Filed under: Software, Education, Odds and ends
Hope you got 'em while they were hot -- Carina Voyager and SkyGazer
Over the weekend, we posted information about Carina Software's software giveaway to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Today (July 20th) is the day, and for a limited time this morning you could get their two Mac applications (Voyager and SkyGazer) for one cent each. That's right - US$0.01 for each app. The iPhone / iPod touch versions are available for free downloads from the App Store, and my colleague Mel Martin is posting about those apps. The Mac downloads were stopped at 9 AM PDT at the request of Carina's web hosting provider, as the huge number of downloads were overwhelming their available bandwidth.Mel and I felt it would be a great idea to let TUAW readers get more information about these applications, so we're doing a pair of First Look posts to fill you in on the details. Even if you didn't get the low-cost downloads, you might be inspired by the Apollo anniversary to purchase one of these applications at the usual price. Be sure to read Mel's look at the iPhone apps here.
The two applications have different target audiences. SkyGazer is aimed at the beginning or novice astronomer, and at educators who can use the program to demonstrate astronomical principles. Voyager, on the other hand, is a full-functioned astronomy package for the professional or serious amateur astronomer, and includes such important features as the ability to control computer-driven scopes. Read along for more information about these two guides to the night sky.
SkyGazer 4.5.4
It's best to think of SkyGazer 4.5.4 as a home planetarium application. It has a database of stars, deep-sky objects, planets, moons, and asteroids. Updates are available from the Minor Planet Center and other Internet sources so new spacecraft, comets, and asteroids can be added to SkyGazer.
For amateur astronomers who are planning an evening observing session, SkyGazer can print out detailed star maps tailored to a particular point on earth and a specific time period. These maps can be very useful when observing with the naked eye, binoculars, or small telescopes.
Star maps aren't the only trick in SkyGazer's bag. It can also show you a number of historical celestial events in a simulation, allow you to learn more about eclipses and Earth's seasons, and demonstrate precession and retrograde motion.
I love the fact that SkyGazer can put in horizon objects such as trees to make the simulation much more realistic. You can also add in outlines of the constellations, have deep sky objects such as galaxies, nebulae, and clusters highlighted with small circles, and even add the tracks of Earth-orbiting satellites to your sky.
Even if you weren't able to buy it for a penny this morning, SkyGazer is still a bargain at US$49.95 for the CD-ROM version. You may want to keep checking the Carina website today to see if the penny downloads become available again.
Voyager 4.5.4
The big difference between Voyager and SkyGazer is that the former application has a much more complete database of stars and other celestial objects, and can also be used to control a telescope with a computerized mount. Voyager is designed more for the serious amateur astronomer as well as professionals, and the list of computerized 'scopes that can be controlled by Voyager is impressive.
There are other features that are appreciated best when using the program for telescope control. There are three settings for red screen mode to make sure that your dark-adapted eyesight isn't blasted by a bright MacBook display. Telescope controls appear on command (see below), allowing you to slew your telescope to guide stars or objects you wish to observe.
Voyager 4.5.4
The big difference between Voyager and SkyGazer is that the former application has a much more complete database of stars and other celestial objects, and can also be used to control a telescope with a computerized mount. Voyager is designed more for the serious amateur astronomer as well as professionals, and the list of computerized 'scopes that can be controlled by Voyager is impressive.
There are other features that are appreciated best when using the program for telescope control. There are three settings for red screen mode to make sure that your dark-adapted eyesight isn't blasted by a bright MacBook display. Telescope controls appear on command (see below), allowing you to slew your telescope to guide stars or objects you wish to observe.
As with the SkyGazer software, the one-cent downloads of Voyager were stopped earlier this morning, but keep trying the Carina Software website to see if they come online again. If you're an unlucky astronomer like me (usually the clouds appear whenever I take a telescope outside...) and can't get the virtually free download, Voyager is available for $179.95 on DVD (contains the Guide Star Catalog 2.3 and Principal Galaxy Catalog) and $129.95 on CD.
No matter how you're able to get some of this free or low-cost software from Carina Software today, it's a wonderful way to celebrate the achievements of the Apollo program and the International Year of Astronomy.
No matter how you're able to get some of this free or low-cost software from Carina Software today, it's a wonderful way to celebrate the achievements of the Apollo program and the International Year of Astronomy.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jeff said 3:45PM on 7-20-2009
Bought these at about 12:15am, but haven't got a download link yet. Anyone else in the same boat?
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Janichsan said 3:58PM on 7-20-2009
*raises hand* Seems their server is completely overrun. According to their site, they have even disabled the download links at the moment.
mi_sat said 5:54PM on 7-20-2009
I received an e-mail from them which contained my serial numbers and d/l information.
As a former amateur astronomer -- who is excited that these programs are re-igniting my passion for observing -- I think it was great that Carina made such a generous offer on some very robust software. Stargazing is something we can all afford to do -- even if with only the unaided eye or a pair of binoculars.
Thank you to Carina for a wonderful gesture.
Jeff said 6:01PM on 7-20-2009
Despite the crazy day they're having, customer service sent me the links within 10 minutes of requesting them. Good work Carina!
musicreative said 4:50PM on 7-20-2009
I wasn't able to purchase the offer as they removed the links :(
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Drakhul said 4:09PM on 7-20-2009
TEMPORARILY DISABLED - Due to unexpectedly high volume, this download has been disabled at the request of our webhosting provider. We are working with our hosting provider to resolve this problem. Serial numbers will be emailed to all customers who have purchased them.
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MatthewRex said 4:53PM on 7-20-2009
Damn, I wish I knew about this. I hope the reappear.
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Wien said 4:54PM on 7-20-2009
I managed to purchase it but I'm still waiting for the serial number. It's been 12 hours now.
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lambert.j said 5:38PM on 7-20-2009
same here..
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jake said 7:07PM on 7-20-2009
It's a shame, really. I'd much rather have a legal copy of an app like that. but at $100, I simply can't afford it. And since their hosting is being a bitch one them and they chose to disable those once cent purchases, I guess I have no choice to but to download a torrent.
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mkvirt said 8:48PM on 7-20-2009
interesting how their full price downloads are not affected by the load or bandwidth limitations. i might have to resort to a torrent as well.
Wien said 7:34PM on 7-20-2009
Jake, there's always a choice.
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Janichsan said 3:54AM on 7-21-2009
Close to one day since my "purchase" now, and still no serial number or download link... >:(
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Drakhul said 7:42AM on 7-21-2009
I hate to say it, but it really looks like this was just a scam to get folks to their website. That notice is still on the website......
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Steve said 1:19PM on 7-21-2009
No scam. I got my serial number this morning. Give it some time, I'm sure they're just backlogged. I placed my order at 1am cst yesterday.
Drakhul said 1:32PM on 7-21-2009
I was never able to place the order....
Benjamin said 8:55AM on 7-22-2009
Anyone still waiting for their email should check their spam folder. Gmail flagged mine as both spam and a phishing attempt for some reason.
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