Astronomy Software Review

Thanks to advances in software technology, the computer has made exploring the skies more exciting and educational than ever before. Whether you want to explore the skies in full 3D, explore planets outside the solar system, or are looking for powerful telescope control, the astronomy software packages included in our review will make you fall in love with stargazing all over again.

Options for at-home astronomers have never been better. Astronomy software has come a long way in recent years, with many titles providing exciting extras like Google Maps integration and embedded Hubble imagery. On this site you'll find articles related to astronomy software and comprehensive reviews to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

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Astronomy Software: What to Look For

Astronomy software packages are made to run on personal computers and are ideal for everyone, from enthusiasts, to children, to educators looking for a fresh way to teach their students. TopTenREVIEWS uses the following criteria to evaluate the titles we decided to include in our review:

Features
Astronomy software should include as many feature as possible. Other than full 3D presentation and telescope control, any type of software that explores the heavens should have dozens of features, including a huge star/deep space object library, high- resolution images, star charts, movie making capabilities, horizon panoramas, interactive tours, and more.

Community
Community features are hotter than ever, and quality software should also offer these popular social networking tools to their customers. From Facebook to Twitter to user Forums, these options make your software-using experience more connected and informed.

Ease of Use
An astronomy novice should be able to sit down and begin using the software with relative ease. Easily accessible toolbars and user-controls should be visible or easy to find at all times, and the overall interface should be intuitive, with little effort needed to understand the basic tools.

Help & Support
Since astronomy software has so many tools and functions, comprehensive help and support are a must. The software should give enough instruction for someone new to be able to set it up. The software manufacturer should offer online help for commonly asked questions, and it should include a detailed user guide with purchase. Email and phone support should also be considered, as well as a site newsletter to keep you up to date on the most recent software updates.

Shipping/Delivery Methods
It’s important to note the delivery method each astronomy software package uses. From the hard copy being mailed directly, or by only offering delivery via download, it’s important to take this feature into consideration before purchasing.

With comprehensive astronomy software packages like these, your head may be in the skies indefinitely. Be sure to check out our reviews to help you buy the best software for your needs, including our top-rated titles: Starry Night Enthusiast 6.3, TheSkyX Serious Astronomer Edition and Redshift 7 Premium.