Newsletters of the HNSKY planetarium program.
(issued to about 1400 users)
Date 2005-2-18
Subject: HNSKY, Hallo Northern Sky planetarium program version 2.3.0i, LAST newsletter.
Dear HNSKY user,
Most likely HNSKY will be reviewed in an upcoming issue of ÆSky and Telescope“. I have no idea if it will be briefly mentioned or a reviewed in long article.
This is the LAST newsletter from this maillist provider. I will be no longer able to send out these free news letters. If you want to be kept informed by email, I suggest you join the HNSKY discussion group and set your mail settings to ÆSpecial Notice“ only. You can join at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hnsky
Alternatively you can send an email to: hnsky-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
I can’t covert the existing mailing list of 1400 subscribers due to the daily limit set by Yahoo.
Since we moved from Germany to the UK, the development of HNSKY has slowed down. The following small changes have been implemented since the last newsletter already 8 months ago:
2005-1-29 Version 2.3.0i Added new maps of the Sun, Mercury and Venus.
2004-12-12 Version 2.3.0h. Fixed Saturn ring opening indication.
2004-12-1 Updated Catalan help file in the language module including screen shot images using Catalan.
2004-11-14 Version 2.3.0g. Fixed two small things in HNSKY. For the supplement "world map.sup" now the star and planets are show correctly. You only have to flip horizontal to get things normal. Secondly for wide fields, the Earth shadow is no longer fixed to minimum plot size planets.
2004-10-3 Recompiled help file with HCRTF 32 bit compiler since images where not very well displayed when in Windows setting small fonts where selected. Download Update 2.3.0f or HNSKY version 2.3.0f with recompiled help file.
2004-9-10 version 2.3.0f , Minor fix for Windows XP users only. HNSKY restores now after nightvision mode the Windows active title colours correctly. Remember the night vision works only well if you selected in settings of Windows XP the "Windows classic style"!
2004-9-1 Updated Romanian language module
2004-8-20 Updated German language module
2004-7-30 Updated Dutch language module
2004-7-24 Updated Italian language module
2004-7-17 Version 2.3.0e Limited the number of Saturn rings drawn for speed. Uploaded the missing Dutch language module.
2004-6-24 Version 2.3.0d, Night colour fix. Highlighted section was too bright. Corrected, however as a consequence in settings menu, the tab bar selected section name is almost black.
The download the complete HNSKY Basic package 2.3.0i with installer (4.4 Mbytes):
http://www.hnsky.org/hnsky230.exe
To download the all planet images including Venus, Mercury and the Sun:
http://www.hnsky.org/map_plan.zip
To download the large Mercury maps 1440x720 pixels) based on Mariner 10, SVTS:
http://www.hnsky.org/map_merc.zip
To download the smaller HNSKY 2.3.0i update:
http://www.hnsky.org/hnskyp2.zip
The main web page address is:
http://www.hnsky.org/software.htm
Thanks for all the support and Clear skies !
Han Kleijn
Date: 2004-6-21
Subject: HNSKY, Hallo Northern Sky planetarium program version 2.3.0c
Dear HNSKY user,
Since the release of HNSKY version 2.3.0 there where still a few things to fix. I released yesterday version 2.3.0c with the following improvements since version 2.3.0:
2004-6-20 Version 2.3.0c, minor corrections in the locking routine.
2004-6-19 Version 2.3.0b, improved the locking routine. Now it will lock on any solar object (including asteroids and comets) after a mouse click and stay locked even after using the arrow keys. When locked use small time steps of 1 minute or 1 hour only. Fixed a problem finding low numbered UCAC2 stars in zone Z001.
2004-6-13 Version 2.3.0a, fixed a problem saving setting "FITS=on". Secondly the use of the search window doesn't cause any longer a screen repaint.
With version 2.3.0 unintended the large 10.000 asteroid file was added. In some cases it makes the program a little slow. Version 2.3.0c contains only the smaller 2004 bright asteroid version. It is up to the user which version he/she wants to use. Alternatively you could reduce size of the large one. The larger is available at http://www.hnsky.org/hns_ast1.zip or download the latest data from the minor planet centre as indicated in the asteroid file and convert it with the tools found at my webpage http://www.hnsky.org/software.htm
Please report any problem or ideas for improvement. I can't promise to implement them all, since I will move house and country very soon, but they have been and still are a great help.
