Computers and Astronomy

Overview Modern astronomers use computers to help with tasks ranging from plotting star charts by the second, minute, or hour to focusing telescopes on celestial objects with pinpoint accuracy. Both amateur and professional astronomers benefit from modern computerized imaging and photographic enhancement tools. Follow the links below to learn more about computers and astronomy.

General Information Get a free monthly sky map at www.skymaps.com. Build your own star chart at this link. Interested in the planets? View a multimedia tour here. Find interesting celestial objects that might be passing through your night sky at this link. A lunar atlas can be seen here.

Specific Technologies Check out the links below to read about specific uses of computers and astronomy.

• Look at digital pictures of galaxies here. More astrophotography information can be found at this and this link.
• Interested in buying your own telescope or seeing what the newest star finder computers are like? Check out Orion Telescopes, Celestron, Meade, or Starmaster. Astromart has listing for used telescopes and equipment.
• Mauna Kea Observatories are home to over a dozen large telescopes. Check them out here.
• Many astronomy magazines now have Web versions, including Amateur Astronomy, Sky and Telescope, and Space Daily.
• Astronomy software can print out custom sky maps, display photographs of celestial objects, and even guide your telescope! Take a look at Deep Sky 2003, Starry Night, and The Sky.
• Star parties - informal gatherings of astronomy buffs - are great places to learn about astronomy and look through a few telescopes. Find out if one is happening near you at this link.
• Learn about common astronomy misconceptions at the Bad Astronomy Web site.
• Learn about Messier objects at this link.
• Look at amateur astronomical observatories at this link.

Additional Links Look at NASA's Astronomical Data Center here. Find out if tonight is a good night for stargazing at this link.