Astronomy software has come a long way in the past ten years. This is for a lot of different reasons including increase in computing power and a much more comprehensive cataloging of the universe due to hubble and other telescopes.

And nowadays you can get some amazingly powerful software for free.

Astronomy Software on Amazon

Google Earth with Sky - This is the google earth software that you can download and use to explore the earth. It also has the sky software where you can check out he new Sloop Space camera images, view the night sky , constellations and more.

Google Sky without downloading - Technically this is not "software" But I really had to include it because it is astonishing. It runs right in your browser just like google earth does. And true to googles mission to bring the world information google sky is replete with wonderful information. Want to see on the moon where the various Apollo landings were? Easy to see in google sky. Just click on the moon. Want to learn about various celestial objects and see hubble photographs of them? It is all on google sky.

World Wide Telescope - Is free and open software that enables your computer to function as a virtual telescope and it uses real images that have been taken by some of the worlds most advanced telescopes. Check out youtube videos on the WWT here

Stellarium - This is free open source software that puts a planetarium on your computer. You can check it out and download it here.

Starry Night Complete Space and Astronomy Pack

Starry NightT Complete Space and Astronomy Pack With direct, easy-to-understand explanations and impressive visuals of all kinds of night sky phenomena, this is the perfect way to share the wonders of the universe with your entire family. You'll never be "lost in space" with this stellar planetarium-in-a-box that gets you up and viewing in minutes. Features: see the night sky from anywhere on Earth . learn to instantly identify planets, stars, and constellations for every season using multimedia, interactive tours . stay current with automatic on-line updates . and much more! You can also learn more and buy it on the starry night website here

Redshift 8 Premium [Download]

Redshift is your comprehensive guide to the heavens. Enjoy a breathtaking, brilliant representation of the night skies; travel across the Milky Way and beyond, or have a close and detailed look at the planets, moons, asteroids, or many other celestial bodies. Make use of Redshift's powerful telescope control each time you observe the night sky. With the aid of the comprehensive, customizable Sky Diary you can easily plan any observation on your own.

The SkyX - Planetarium software for iPad students and serious studies including telescope controls. Check it out on their website here.

SkyX Planetarium for iPad: Powerful program with a lot of features including simulating the sky for any date from 1900 through 2200 A.D.

Sky X student - Lots of great features including showing the top ten most interesting objects on any night, printing charts of the night sky, identifying constellations and more.

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