To download the HNSKY 2.3.0c update:
http://www.hnsky.org/hnskyp2.zip
The main web page address is:
http://www.hnsky.org/software.htm
The complete Basic package 2.3.0c with installer (4.4 Mbytes):
http://www.hnsky.org/hnsky230.exe
Clear skies, Han
Date: 2004-6-6
Subject: HNSKY, Hallo northern sky planetarium program version 2.3.0
Dear HNSKY user,
HNSKY or the Hallo Northern Sky planetarium program is now at version 2.3.0. The last newsletter was send November last year. Since then there have been many small changes which took a long time to implement. The SETTINGS and OBJECT menu have been modified a lot and with the new internet access, DSS images can be downloaded with a tool button. Your internet explorer will be instructed to get them from the internet but you have to save them manually in your FITS directory. After a refresh (spacebar) the DSS/FITS image will be displayed in your HNSKY map. Another change is that language modules are now in one new *.ini file.
The most conspicuous change is that interface of the SETTINGS menu has now an Earth map for quick setting your location and in the OBJECT menu all available databases are shown with there new long file name.
It is possible to download the basic package and install it in your existing HNSKY directory. However I suggest removing old files there as described next or use the following http://www.hnsky.org/remove.zip MSDOS Batch file to do it:
1) Remove the old deepsky databases HNS_SAC1.DAT, HNS_SAC2.DAT, HNS_SAC3.DAT since they are now longer used. The new renamed ones with long file names and the *.HND extension will be installed with the basic package.
2) Secondly put away all your supplements with the *.SUP extension since I have given them all new long file names and you probably don't want them double. Several are added to the basic package.
3) If you have a non-english language module, remove all ten HNS_*.TXT files and download the new single file language module from my webpage.
To download the complete Basic package with installer from (4.4 Mbytes):
http://www.hnsky.org/hnsky230.exe
The main web page address is:
http://www.hnsky.org/software.htm
You can use HNSKY also to simulate the Venus transit of 2004-6-8. See http://www.hnsky.org/ven_tran.gif
The list of changes it pretty long. You can find them also at http://www.hnsky.org/history.htm
Clear skies, Han
- Deepsky databases have for version 2.3.0 a new file extension *.hnd.
- Highest position of objects is now indicated as a hint when you move your mouse to the Rise/set info.
- Major update in settings menu and object menu.
- Single file for non-english language modules.
- Added "load FITS file" menu in FILE menu. With this menu option you can identify not well named FITS image files.
- Added several monochrome images to the Hnsky help file. Monochrome images keep size very small.
- Introduced a location menu for first time users.
- If no settings file "default.hns" is found, HNSKY will take the timezone and daylight savings from Windows settings.
- Allows both access to ESO and Skyview DSS server. Skyview allows any pixel resolution and is good for wide views. See new Tabsheet in settings.
- Internet hyper link to the ESO and Skyview DSS server DSS image server. Skyview allows any pixel resolution and is good for wide views. It is implemented as a new tool button and will start your internet browser with the the required link. You have to be online in the internet. Save the download as a FITS file to your HNSKY FITS directory. After a repaint, the FITS image will be shown. The size is 1/5 of the screen size. Zoom in to keep them small. Please report any problem.
- Faster FITS image routine and improved in keyboard routine.
- Now the pointing circles and other markers can be removed by a second click on the object. Additional they can be saved in the settings file default.hns or any other *.hns file if selected.
- The worldmap supplement is now rotated such that the object in the zenith is above your home town.
- New intermediate UCAC2 supplement to +90 degrees based on GSC_ACT !!
- New intermediate UCAC2 supplement/extension to +90 degrees based on Tycho-2 !! Size 6.5 Mbytes.
