Conference hydra::amiga_v1

1491.0. "TIMEMAP.ARC - 3D star map" by WJG::GUINEAU () Tue Jun 21 1988 17:28

Anyone have an account on Compuserve?

I ran across a program in ASTRONOMY notes for the Atari ST. It
does a 3D view of the sky for a given time/place (star buffs glory)

The .ARC file only has a .DOC, a .DAT (star catalog) and .PRG (atari
executable?)

I'd like to get an Atari user's point of view on how good it is. Then, maybe
get the source to port to Amiga. Problem is I would need to contact the 
author on compuserve,and I don't have an account!

Here is the .DOC file from the arc (which by the way is in
WJG::AMIGA:TIMMAP.ARC)






















                     *******************************
                      Documentation for TIMEMAP.PRG
                             on the Atari ST
                     *******************************

                    An Astronomy Tool for the Amateur
                               written by:
                             David A. Bulger
                               [72155,454]

                                 NOTICE:
                           All Rights Reserved
                           -------------------
                          Copyright (c)(p) 1987


           This program may be reproduced for non-professional
            and amateur purposes, provided this Documentation
                         accompanies the program.






























                       Requirements for Operation:
                       ---------------------------
     This  program  requires  the  file  "STARS.DAT"  available  from  the 
ASTROFORUM on CompuServe,  in Data Library 7.  You must have the  complete 
file  of  1563 stars as originally uploaded by Richard  Berry.  Beware  of 
similar named files that have fewer stars.  (These are usually designed to 
be  useful on computers other than the ST,  and have sequence names  like: 
STARS1.DAT, STARS2.DAT, etc.)
     The program works fastest with the data file and program in a RamDisk 
environment.  Second  best speed performance will occur using a hard  disk 
environment.  The 3.5" disk environment will slow the program down a  bit, 
but the program is still able to function.
     Speed  is also mildly dependant upon the number of  Desk  Accessories 
you  have  installed.  For highest speed,  remove all  accessories  before 
execution.
     Use   of  the  Coordinate  lines  option  also  slows   the   program 
dramatically; if you don't need them, don't request the RA & Dec lines.

                                Operation:
                                ----------

     Make sure that the file STARS.DAT and the program TIMEMAP.PRG are  in 
the same folder.  The program TIMEMAP.PRG looks for the file by  name,  so 
the data file must be called STARS.DAT,  and reside in the same folder  as 
the program.

                         *SELECT MEDIUM RESOLUTION*
     The program will not operate properly in other resolutions.
     To  start the program, doubleclick on the program TIMEMAP.PRG.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Reply  to  each prompt as it appears;  [IMPORTANT!!] the  items  that 
require angles are requesting the Sign, Whole degrees, and Minutes for the 
entry.  As  shown  by  the example (on the entry  line),  enter  the  (for 
example) Longitude 118�15' West as follows: -118.15
     [IMPORTANT] West  longitude  MUST  be  entered  as  negative.   East 
Longitude must be entered as positive.  North Latitude MUST be entered  as 
positive,  South  Latitude MUST be entered as negative.  DO NOT LEAVE  OUT 
[ANY]  FORMAT  INFORMATION.  The program will behave  erratically  if  you 
forget the sign,  or place the decimal wrong,  or have different formatted 
entries. 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The  prompts are requesting the Site location that you want  the  map 
drawn  for,  and the Date and time (in GMT,  not local time) you want  the 
program  to draw a map of.  The map itself reiterates the information  you 
input, so that you can verify the data you entered.
     The  Sidereal  time may be modestly in error,  this is  necessary  to 
speed up the calculations,  and does not affect the accuracy of the map on 
the scale it is drawn.
     
















Whats in the Map:
-----------------

     The maps drawn show the entire sky down to about Magnitude 4.5 as the 
sky  would be seen from the given site,  at the given time.  The map  also 
shows  the  Coordinate lines (if selected) where the Green lines  are  the 
celestial equator and 0 Hours Right Ascenscion.  The Blue lines show every 
10 degrees of Declination, and each Hour of Right Ascension.
     The form of the map is that of an azimuthal stereographic  projection 
from  the  antipodes of the site:  in other words,  it  shows  the  entire 
hemisphere of sky visible from that site and time. North is always up, and 
East is always to the left.  The size was chosen to present the entire sky 
at once, so that you can get a 'planisphere' type of view for the site and 
time.
     No constellation lines or boundaries are shown.  To do so would  only 
complicate  the  program  and  display to such a  degree  as  to  make  it 
unreadable.  However,  it  is fairly easy to locate objects by use of  the 
coordinate grid feature.
     No  planets  or other moving objects are shown.  This is  strictly  a 
stellar map. 
     The coordinate system is J2000.0 epoch.


Random notes:
-------------

     This program is NOT designed to be the answer to every dream.  It  is 
designed  to fill the need of a "quick look" planning system  for  gaining 
familiarity  with  what  can be seen at  different  times  from  different 
places.  Since it presents the entire sky,  it appears "fisheye lens like" 
in general appearance,  and allows you to learn the general appearance  of 
the night sky as if you could see it all at once. This allows you to learn 
more  about  (for  example)  what the  northern  and  southern  limits  of 
visibility are for any site.  Usually, you can't find a real site to check 
this,  because real sites have irregular horizons.  Here, the horizon is a 
complete circle at the outside edge of view.
     You can photograph the screen, or use the ALT-Help key combo to print 
out a map to take observing with you.  These uses are not meant to replace 
star atlases and charts.  Rather,  to give you a means (with ease and  low 
cost) to plan "what if" ideas before outings.

     I  hope  you  enjoy the program.  If you  need  further  information, 
contact me on AstroForum (GO ASTROF) on CompuServe.  Or leave me EMAIL  to 
my account 72155,454. 
                              Pleasant Viewing!

                              David Bulger [72155,454]

    I once came upon a very nice starfinder type program for Amy called
    'Starch.arc' or some such.  A few others appeared over time.
    
    The one I tried was quite nice, actually.  It worked in hi-res,
    and quickly identified any celestial objects based on the time and
    latitude and longitude entered.  
    
    There's also a commercial program called Galileo by Infinity Software,
    but I haven't seen it or read any reviews of it.
    
    Ed.

>    I once came upon a very nice starfinder type program for Amy called
>    'Starch.arc' or some such.  A few others appeared over time.

Yup, I've seen that one. It's definetly real good. In fact, I print a copy
of the nights maps (maps at 2 or 3 different times through the night) before
lugging my telescope out! 

In fact there is also AmiGAZER which is just as good.

But none are 3D! (just curious to see how it looks I guess. This might make
neat scenery for a space ship animation!)


>    There's also a commercial program called Galileo by Infinity Software,
>    but I haven't seen it or read any reviews of it.

There's even another comercial one - Planetarium - supposed to be even
better than Galileo, but it's not out (for Amiga) yet.

John

    There is a review of Galileo in the July "Sky and Telescope", an
    astronomy magazine.  The reviewer didn't seem to know anything about
    the Amiga, but he liked the program.
        John Sauter