There are sophisticated graphics programs and all that astronomy software such as XEphem. In addition linux is effectively UNIX which means that it comes with all the program development tools so that you can write your own programs in any programming language that you choose.
They're all there as soon as you install the OS. Astronomers in particular should know about Linux and how well suited it is for our work. Bill Feiereisen writes: I'd almost like to send this to the list, but I'd probably get flamed for sending off topic.
Astronomers in particular should know about linux and how well suited it is for our work. And it's about to get better. Patrick Chevalley is preparing a version of Cartes du Ciel for Linux right now Most of the advantages of Linux also accrue to Macintosh users, too.
We are largely unaffected by the virus plagues. And if you really insist, you can run Windows apps via an emulator. Someone inquired about using Linux to control a LX I have made a simple program to convert XEphem telescope output to LX commands. It only works with planets and fixed objects and does not precess to current epoch. Within these limitations, it works fine.
I have tried to use their executable, but it stops with a "Segmentation Fault" on my system. I will try to compile it into the XEphem distribution instead of using a downloaded executable. I have had similar problems with "original" XEphem executables, so it is probably some library file location mismatch.
My program - xephem-lx - uses no XEphem or X libraries as it simply makes a formatting of the XEphem coordinates to the format expected by the LX It is used to read data from XEphem telescope locate FIFO and writes to the port, where the telescope is connected like this example:. This must be done in a loop in a shell scripts, as the FIFO is closed after each operation. My LX has software version 3.
If any of you find it interesting, you are welcome to receive a copy - it is only about active lines of C code. Dale Chatham wrote: It's free but there is a catch, it runs on Linux However, it rivals Starry Night Professional, and both it and the operating system are free. Kstars and Knoppix is pretty impressive. I have been using KStars for quite a while now two of my machines are Linux boxes. You can also add custom catalogs, but you will need to put them together yourself I haven't found any out in the public domain yet and am making a couple of my own.
It does have a few nice features, but it is also missing some key ones which really keeps me from using for any serious work. The 3. It should include the Tycho 2 catalog, which will make this more useful for deep sky observations. It will also add some other needed features. However, it will be necessary to upgrade to the new KDE version 3. KDE is a windows manager for Linux there are others also.
That is a somewhat involved upgrade if you are on a lower version I am on 3. But if you already have the 3. Right now, I use it as my Linux version of the Starry Night Bundle edition I use to quickly reference major things in the sky for a given evening. There's also Xephem - a slightly less intuitive interface, but a very powerful program. Lots of catalogs available. Radu, yes, I use Xephem for a lot of things.
That is a good point. I wasn't really thinking of it when I was writing about KStars. I guess I kind of assumed everyone knows about Xephem, but you are right in pointing it out, because several folks don't know about it.
I don't really use it for deep sky planning or as a field atlas, however. I am not really a planet person nor have I gotten into variable star yet , so I mostly use it as a quick numbers reference way under utilizing it, I know. But it is clear when you open the program that it is designed around the planets, which makes it great if you are tracking Jupiter's moons or solar transits. It also has a terrific global weather map for the Earth when you are hooked online.
KStars is a free desktop planetarium with an easy and intuitive interface. I have been working with Elwood Downey, the author of the venerable Xephem, on adding astronomical instrumentation support to Linux. Currently, KStars support the following telescopes: 1. LX Generic 2. LX Classic 3. LX 16" 5. LX Autostar 6. Astro-Physics AP 7. Astro-Electronic FS-2 8. Losmandy Gemini 9. Mel Bartels' Controllers. Connecting to your telescope is a very easy process in KStars, you can either run the telescope wizard and it will connect and setup your telescope automatically or select the telescope from a menu and run it.
Furthermore, KStars is network-transparent and is perfectly suited for remote control. Those features will be officially available once KDE 3. Its purpose is to discuss issues with programming telescope interfaces. I find my questions in this area are usually not well answered in general astronomy forums.
There might be a fairly large intersection in the interests of that group and your group. You should list the kinds of topics that you think are germane to each group.
