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With Halley's Comet just around the galactic corner, there seem to be a number of cemet related programs popping up at the moment. This one from Anima Scientific Computing actually consists of two programs, a Planetarium which gives a view of the sky and the progress of the comet during both night and day, and an 'Orrery' which is a model of the solar system and the comet's path through it.

The Orrery initially gives a view of the sun and plots the orbits of the inner planets around it. Then, using the cursor keys, you can rotate this view allowing you to observe the solar system from any angle, which creates quite a fascinating effect. You can also use the 'V' and 'Z' keys to enlarge or shrink the view to include the orbits of the outer planets as well.

The Planetarium is less interesting visually, but perhaps more useful, since by showing you the path of the comet in the sky it will allow you to trace the comet (and the other planets in the sky) when it does arrive. There are options here to take into account atmospheric effects and to see below the horizon, and, as with the Orrery, to rotate the view so that you are looking at the sky from different directions.

Both programs have options which allow you to manipulate the time scale - either to travel backwards and forwards in time to other appearances of the comet, or to speed up/slow down the passage of the comet as shown on the screen.

Obviously an astronomy program like this will appeal only to a small, specialist audience, but it does seem to achieve its aims quite well. It's a little expensive, but after all, Halley's Comet only turns up seventy years or so. If you're interested, why not contact Anima at 33 Lilac Walk, Tyne & Wear NE31 2LT (0632 832825).