Date: 2003-11-4
Subject: HNSKY, Hallo northern sky planetarium program version 2.2.2
Dear HNSKY user,
HNSKY is now at version 2.2.2a. This version will show you rendered images of all planets, the Moon and the Jovian Satellites. It will show you the position of Jupiter's red spot and the libration of the Moon. Secondly some deepsky images are now in color. The main web page address is:
http://www.hnsky.org/software.htm
You can download a program update (500 Kbytes) from:
http://www.hnsky.org/hnskyp2.zip
Extract the update in your HNSKY directory, normally c:\hnsky
Or alternatively download the complete Basic package with installer from (2 Mbytes):
http://www.hnsky.org/hnsky222.exe
Additional you should download the separate image files for the Moon, Jupiter, Jovian satellites, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and place them in your DSS/Realsky FITS directory. This directory can be set in the menu SETTINGS, shortcut CNTRL-E. Downloads:
http://www.hnsky.org/map_plan.zip
http://www.hnsky.org/map_moon.zip
If you using a non-English version, you should download a new language module. The program will not work with older language modules. To download the latest non-English modules go to:
http://www.hnsky.org/non-engl.htm
Here is the complete list of changes:
- Improved FITS routine including new coloured deepsky fits images. If you place them in your existing FITS directory, Remove manually your old monochrome M16, M20 and NGC2360 files. The last is identical to M16. See screenshots at
http://www.hnsky.org/hns_scr.htm
- Support for the new UCAC2 star catalog. See screenshots at http://www.hnsky.org/hns_ucac.htm
- New boldness routine for the GSC, USNO-A and UCAC2. It looks more natural however the boldness factor jumps if these catalogs are selected. So instead of reducing the contrast, the boldness is increased. The magnitude differences between the stars is now more easily recognised.
- Moon_map (B&W 1000x500 pixels) and maps of Mars, Jupiter, the Jovian satellites, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
- Comet and asteroid label colours are now adjustable.
Clear skies, Han Kleijn
http://www.hnsky.org/software.htm
Dear HNSKY user,
I just released the new HNSKY (Hallo Northern Sky Planetarium program) test version 2.2.2ß2 which can display
the provided Moon and Mars images/maps. It is not finished but works well. Mars is still a good observing
object with a diameter of 23 arc seconds. With HNSKY you can find out to which Mars side your are looking at.
The Moon implementation includes the Moon liberation. To download go to:
http://www.hnsky.org/history.htm
It is not very fast, so you need a fast computer or some patience, but it works well. The maps/images are in
separate FITS images. You have to download the program 2.2.2ß2 and the file MAPS1.ZIP with two maps of the
Moon and Mars. They should be placed in your FITS directory (Set the path in the menu SETTINGS, CNTRL-E).
select DSS/FITS colour white (CNTRL-E) and finally activate the FITS images (CNTRL-F).
Reports are welcome.
For the future, I will supply an additional Moon map with a 4 times higher resolution. The map of Mars will be
in colour. Maps of other planets and there Moons are within reach. An finally, I'm also looking for a
volunteer who is willing to create additional map files with the names of craters and named area's of the Moon
and Mars (colour) entered inside the map. He/she could contact me.
Clear skies, Han kleijn
http://www.hnsky.org/software.htm
Subject: HNSKY v2.2.1
Dear HNSKY user,
The last month's, I have introduced many small changes to the HNSKY planetarium program. The latest version is 2.2.1c. A program update (500 kbytes) is available at:
http://www.hnsky.org/hnskyp2.zip
or alternatively download the complete Basic package (2 mbytes):
http://www.hnsky.org/hnsky221.exe
If you use a non-English version, you should download a new language module. The program will not work with older language modules. To download the latest non-English modules go to:
http://www.hnsky.org/non-engl.htm
The complete list of changes since version 2.2.0j:
Personal menu shortcuts. All non English versions including the English module have the possibility to add your personal menu shortcuts. For example if you just unzip and copy the English module to your HNSKY directory, you can modify the menu shortcuts in the hns_Lmai.txt file. More info in the latest HELP file.
Improved ring of Saturn.
Switching on "North always up" keeps objects in the view.
Added a new "found marker magnitude".
Experimental logbook function. Use the "HOME" key to add an entry in second supplement using the mouse position. Observations should be entered manually in second supplement using cntrl-4.
Zooming in small steps possible giving you impression of a very fast space ship. To activate use the Cntrl key together with PgUp/PgDn keys.
Added the "Sync" command for the ASCOM telescope driver.
Mouse pull square box possible without using the shift or cntrl keys.
A new keyboard routine.
Introduced the "mouse wheel" for zooming.
Introduced a new behaviour in several menu windows. Position is now stored in the settings file. Try also to double click on objects in the combo/list box of the SEARCH menu.
