virtual guide to space objects.

You can download the Stellarium program from the official website at this link.

The appearance of the night sky changes both during the day and throughout the year. This is due to the fact that our planet makes a revolution around its axis in a day, and a revolution around the Sun in a year. Therefore, for amateurs of astronomy, the task arises of determining the visibility of certain constellations. For a long time, the planisphere, a special moving map of the starry sky, was popular among astronomy lovers. By rotating the top of the map, you can find out exactly which constellations are visible at any given time. However, the planisphere is gradually being replaced by a variety of computer planetarium programs.

Stellarium

Stellarium is the world's most popular planetarium program. It simulates the appearance of the starry sky, indicating constellations, planets, galaxies, nebulae and other objects on it. In a way, Stellarium is similar to computer game, in which you can look around and observe the arrangement of stars and planets. Let's take a closer look at this wonderful program.

When the program is started, the current time and date of observations are set, and the sky rotates in real time. You can change the direction of your gaze by holding down left button mouse, the selection of an object is carried out by a single click. Using the "Space" button, you can place the celestial body of interest in the center of the field of view. By rotating the mouse wheel, you can zoom in / out. When you select an object, information about it is displayed (name, magnitude, coordinates, distance and much more). The program interface consists of two panels - a vertical settings panel and a horizontal panel for displaying celestial objects. When you hover over a button, its name is displayed.

After installing the program, first of all, you should specify the place of observation by going to the "Location window" (vertical panel, top icon). You can enter geographic coordinates or indicate the nearest settlement in the search bar.

"Date / Time Window" allows you to set the date and time of observations with precision to the second. "Date / Time Window" allows you to set the date and time of observations with precision to the second.

Time control buttons are also displayed on the bottom panel - you can speed up, slow down and stop the passage of time.

In the "Window for setting the sky and observation" the display of various objects and labels to them, boundaries is turned on. For the correct display of the details of the planets, you must check the box "Simulate the speed of light".

"Search window" allows you to find an object by name. After performing a search, the program will automatically display the searched object in the center of the screen. "Search window" allows you to find an object by name. After searching, the program will automatically display the searched object in the center of the screen.

In the settings window, you can select the interface language, customize the display of information about the object, view scenarios - mini-films showing various processes and events in space. The Plugins tab provides various useful features. For example, the "Eyepieces" plug-in allows you to see the sky as it is seen through the telescope eyepiece, and the "Protractor" plug-in allows you to measure the angular distance between various objects. Separately, mention should be made of the "Satellites" plug-in, which displays artificial earth satellites on the map.

In the help window, you can familiarize yourself with all the "hot keys", as well as reassign them.

Now let's get acquainted with the buttons on the bottom panel. They partially duplicate items from the "Settings and Observation Window", allowing you to quickly turn on and off the display of names, images and lines of constellations, equatorial and azimuthal grids, horizon, cardinal points, atmosphere, as well as deep space objects and planets.

This is followed by buttons for switching between the equatorial and azimuthal display of the picture, centering the selected object. Night mode converts the image to black and red, which preserves the dark adaptation of the eyes. Additional buttons image flipping can be enabled in the "Options" ("Tools" tab).

Some plugins may appear on the bottom panel when activated. By clicking the corresponding button, the plugin is activated.

As you can see, the program is quite easy to learn, the interface is intuitive, and its functionality is more than sufficient even for experienced observers. In addition, the program is developed for almost all operating systems - there are versions for Windows, Linux and Mac OS.

There is also paid version for the Android platform for mobile devices (smartphones and tablets).

Cartes du ciel

Cartes du Ciel is another popular free planetarium. Its interface is not as colorful as that of Stellarium, but there are many more functions. Cartes du Ciel allows you to download fresh databases of comets and asteroids, install additional catalogs of stars and nebulae. The map can be rotated both with the mouse and with the keyboard buttons. You should start working with the program by setting the observation site by going to "Settings> Observatory". There is also a "night mode". The program is fully translated into Russian, which is a big plus.

For those who lack the capabilities of Stellarium, Cartes du Ciel is an excellent choice.

Redshift

Redshift is not just a virtual planetarium. It is also the most detailed interactive encyclopedia of space, containing almost all the knowledge of astronomy accumulated by mankind. This is what the start screen looks like when you start the program.

The planetarium contains a detailed map of the starry sky, which displays stars, constellations, planets, galaxies, nebulae, clusters, comets. Navigation on the map is done with the mouse. Zooming in and out is carried out with the mouse wheel, selection of an object - with the left mouse button. At the first start, the program will ask you to indicate the location of observation (by the map or by coordinates). The default is current time, it can be controlled from the Navigation panel. There is support for controlling various telescopes with Go-To mounts.

V context menu you can get it detailed information about the heavenly body.

The program has a convenient observation planner, thanks to which you can find out about the nearest astronomical events.

In "Stories about the Universe" you will get acquainted with various scientific and educational articles, which are voiced in a pleasant voice.

