Microsoft applications, ubiquitous in the workplace, are equally dominant among software packages for amateur astronomers. Think of the popular planetarium programs such as TheSky, Starry Night, and SkyMap. They run on other operating systems, but I'll wager that the bulk of their sales are for Windows. This virtual lock holds true for telescope and CCD camera control programs as well. The same goes for image processing software such as MaxIm DL and AIP4WIN. I like these programs and use them regularly, but always after I'm greeted by the Windows logon screen.
Fortunately, amateur astronomers have an alternative to Windows hegemony. Personal computers have now become powerful enough to take advantage of the UNIX operating system. For example, Apple's new Mac OS X is UNIX-based. For Intel PC's, Linux, with the cute and cuddly penguin mascot, is the most popular Unix-like system. Linux is free (yes, free) and supported by programmers from all over the world who give their time without monetary compensation. While it can be downloaded at no cost, most users purchase a commercial distribution. In this form Linux comes pre-packaged with installation wizards and helpful applications that make migrating to Linux possible for mere mortals. Also included is a book, usually a really big book, all about Linux. Suffice it to say that you'll learn an awful lot about and be on very familiar terms with your computer after installing Linux successfully.
As I write this, I'm using Red Hat's GNOME (pronounced guh - nome) desktop, AbiWord for text and Netscape Composer for the web page. More to the point, there is a great astro-app, XEphem. The X refers to the graphical user interface for Linux, and Ephem is short for ephemeris, a calculation and tabulation of celestial events. This is a full-featured planetarium program and sky-view simulator (stars, planets and moons) with the capability to add new comets and Earth satellites. It can import and chart a vast array of astro-databases (including GSC, Tycho, Hipparcos and USNO) and produce custom lists. But what sets it apart for me is its ability to calculate, tabulate and even search for events like conjunctions and close pairings, and to add-in user written functions. The free basic download is pretty bare bones, but a CD is available with almost 600 MB of data. This program was reviewed in the February 2000 Sky & Telescope.
And while I'm not entirely convinced that XEpherm will meet all my needs, there's no doubt that my Linux distribution comes with a much better selection of screensavers and some great-sounding programs such as GIMP, Mozilla and ethereal. It's also possible to run DOS and Win apps under Linux, but since XEphem has LX-200 telescope control built-in, why risk the "blue screen of death" out under the stars?
Even Palm OS on personal digital assistants runs astro-apps: see the March 2002 Sky &Telescope reviews, ads and more. Despite crowded displays, PDA's are much more portable and dew-proof. It's quite a kick to put the whole universe in your pocket!
So if you're reading this little rant, my Microsoft workaround was successful. Now, back to imaging. As soon as I figure out what ethereal does...
Be sure to check out the Astronomy Linux HOWTO document at howto.astronomy.net. Moondark is written by Doug Miller, dcmiller@dmv.com, published on the web and printed in the Delmarva Star Gazers Star Gazer News. This document was last revised on 27 January 2002. All text and images copyright © 2002 by Douglas C. Miller. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be reproduced in any form without prior permission.