EXPORT.EXE. Re-uploaded the 2001 GSC conversion program for conversion of the FITS to Binary GSC version. This program will reduce your GSC 1.1 or GSC_ACT from two CD's to only 303 Mbytes. See:
http://www.hnsky.org/hns_expo.htm
HNSKY and HNS_REAL 1.0.3c. accept now FITS files with a WCS header containing the new conversion matrix ( keywords CD1_1, CD1_2, CD2_1, CD2_2 instead of CDELT1,2 and CROTA2 keywords). By this HNSKY will work with FITS files from http://cadcwww.dao.nrc.ca/cadcbin/getdss You can use the batch routine of this provider to get FITS files.
The Help file is updated with the latest changes.
An complete list of all changes is available at:
http://www.hnsky.org/history.htm
Clear skies, Han
Subject: HNSKY, Hallo northern sky planetarium program, version 2.2.0j
Dear HNSKY user,
HNSKY version 2.2.0j has been released. Since the last newsletter dated December 15, 2002, (version 2.2.0b) the following small changes have been implemented:
Improved deepsky database (2003-3-29) based mainly on the 2003 NGC-IC data of Wolfgang Steinicke. There are still around 26000 objects in the database, but more objects have now a magnitudes and a surface brightness value.
HNSKY accepts now FITS image files from Skyview (floating point, type -32) and SBIG software. If your FITS format is not recognized, please report.
Faint deepsky objects will now be suppressed for wide field views.
A problem adjusting the FONT family has been fixed.
Due to overexposure of some bright objects in the DSS, I have replaced the supplementary fits images of M11, M27, M57, M18, M42, M31, LMC, SMC. The first three images are by made by myself. If you can provide other improved (small) images, please inform me. I'm thinking of issuing about 2400 more FITS images, but I need a volunteer with a high speed internet connection and sufficient web space and transfer rate.
The accuracy of rise/set times is slightly improved.
A new DOS tool is created to convert the original MPC, minor planet center files to HNSKY format is available. In December 2003 the MPC contained 187000 minor planets. HNSKY will handle this amount but will react sluggish.
The latest comet and minor planet orbital elements are added in the basic package
An finally some small changes in HNS_FITS and HNS_REAL.
Web links:
Basic package (HNSKY 2.2.0j, 2 Mbytes) with the latest deep sky and comet/minor planet data:
http://www.hnsky.org/hnsky220.exe
Separate deep sky file update:
http://www.hnsky.org/deep2003.zip
Separate program (HNSKY.EXE) update only:
http://www.hnsky.org/hnskyp2.zip
Comet file update:
http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/iau/Ephemerides/Comets/Soft06Cmt.txt
The main web page:
http://www.hnsky.org/software.htm
And finally some facts:
1) This message goes to 1218 +102 subscribers.
2) Users suck about 15 Gbytes a month from my webpage. (I'm glad I have no transfer limit. The
Tycho database is at an other web site.)
3) There have been 90000 web visitors in the last 12 Months.
4) I still waiting for an article in Sky & Telescope about HNSKY and some other good astronomical freeware .
5) I have no clue how many HNSKY users there are.
Clear skies, Han
Dear HNSKY user, Dated 2002-12-15
Subject HNSKY 2.2.0b, improved repaint of FITS files.
Just after releasing HNSKY version 2.2.0, I discovered that using the new button toolbar, the FITS images repainting was not perfect. Quickly I released version 2.2.0a but that was also not perfect. Having some more time, I made tonight version 2.2.0b and I think this time the repainting should work as desired.
So if your using FITS images and the + and - zoom buttons of the toolbar, I suggest you update to HNSKY version 2.2.0b. An 500 Kbytes update can downloaded from:
http://www.hnsky.org/hnskyp2.zip
Just unzip the files to the HNSKY directory, typically: c:\hnsky
The complete package version 2.2.0b (2Mbytes) can be downloaded from:
http://www.hnsky.org/hnsky220.exe
For more updates have a regulary look to:
http://www.hnsky.org/history.htm
Clear skies, Han
The HNSKY newsletter, dated: 2002-12-11
Dear HNSKY user, since the last newsletter in July 2002, the HNSKY planetarium program has been steadily improved. It is now at version 2.2.0.
Major improvements are:
- The program can now connect directly to the ASCOM platform with telescope drivers for LX200, LX200 GPS Autostar, ACL based, Astro-Physics GTO mount, Nexstar 5,8,11 GPS, 114GT, Ultima 2000, Skysensor 2000-PC and TheSky-controlled telescopes . You have to download and install the ASCOM program from http://ascom-standards.org first (4 or 11 Mbytes).
