RTGUI Release 8.5 -

Version 8.5 of RTGUI, the free Real-Time Astronomy Program for Windows,
has just been released. The main enhancememnts since the previous
release last year a

* New Catalog for Herschel 400, now supported by Search Wizard. Program
will select objects from that catalog easily visible at the present
time. Helps you to complete the complete list & get your certificate.

* COM ports increased from 8 to 32

* 109 Carbon Stars added to default catalog, deep red hue.

* new parameters in the Search Wizard for Carbon Stars, and for Quasars.

http://www.rtgui.com/

The Principal features of RTGUI a

* A Real-Time program, tells what's visible instantly, using GUI
interface or keyboard. No need to prepare observations in advance. Find
deep-sky objects, double stars, or other objects by their catalog or
common names. Unusually rich search capabilities - each entry has up to
five different names (Example: M1, NGC 1952, CrabNebula, Taurus,
Planetary)
* Create a custom "tour" based on your own criteria (by
constellation and/or object type, elevation, magnitude) using the Search
Wizard, or let RTGUI+S suggest the "Best" objects to observe, based on
your location, telescope, sky conditions, and the time. Save these
objects to a file, or print them as a list.
* Fully-revised NGC/IC data (not available elsewhere) eliminating
nonexistent or duplicate objects, "unknown" object types and most
missing magnitudes. Over 2,500 double stars in default catalog,
searchable by constellation.
* Small and fast - Downloaded self-extracting file is only about
650k.
* Controls most Celestron and Meade "Goto" telescopes to slew
directly to the selected object!
* Using the Skycharts program (Cartes du Ciel), get an "instant sky
chart" of the selected object.
* Read hand-held GPS Devices or Celestron and Meade GPS Telescopes
to set highly-accurate Location and System Time. Read object position
from most Celestron and Meade Goto scopes. Upload data from GPS devices
to Meade Goto scopes.
* Locate Sun,Moon, and Planets, with excellent accuracy. Download
Comet and Asteroid positions via the internet, for easy Goto, Skycharts,
etc.
* Can set the "night vision" color palette in Windows.
* Displays Altitude and Azimuth of Astronomical Objects, updated in
Real-Time, along with Rise, Set, and Transit times.
* Automatically record object, time, & location information when the
Observing Log is opened
* Auxiliary Catalogs allow you to instantly locate hundreds of
thousands of objects, using standard astronomical nomenclature, a
time-saving tool for observing projects and for research.
* Command-Line Parameters allow Scripting for automated operation


Robert Sheaffer