Although the modification would not be difficult, it is definitely not "plug and play" Since these adapters are intended for phone lines, they typically only contain four conductors.
The center pair is Line 1, the next pair "outward" is Line 2. We hope that you will find a camera to suit your application. A superb wide field image of the Orion nebula region. Go to Top. Again, speaking purely personally, I would rather put the extra work in and control things myself.
So, as with most things, there is no clear-cut answer as to which camera is "best". It all depends how you value the different advantages and disadvantages offered by each. I think cost and ease of use a big factor for me right now. The Starlight Xpress cameras you mentioned are single shot color; no additional equipment to get color images filters, filter wheels, etc.
To outfit the ST7 to do color work requires more equipment, longer exposures, and more image processing. As for the quality of the work, visit both company's websites and compare and judge for yourself. I have not used the SBIG cameras and therefore cannot comment on their user friendliness. I cannot remember hearing complaints about it, but I also remember hearing about a learning curve, which I can say I didn't experience much of for the Starlight Xpress cameras. Either way the ST7 has a bit larger sensor, square pixels might or might not matter to you , and even without the color mosaic on the front of the chip reducing the real usable resolution of the MX-5C a higher base resolution.
A fairer match might be an ST camera as a beginner camera. Has a slightly higher resolution, square pixels and same chip size. Opinion of the owner of Starlight Express. I was testing the guiding functions of an ST last night uses the same guide chip as the ST-7 and had no trouble at all finding guide stars.
You didn't mention that you give up half the sensitivity when you use the STAR guiding. I know your MX-C cameras can take some colors pictures in one shot. I saw some beautiful examples, on the planets, with them. I think there are some advantages and disadvantages in the both side. But i think, if the best amateurs, astrophotographers, use SBIG products and even FLI cameras, these products give the best results for advanced applications.
I use SBIG products since a few years. The choice of their technology, their chips, the High quality, the constant innovation in some beautiful accessories, like the AO-7, the images produced by the professionals and amateurs are the proof of the efficiency of their products and their technology for advanced CCD imaging.
I don't want to criticize your cameras. But thanks to you, several amateurs can purchase a CCD camera with a moderate price. But i think it is not very good to compare these 2 products. If this amateur wants to take some beautiful pictures of the planets, i think the MX-5C or 7C is Great for that but to take wonderful images of the Deep Sky i think it is not a good choice, the SBIG ST-7 will be better and this amateur could upgrade the chip, later, for a ST-8E chip, without to change his camera and it could use the AO I really think that the Starlight Xpress cameras have developed a much undeserved reputation for being "toys".
I must admit to having had the same impression myself Makes one wonder whether they will throw in a pair of X-Ray specs with every order. However, if you can get past this, you will find that they are remarkable cameras. I was recently in the market for a new camera, looking to upgrade from the Meade xt I had bought as an entry-level camera. Unique Tilted Camera Front: This unique approach to camera design allows the front plate of the camera to be orthogonally aligned to ensure that the CCD and the optics are parallel to each other.
This enables the user to adjust for any collimation issues throughout the whole optical train, to ensure pinpoint stars across the entire field. Optimization of the vertical register, readout gate and channel stop regions of the sensor has suppressed the dark current and improved the electronic charges handled by the vertical registers.
In addition, it maximized the photoelectric conversion of the sensor as well as enhancing its saturation signal level. Taking full advantage of Sony's excellent fabrication technology has enabled changes in the electrode wiring structure and the lens structure that maximize sensor aperture and lowers the layer of the on-chip microlenses, resulting in improved light-collecting efficiency. When a lower f-number is used, the ICX sensor controls the reduction in light-collecting efficiency caused by changes in light incident angle.
In addition, better light-collecting efficiency and a reduction in the thickness of the oxide film below the photo-shielding film have diminished contamination of signals by smearing in the vertical register and raised characteristics. The Sony ICX contributes to higher quality sets by improving sensitivity by 3. Thus, the image sensors are suitable for day and night as well as near infrared shooting, while providing sufficient performance. The quantum efficiency at wavelength nm is improved by 7.
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