- Use of modern dockable button and status toolbars
- Modern installation program from Inno.
- Korean and Polish language modules. (August 2002)
- Improved display of FITS images using square and rotated pixels. (August 2002)
- New supplementary asteroid file containing 43000 asteroids/minor planets.(August 2002)
The latest version can be downloaded from my web page:
http://www.hnsky.org/software.htm
Clear skies, Han Kleijn
The program Hallo Northern SKY plots the night sky for any time and location. It displays all stars to about magnitude 12 (Tycho-2 2.5 million stars) and 25500 Deepsky objects. It also shows all planets, Moon, Sun, moons of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, phases of the Moon and inner planets, solar and lunar eclipses, rings of Saturn and minor planets and comets. HNSKY has the ability to use the GSC or "Guide Star Catalog" 1.1, 1.2 and or the USNO SA1.0 / A2.0/SA2.0 CD-ROM databases with a limiting magnitude of about 15 or more. The intention of the program is to familiarize you with the night sky and prepare yourself with a map for a night with your telescope. To help you with this, all Deepsky objects are displayed in the correct size and orientation if available. This program is free. Please distribute and enjoy. Inform me if you liked it. Comments are always very welcome. This program stays (C) Han Kleijn and you may not make money of it. Please distribute with original files only.
The HNSKY newsletter, Dated: 20.6.2002
Since the last newsletter in February 2002, many small improvements have been implemented. HNSKY is now at version 2.1.4. and can be downloaded at:
www.hnsky.org/software.htm
Here is the list of the major changes:
The following language modules are now available:
Italian,
Russian,
Catalan,
Spanish,
German,
Czech,
Romanian,
Traditional Chinese,
French,
Portuguese,
Hungarian.
2002-6-14: Corrected some open cluster FITS images. See hfits1.zip
2002-6-11: New Deepsky database containing 25.500 objects (was 10.000) for HNSKY 2.1.4 or higher. This new database does not work with older HNSKY versions. Users of win 95 and 98 could have problems listing all objects in the OBJECT window in level 3 and could download a smaller level 3 database of 17000 objects version from hnssac25.zip
2002-6-11:Galaxy supplement HNS_LEDA.ZIP supplement with 71000 galaxies extracted from the Leda database.
2002-5-9: Made the found markers "telrad" and "object name" resident. So you can print now maps with up to 12 telrads.
2002-4-15: User defined horizon
2002-3-19: HNS_FITS 1.0 Final version.
2002-3-1: HNSKY 2.1.2 New version with the "AZIMUTHAL EQUIDISTANT PROJECTION" method.
Clear skies and happy computing, Han Kleijn
The latest version can be downloaded from my web page:
http://www.hnsky.org/software.htm
HNSKY news flash: comet "C/2002 C1 (Ikeya-Zhang)" Date 2002-3-9
There is a new naked eye comet which could bright till magnitude 3. I have added the orbital parameters in the HNSKY comet file. You could download the new comet file "hns_com1.cmt" (7 kbytes) at:
www.hnsky.org/hnskyxx.zip
or the included with the program HNSKY 2.1.2c (513 kbytes) :
www.hnsky.org/hnskyp2.zip
The following is quoted from SKY & TELESCOPE's SKYWATCHER'S BULLETIN 8 March:
>Bright comet: C/2002 C1 (Ikeya-Zhang)
>Comet Ikeya-Zhang is now a naked-eye object visible low in the west as
>twilight fades for Northern Hemisphere observers. More information about
>the comet, including a graphic illustrating the comet's location after
>sunset and a chart showing the path of Comet Ikeya-Zhang, is available on
>our Web site at:
> http://SkyandTelescope.com/observing/objects/comets/article_477_1.asp
2002-2-16
Dear HNSKY user,
Finally the version 2.1.1 of the "Hallo Northern Sky" planetarium is released. The major news is the availability of several language modules in the Italian, Spanish, Russian, Catalan, German or Czech language. The required translated words are stored in a few TXT files which HNSKY will loads automatically after startup. This means that with any text editor you could create a new language module of HNSKY. If your native language is missing, your are invited to create a new language module. See www.hnsky.org/non-engl.htm . For this the font handling has been upgraded. Any Windows font and character set can now be selected.
Here is a summarising of the major changes since 2001-12-20:
1) 2002-1-13 : New program HNS_FITS.EXE released, to convert BMP, JPEG files (drawings, your own pictures) to FITS files with a WCS header. The right size and orientation is determined by entering two star positions. So you can now blend you own picture inside the map created by HNSKY. See example files added.
