Looking to get planetarium software? You'll need to take several things into consideration. Are you looking for free software, or are you looking to spend $? What are you looking for in the software? Are you interested in just flying around a digital 3D universe, or do you want a tool to aid you in your endeavor as an astronomer? It all depends on what you want the software to do.
3D Space Simulators
If you're looking for free software, and to explore the
cosmos in a digital 3D environment, not to worry. There is indeed
software for you.
Space Engine®
Space Engine® is by far the best 3D space simulator I have ever used. Why do I say that? Well first of all it's free. Can't beat that right? Secondly, you can explore, not just the solar system, but the entire observable universe. Most areas beyond the Milky Way Galaxy are procedurally generated. You can also land on planets, in thousands and thousands of star systems, with stunning procedurally generated land detail. Third, the visuals are absolutely stunning. I've used many other free space simulators that don't even come close to the visuals of Space Engine®. The bad news is, with superb graphics, comes the need for a superb computer. If your computers CPU and graphics processor are anything below par, you may not be able to run Space Engine®. I would suggest visiting the author's website, en.spaceengine.org, and reviewing the system requirements to make sure your rig stacks up. If it does, fantastic. If it doesn't, not to worry, there is a solution! For more information on Space Engine®, refer back to their website and have a look around!
Celestia®
Celestia® is exactly like Space Engine®, except with toned down visuals. Your computer shouldn't have any issues running it. My 13 year old laptop ran it at 40 frames-per-second. It also happens to be free! The other main difference of Celestia is that there's no procedural generation. Which means all objects are pre-programmed into the software, which is not a bad thing at all. In fact, it's great if you're uncertain whether your computer will run it. You can head over to the author's website at:www.shatters.net/celestia/
Astronomical Tools
Now if you're looking for software to aid you as an astronomer and to have more of an educational nature, then this line of products will be perfect.
Starry Night®
The Starry Night® line of software products is perfect for the passionate astronomer. Although, you'll need to prepare yourself to spend some money. Their least expensive product is $49.95 USD. Their four primary programs are:
- Starry Night: Complete Space and Astronomy Pack $49.95 http://store.simulationcurriculum.com/collections/frontpage/products/starry-night-complete-space-and-astronomy-pack
- Starry Night: Enthusiast $79.95 http://store.simulationcurriculum.com/collections/frontpage/products/starry-night-enthusiast-7
- Starry Night: Pro $129.95 http://store.simulationcurriculum.com/collections/frontpage/products/starry-night-pro-7
- Starry Night: Pro Plus $249.95 http://store.simulationcurriculum.com/collections/frontpage/products/starry-night-pro-plus-7
I would suggest carefully examining each product to determine which one will best suit your needs. Starry Night® products do more than just give you a digital 3d universe to explore, they have more of an educational purpose, to give you an understanding of the night sky and to help you become a better astronomer. You know that for sure if you've examined these products here.
So, which software should you choose? That's entirely up to you. Like I said earlier, it depends on what you want to do with it. To sum it all up, are you wanting to explore a digital 3D universe? Or do you wish to study the cosmos while you explore it, and learn more about it?
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