Stellarium Web

This handout will walk you through web based version of Stellarium.  The features are currently far less powerful than the version you can download or use via MATC's virtual desktop - NetLab.  Why do I include it here?  Maybe the only thing you own is an iPad or PC tablet.  You can NOT get the downloaded version Stellarium on those devices and you cannot access NetLab either.  There is an improved version of Stellarium (called Stellarium Plus).  Stellarium plus is very similar to the free web version but includes some advanced features.  So if you only have an iPad or PC tablet, first learn the free web version and then pop for a few bucks (currently $2/month) and upgrade to Stellarium Plus.

You can find Stellarium Web at : https://stellarium-web.org/

Here is a very brief overview of what you can do.  When you open the site, you will be asked to use your current location.  The screen will show your sky if it is night but if you open the program during the day, the program will take you to the night of the current day. 

 Below are some of the features of Stellarium Web (which are all found in the downloaded version but found in different ways).  I've changed to a day view so it is easier to read.

Zoom IN or OUT:  The only way I've found to Zoom IN or Zoom OUT is by using the scroll feature on my mouse.  However, if you search for an object, two zoom buttons appear (Plus and Minus) which allows you to get change your field of view (FOV)

Moving in Time: When you click on the time controls, this menu pops up.  You can change to any time you like but the nice feature is the sliding bar that lets you view the sky changes at faster rates (you can also change time in increments using the up/down arrow)

Centering objects on the screen and locking them:  When you open the program and run forward or backward in time, the landscape is fixed and the sky moves.  However, you can lock a selected object and as time moves, the selected object remains fixed and centered on the screen.  Simply search for an object and once it is found, the program automatically locks it in the center of the screen.  In addition, if you simply click on any star or planet, an icon that looks like a circle with a star in it appears (along with some information about the object you selected).  Click on the icon and it becomes the centered fixed object and time runs on.  The only way I've found to undo the lock feature is to reload the program.

Some important lines - the Meridian and Ecliptic

In the upper left corner of the screen is a menu that lets you draw two important lines in the sky.  Both the meridian line and the ecliptic are found under View Settings.  Please make sure you can do this.

Now you are ready for Stellarium Plus.  Find it at the Apple Store or Android Play Store.  There is a free one week trial, but then either a lifetime license (around $20) or $2/month.  

In Stellarium Plus, small differences from this web version are:

• Change your location in Settings (in the lower left)
• You can draw more lines in the sky from Settings, Grids & Lines
• You can change the magnitude limit of the stars (Settings, Advanced)
• The time controls are still in the lower right but you also have the additional option to speed up time
• The search feature is in the upper right.  The icon looks like a magnifying glass.
• The other features are pretty much in the same place.  You need to be able to put in the constellations, remove the atmosphere, remove the ground (landscape)

Now go back to the original assignment handout and practice the exercises to make sure you can do the tasks listed.  Please take notes.  After you feel comfortable with Stellarium Plus, contact your instructor for an evaluation.  Try your best to get this assignment done under the "early bird special".  Details are in the announcement page in Blackboard.  This is a deal you really don't want to pass on.