2) 2002-1-26 : HNS_DEEP.HLP 3.2.0. I have added the latest files of Steve Gottlieb for NGC5500 till NGC6500. 200 Kbytes more object info.
3) 2001-12-22 : Important: For HNSKY 2.1.0a or later, download the version II (5 mbytes) of the deep sky FITS files. (FITS files created 2002-12-22). Otherwise they will be about on image pixel shifted. There was a double but partly compensating error in the first versions. About one pixel in the FITS files and one pixel in HNSKY. The Fits files had 0.5 pixel shift to the WEST and 1 pixel to the North. HNSKY had 1 to the East and 1 to the South so total effect was only 0.5 pixel.
4) 2001-12-22 : Added re-draw function by space-bar.
5) 2002-2-14 : Supplement for Bright quasars and BL Lacertae objects compiled of list from Wolfgang Steinicke webpage (02-2-14) by Graham Furstenberg
6) 2002-2-11 : HNSKY v 2.1.0.o. Version 15, new color routine for displaying FITS. Now white FITS on blue background possible. Based on a idea (Alpha blending) of Leandro Rios.
Clear skies and happy computing,
Han Kleijn
The latest version can be downloaded from my web page:
http://www.hnsky.org/software.htm
The program Hallo Northern SKY plots the night sky for any time and location. It displays all stars to about
magnitude 12 (Tycho-2 2.5 million stars) and 10607 SAC deep sky objects. It also shows all planets, Moon, Sun,
moons of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, phases of the Moon and inner planets, solar and lunar
eclipses, rings of Saturn and minor planets and comets. HNSKY has the ability to use the GSC or "Guide Star
Catalog" 1.1, 1.2 and or the USNO SA1.0 / A2.0/SA2.0 CD-ROM databases with a limiting magnitude of about 15 or more.
The intention of the program is to familiarize you with the night sky and prepare yourself with a map for a night
with your telescope. To help you with this, all deepsky objects are displayed in the correct size and orientation if
available.
This program is free. Please distribute and enjoy. Inform me if you liked it. Comments are always very welcome.
This program stays (C) Han Kleijn and you may not make money of it. Please distribute with original files only.
2001-12-12
1) HNSKY version 2.1.0 with real deep sky images.
2) HNS_REAL, a Realsky or DSS viewer.
3) RC3 supplement.
5) North pointing arrow.
6) Tycho2+
Dear HNSKY user,
It has been a very long time since the last HNSKY newsletter. The latest HNSKY version 2.1.0 is now available at www.hnsky.org/software.htm. Releasing this version took more then usual testing and fine-tuning. It's new "spectacular" feature (as one user said) enables it to insert real deep sky images and gives you a more realistic impression. For this, I prepared already 253 images of the best deep sky objects (a total 5 Mbytes) for download at my webpage. These images will be automatically inserted at the right place with the right size and orientation. Other images can be pulled from some DSS servers in the internet. These servers will provide FITS files and HNSKY will be able to read them as long they contain there angular size and orientation in the optional WCS format. For a more detailed describtion look in the HNSKY help file.
Here is a summersation of the major changes since 2001-7-20:
1) HNSKY v2.1.0 , Real deep sky images inserted the sky map. See some screen shot examples at www.hnsky.org/software.htm
2) HNS_REAL.EXE program. This is a DDE controlled DSS or Realsky viewer. Owners of the DSS or Realsky CD-rom's can use this new program HNS_REAL.EXE to retrieve DSS images nicely controlled by HNSKY. These programs will work together utilizing the DDE link. See image example at www.hnsky.org/hns_real.jpg
3) 2001-10-27 : : RC3 or Third Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies supplement. Contains 23011 galaxies. A nice addition to the standard database of 10.000 deepsky objects.
4) 2001-10-19 : Constellation supplement so people can make there own constellation version. Does not change the internal constellations.
5) 2001-09-14 : HNSKY with "North pointing arrow".
6) 2001-07-22 : Tycho-2+ available. about 6000 stars more. See Tyc_eval.htm and Tycho2+
Clear skies and happy computing,
Han Kleijn
2001-07-20
1) Webpage moved to www.hnsky.org.
2) Deepsky help file more then doubled
3) Free directory choice for GSC and USNO files.