Redshift is a paid program, but its price is quite affordable. As you can see, the functionality of Redshift is very diverse, so if a simple planetarium like Stellarium is not enough for you, then Redshift will good choice... There is also mobile version for iOS devices.

Mobile planetariums.

Many modern mobile devices have large screens and powerful processors. You can always take your smartphone or tablet with you, which allows you to explore the constellations anywhere. In addition, for out-of-town observations, a small tablet is more convenient than a bulky laptop. Many devices have spatial position sensors, so that the star map on the screen rotates in accordance with the orientation of the smartphone or tablet. This makes finding the object of interest even easier and more interesting. The most common operating systems for mobile devices are Android and Apple iOS, so we will look at the most popular astronomical applications for these platforms.

Mobile planetariums for Android devices.

Stellarium for Android.

As already mentioned, there is a mobile version of the Stellarium planetarium for Android. Some of the functions are cut down, there are no plug-ins, there is no Russian language, but the program is more than suitable for studying constellations and navigating the sky. There is a "night mode", as well as the rotation of the map depending on the position of the device in space (although its accuracy depends on the accuracy of the position sensors).

The program has become paid, but the price for it is purely symbolic.

Google sky Map

Google Sky Map is one of the first astronomical planetarium programs on the Android platform. Alas, the program has not been updated for a long time, but, nevertheless, it is quite usable. The program uses the compass and accelerometer of the device - just point your phone or tablet at the sky, and a map of the area of interest will be displayed on the screen. There is an object search function - for example, you want to find Mars in the sky, the program prompts you in which direction you should turn to see it.

Star Chart

Star Chart is a colorful planetarium for the Android platform. The program is free, but various add-ons (for example, display of meteor showers and comets) must be purchased. The map displays both stars, constellations and planets, as well as artificial satellites of the Earth. There is a "night mode", as well as voice control.

When you select an object, the program shows Additional information... The program is Russified and has an intuitive interface. Star Chart also knows how to navigate by the position of the device in space.

Skyeye

Skyeye is another planetarium, fast and functional. The map displays many faint objects, including galaxy clusters. The program accurately takes into account the position of the device in space, in automatic mode the map moves very smoothly (compared to Google Sky Map). The mode of attachment to the telescope is provided - after the planetarium is attached to a bright celestial object, the phone can be used as a finder. Of course, there is "Night mode" as well as "Twilight" mode.

Astro panel

For astronomy enthusiasts, it is very important to know the accurate weather forecast to plan astronomical observations. Astro Panel is a useful application that brings together weather forecasts and estimates atmospheric conditions for observation.

It shows not only the weather forecast, but also an indicator of the calmness of the atmosphere (seeing), the phases of the moon, humidity, wind, as well as the time of visibility of the International Space Station (ISS).

Jupiter Widget

For observers of Jupiter, the Jupiter Widget is a very useful widget. The program shows the visibility of the Great Red Spot, as well as the position of the satellites relative to the planet. With it you will not miss a single transit of the Great Red Spot!

Moon 3D

To always know what the phase of the moon is now, as well as the next new moon or full moon, you can install the free Moon 3D widget.

Mobile planetariums for iOS devices.

Star walk

There are also various planetariums for the iOS mobile platform. One of the most famous is Star Walk. It is enough to raise the device to the sky, and you will see the arrangement of constellations and planets on the screen.

Moon globe
Moon Globe is a great free moon globe for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. The program provides for image rotation and mirroring.

Starmap 3D

Starmap 3D is a portable star atlas for both beginners and experienced astronomy enthusiasts. Starmap 3D can be used to search for constellations, star clusters, galaxies, nebulae.

As you can see, the choice among virtual planetariums is quite large. First of all, we recommend that you install Stellarium on your computer, and any of the mobile planetariums on your phone or tablet. They will teach you how to navigate among the constellations and find interesting celestial objects, even if you do not have a telescope.

We wish you successful observations and success in studying the starry sky!

Do you want to have your own planetarium on your mobile device? Watch the stars or find out about the existence of new constellations right now!

Peculiarities

This is your pocket planetarium. The app looks incredibly realistic. Here, a beautiful three-dimensional sky will open to your eyes. It will allow you to see the sky map as if you were looking through a telescope.

The first time you launch the application, you will experience a pleasant shock from its scale. A specialized sensor will show you all the beauty of the sky - all you need to do is to direct your mobile phone to certain points

One of the main advantages of the application is the time control function. Thanks to her, the displayed picture will always correspond to the time of day. In general, everything looks very realistic. Various animations are demonstrated during the show.

Among other things, it even simulates the pollution of the earth's atmosphere. To find out more about our galaxy, you can turn on the constellation display.

Registration

The graphic design of the application is above all praise. Everything is done so well that you may get the impression that you are really peering into the sky through a telescope.

The picture is, as it were, projected onto the planetarium dome. The expansive scalability is amazing too. So, for example, here you can easily see and how to discern the surface of the moon.