Jimco Software Reviews - TheSky6 (continued)
Customizing Your Horizon
My observation spot is my back yard. I have to look over a fence and a couple of houses, both of which block my view of part of the sky. Using TheSky6's Horizon Editor shown in figure 15, I am able to draw an outline of what my horizon looks like and TheSky6 will use that horizon in the virtual sky. When I first saw this feature, I thought it was a novelty. In practice, it's essential because it allows you to match the virtual sky in TheSky6 with what is actually in your observation location.
Figure 15 - The Horizon Editor
Not Just for Experts
TheSky6 isn't just for those of you who know the heavens and astronomy. Included with TheSky6 is an excellent astronomy tutorial called Patterns in TheSky. This comprehensive tutorial is just the ticket for teaching non-pro astronomers what they need to know to have not only a functional knowledge for using TheSky6, but also to appreciate the night sky like never before. It's just one more example of the comprehensive nature of TheSky6, and it's yet another way that TheSky6 makes itself available to all levels of astronomers.
Conclusion
TheSky6 is an impressive array of not only start charts and virtual views of the heavens. It's also a full-featured astronomy tool for planning, recording, and learning about what you observe in the night sky. I reviewed the Professional edition here, but Software Bisque also offers numerous other editions. One of them is sure to be just right for you!
Very Highly Recommended
Software Bisque's TheSky6
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