Dear HNSKY user,
In times where everything goes faster, better?, cheaper?, something strange happened. My good old webpage at compuserve.com allowed me suddenly only 5 mbytes instead of 10 mbytes upload maximum. No warning ! It took me 2 day's of empirical try-outs to understand why and what had happened and no help from typical non-technical help desks. Seems to be standard in the industry today. So I had to deleted some files temporary and to use an other web page additionally. Anyhow it triggered me to realize an old idea of moving my web page to my own domain www.hnsky.org and yes... larger and cheaper and hopefully better. Please report any missing file/link.
You could help me and others by informing webmasters of other webpages that Hnsky links have to be updated to http://www.hnsky.org/software.htm.
Accordingly my email address has been adapted to:
The compuserve.com email address will close down in one or two month's.
The programs and help files at the new webpage have been adapted to the new address accordingly.
What happened else:
2001-06-17 Proud to present: version 3.1a of HNS_DEEP.HLP. Now fully a indexed help file, 10.000 observations !! Yes by adding the deep sky observations of Steve Gottlieb it has been more then doubled in size. Also fully indexed on NGC/IC including the observations of Steve Coe.
2001-06-28 HNSKY 2.082, Free choice of GSC and USNO path/folder. So you can store the GSC files under C:\GSC\... but also under C:\GSC_ACT\... and so on.
2001-05-28 HNSKY v2.081a Small improvement in GSC text search. Now the routine will find any GSC star.
2001-05-17 HNSKY v2.081 Introduction of simple but effective star magnitude scale.
2001-05-4 Small change in EXPORT.EXE. The GSC directories are now adjustable and GSC conversion can run at one hard disk.
I have an experimental program for the LX50. I do not own a LX50. Any volunteers ?
2001-04-27
Newsflash for HNSKY planetarium users.
1) GSC_ACT CD's delivered for $7,-
2) Correction for binary GSC 1.2 reading
Dear HNSKY user,
Good news for HNSKY users which do not have the GSC stardatabase (2 CD's) to magnitude 15. Project Pluto (Guide 7.0) provides two CD's GSC_ACT, mailing included for about $7,- or less !!!. So no profit is made ! Compare that with the price of the discontinued original GSC 1.1 for $ 50,-
Ordering form and information:
http://www.projectpluto.com/gsc_act2.htm
The GSC_ACT is similar as the GSC 1.2 an improved GSC 1.1 star database. It is provided on two CD's in the standard FITS format as the GSC 1.1.
To make the CD's working you have to copy the directories /maps N0000, N0730..... including files to the standard directory/map name such as D:\GSC instead of the provided directory/map E:\GSC_ACT_1 or E:\GSC_ACT_2.
You could also convert these CD's to the compact GSC binary format using the HNSKY utility EXPORT.EXE. Then you also need to copy the REGIONS.TBL file from directory/map D:\GSC_ACT_1\TABLES to D:\TABLES.
HNSKY GSC setting at FITS or GSC 1.1
Project Pluto, Bill Gray provides these CD's against the cost of making and mailing. It is possible a binary version will follow but if your interested in the GSC this is a change you should not let go !
I got my CD's here in Germany in a few days only. One CD was a little difficult to read but it is now all on my harddisk.
2) HNSKY v2.08 has problems with a few original GSC 1.2 files resulting in a program crash. This is solved in version 2.08b. This problem does not occur with converted files made by EXPORT.EXE
Please report any problem with HNSKY program.
Clear skies, Han Kleijn
www.hnsky.home.dhs.org
2001-04-21
Newsletter of the "Hallo Northern Sky" program.
Dear "Hallo Northern Sky" user,
I just released HNSKY version 2.08. Due to my busy family life here, there have been more ß versions then normal. My free time was sliced in small parts and I issued a new ß version every time something was ready. On the other hand those interruptions gave me some time to re-think some aspects and it also resulted in more ideas. Anyhow some nice things have been added to HNSKY since 2001-2-9. Here is a list of changes:
- New graphic windows for dark skies and solar system tonight. This replaces the old style with characters. The reason was both remarks from users but also my new 19 inch monitor. Using large fonts in Windows spoiled the old style info window and it was time to make it font independent.
- Fixed North function. Now you can fix the chart orientation with North, South, West or East always at the top.
