Dear MAPUGers,

Here are some impressions of several computer star atlas programs, after a
brief comparative test. These are not the final word; I may have overlooked
features in any or all of them. But this may be useful for the MAPUG
archive.

SkyMap Pro version 6 -- I have used only the free download version at
www.skymap.com.
- Overall: Best choice if you have a relatively small computer or are
limited to16- or 256-color video.
- The free trial version is so good that you may never need to buy the
commercial version. (Hmmm...)
- Control of LX200 is built in and works well.
- This seems to be the most mature program, i.e., has been through the
most versions.
- Best graphics if you like things kept simple, i.e., it puts a
well-designed star map on your screen.
- Best performance on low-end, small, slow computers (e.g., laptops).
- Handy hint: I found it got a lot more user-friendly after I made the
following changes:
-- Click the crosshatch button and tell it to show the RA grid in
levels 1 to 6
and the alt-az grid in levels 0 to 0 (i.e., never).
-- Click the Level Lock button (magnifying glass with something
yellow in front of it) so it's not pressed.
-- Then do a "File", "Save Defaults".

TheSky Version 5 Level 4 -- www.bisque.com
- Overall: The best compromise between several different goals. A very
mature product. I use it a lot.
- LX200 support is built in and works well.
- Apparently requires more computer power than SkyMap Pro, but it may be
a matter of settings.
- I prefer the "classic" map symbols (selectable as an option).
- Has been updated frequently; update packages are available for free
downloading.
- My understanding is that there is a free download version, but I
haven't tried it. I have the commercial package.

Starry Night Pro -- www.siennasoft.com
- Best graphics if you have a full-color, high-resolution video system.
Most sophisticated use of graphics.
- Best search system. You don't have to pick a namespace before
searching for a name.
- In many ways the most elaborate program. It's the one I use the most
on my 600-MHz Pentium III desktop.
- Best for planetary observers. Actually displays pictures of Mars, the
Moon, etc., with correct surface features. You can edit the bitmap "skins"
of the planets and add labels if you wish.
- Support for the LX200 is not built in and I have not tried the optional
add-ons.
- Free trial version is available; I have not tried it.

Meade Epoch 2000sk -- www.meade.com
- Now a rather dated software package (mid-1990s), but its LX200 support
works very well.
(Query: Are there updates I don't know about? I got it quite a
while ago.)
- Runs under Windows 3.1 as well as 95-up. Good for small, slow laptops.
- Lacks the search features we are accustomed to.
- Prints good maps on paper; two are in my book.
- Hubble Guide Star data only, not Hipparcos or Tycho.


Clear skies,

Michael A. Covington / AI Center / The University of Georgia
Author, ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY FOR THE AMATEUR
http://www.CovingtonInnovations.com/astro <><

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