Starry Night Beginner

• Platform:    Windows NT 4 / / 2000, Macintosh
• Media: CD-ROM
• Item Quantity: 1

The software allows you to identify your home location's coordinates, you are then shown an image of the sky at the time at which you are using the package. A time accelerator-feature enables you to see this not just now, but tonight, tomorrow, far into the past or far into the future. Placing the cursor next to any of the stars will identify that speck of light and give you information about the star or planet--how far away it is, its orbit, its times of setting and rising. What is particularly valuable for beginners is that the package also allows you to trace out constellations, identifying them and the way in which they change over the course of the night--and there are some superb graphics of the mythical beasts that our legends (and astrologers) have placed in the heavens.

Of course, the ability to view the night sky from anywhere on earth will allow exploration beyond just your home, so that you can see the stars from countries that you have only dreamed of visiting. This makes the package very educational in an international sense, and a match to the sense of wonder that is so often instilled by the stars. A sister package, Starry Night Backyard, is designed for the more advanced young astronomer. --Toby Green

Manufacturer's Description
Created especially for first time stargazers, Starry Night Beginner is a fun, easy and exciting way for your entire family to learn about the night sky.

With Starry Night Beginner, you'll soon be able to identify stars, planets and constellations with a single, simple 'point-and-click.'

You'll also learn about the movements of the planets, watch the phases of the Moon, see what the stars looked like on the day you were born and much, much more.

Based on the original software, Starry Night Beginner is a desktop starter kit for anyone seeking a user-friendly introduction to the wonders of the night sky.

Few experiences are as invigorating as being out in the countryside standing under a canopy of stars on a still night. Nothing conveys that feeling better than Starry Night Beginner. It's a desktop planetarium for anyone learning their way around the night sky and an ideal gift.

• Software > Education & Reference > Reference > Astronomy & Space
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• Software > Hobbies & Pastimes > Astronomy & Space