SkyTools is an observation-planning program for amateur astronomers, running under Windows.
Unlike most astronomy software, SkyTools is not a planetarium but instead is centred on a database of stars, deep sky objects, asteroids, and comets. The software allows users to create and manage observing lists by searching the database, displaying charts for desired objects, and printing star hopping charts.
The software is developed by Greg Crinklaw and sold by his company, Skyhound.
Features
The following is a list of key features:
- Search extensive database of objects by various criteria
- Create and manage observing lists
- Filter lists to those objects observable from a specific location at a specific time
- Log observations by object
- Display interactive star atlas for selected objects
- Generate charts of objects for star hopping, with orientation and magnification based on available observing equipment
- Generate three-pane charts showing naked eye, finder, and eyepiece views
- Generate ephemerides of solar system objects
- Generate lists of upcoming events
- Access online images from the Digitized Sky Survey.
External links
- Official SkyTools web site
- Review of SkyTools 3 in french
- Review of SkyTools 2(warning PDF)
