Jimco Software Reviews - TheSky6 (continued)
Moon Features
Another great feature of TheSky6 is the Moon Phase Calendar shown in figure 12. You can choose to display the rise and set times for the sun and the moon. Using this calendar, you can plan your moon observation settings.
Figure 12 - The Moon Phase Calendar
Speaking of moon observation sessions, TheSky6 is feature-rich for those of you who are Moon fanatics. Many amateur astronomers are because it's so easy to get commanding views of the Moon using inexpensive equipment. I will often take friends out with my telescope and show them Jupiter with its wonderful moons and Saturn with its amazing rings. On many occasions, our own Moon has impressed them more than any planet or deep sky object.
TheSky6 includes a unique Moon Viewer (shown in figure 13) that makes observing the Moon a treat! I was able to easily identify specific areas on the Moon during my testing and it was nice to be able to put a name to each feature. The Moon Viewer includes both low and high resolution images. The term "low resolution" shouldn't mislead you here. (The image in figure 13 is not a high resolution image.) The difference between the low and high resolution images is simply the level of detail, not the quality of the image. All of these images are top-quality, as are all of the images in TheSky6.
Figure 13 - The Moon Viewer
Solar System
The Solar System is an area of particular interest to many astronomers. TheSky6 caters to this interest as well with the 3D Solar System mode shown in figure 14. This unique mode gives you the ability to reproduce planetary motions, the orbit of comets, minor planets, etc., all from the comfort of your living room. It's a great feature for demonstrating the magic of the Solar System to young, aspiring astronomers.
Figure 14 - 3D Solar System Mode