Previous Next

My interest in astronomy has never been particularly great, so when this tape arrived, I put off reviewing it for a couple of days. Since then, however, I've returned to it time and time again, as it is a fascinating and excellently written program. The idea is fairly original, showing the stars as seen from my point on Earth at any time of any day of the year. I would merely stand in awe of the programmer who set out to do this mammoth task, for the program seems to be quite faultless.

When loaded, which is straightforward and trouble-free, there are screen prompts to obtain the position of the viewing base, by latitude and longitude, and also the date and time. The elevation and rotation of the telescope are then required for the universe to be revealed. For people like me who don't recognise a Great Bear if we see one, there is even an option which shows the constellations on view in that sector by code letters, which can then be looked up in the notes. Small movements may be made from that position, which saves inputting much of the same information, and a zoom feature is also available.

Budding Patrick Moores will need little convincing about the program. It is a tape well worth purchasing.

Dave Reeder