FROM MICHAEL FIDLER (mikefidler@yahoo.com). There are two very good free astronomy programs that are really great for observing deep sky object and planets. Real time GUI (RTGUI) is a great interface that gives postions of objects in real time. It has a Best of the Sky button that brings up what is easily observed at the current time and location, plus Alt/Azm directions along with goto scope connections. Here is the link: http://www.rtgui.com/
This program interfaces with SkyChart / Cartes du Ciel, a detailed star charting program. You can just push the button on the RTGUI program and it will link to Sky Charts to display it. Link: http://www.ap-i.net/skychart/
Both can be used with just binoculars or a small scope and also gives the best double stars to view. Enjoy!
STELLARIUM
Check out www.stellarium.org. Used in planetarium projectors, Stellarium is a free open-source planetarium for your computer. It shows a realistic sky in 3D, just like what you see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope.
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