- RA/DEC information area and time area are sensitive and a mouse click bring directly the required change menu's,
- HNSKY is now capable of reading the binary GSC 1.2 (303 Mbytes only). In fact I used only a small part of the GSC 1.2 for testing. This part was downloaded using my modem. I still do not own the complete GSC 1.2 If anybody can help me with a complete copy of the GSC 1.2 that would be most helpful !. It can be downloaded only by internet. See the HNSKY helpfile for the internet addresses.
- Small correction for magnitudes (about 0.3) of the main planets. (Somehow a factor changed in my source code)
- Adjustable font and individual font sizes.
- Small color improvement in printing routine.
- Correction for lunar eclipse. Aberration correction for SUN and MOON in Earth shadow added. Eclipses should now be correct within one maybe maybe two minutes.
- The utility EXPORT.EXE has been extended with the possibility to convert the GSC 1.1 FITS format to the same binary format as the GSC 1.2. This means the GSC 1.1 in this format takes only 303 Mbytes on your harddisk instead of the 2 CD's , 1140 Mbytes total. The quality of the GSC 1.1 stays the same. It would be still nice to have the new GSC 1.2 which has been corrected for several errors in the Schmidt plates and should be correct within 0.3 arcsec.
So I hope you like HNSKY 2.08. It is almost identical with 2.08ß11. Any remark or improvement wish is welcome. That is my source for improvement idea's.
Clear skies and happy computing,
Han Kleijn
2001-02-09
HNSKY v 2.073 has been finally released. It is more then two month's since I wrote the last newsletter. The number of
subscribers has risen to more then 300. The last month's I had not so much time and secondly some improvements
took a long time to implement. So what has been changed since v2.071 dated 2000-11-26:
- Fixed a small bug in the earth shadow calculation which occurred in the latest versions
- Moon empheride and orbit shadow correction for natural satellites.
- New deepsky size & type filter in OBJECT menu.
- 01-01-01 Small improvement for rise-set times and azimuth/altitude calculations in the far future (2100 or so)
and past.
- 00-12-15 Release of an updated Nexstar star and new LX200 alignment star supplements.
- 00-12-11 Release of SAC 7.2 deepsky database ( HNSKY Version). In this version the object description has
been improved to make them more readable. Original abbreviation can be found by moving the mouse pointer to the
status bar.
Some background information:
Mathematical routines: Some routines as the parallax calculation and opening of the ring of Saturn have been
rewritten using vector algebra using Cartesian co-ordinates. This is a wonderful tool where vectors are described
by the x,y,z co-ordinates. Since some routines are not described by Meeus and others, I had to develop those
routines myself. Many routines such as the transformation of co-ordinates from ecliptic to equatorial and
backwards have been developed centuries ago using Sin and Cos functions. However for example if I try to
calculate the Saturn ring opening, I could follow a long and difficult calculation (from the excellent book of
Meeus) starting with the ecliptic co-ordinates based on B1950 co-ordinates. However using the vector algebra
(scalar product) of the ring orientation vector and Earth Saturn vector, the Cos of the ring opening can be found
pretty easy using only a few program lines. Some routines you can download from my page. See bottom section of
my software.htm page. An other good source for astronomical calculations using vectors is the book "Astronomy
on the personal computer"
Natural satellites: Most of the times was spend in improving the empherides of the natural satellites or moons of
Mars, Jupiter, Saturn , Uranus and Neptune. The original routines where developed by me almost 2 year ago.
However the orientation of these natural satellites is drifting slowly. Secondly some natural satellites such as
Mimas, Hyperion and Triton have oscillating orbits. Except for Hyperion with it's chaotic orbit these long time
drifts are excellent described in the astronomical supplement published in 92. Short term disturbances of Jovian
moons are taken from Meeus.
So enough of this heavy stuff. Hope you like HNSKY 2.073. Any remark or improvement wish is welcome.
Ps. I'm in a great need for an 1/2 inch diameter imperial bolt and two nuts for the mounting of my new LX200. I
can not get my hands on such a simple thing here in Europe. All bolt here are metric or mm's. Who can help me
with such a bolt and nut preferable in stainless steel or messing ??!!!. I need it to mount my LX200 on a wooden
platform. The original bolt is fixed on the LX200 stand.
Clear skies and happy computing, Han Kleijn
The latest version can be downloaded from my web page:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/han_kleijn/software.htm
or: hnsky.home.dhs.org
The program Hallo northern sky plots the night sky for any time and location. It displays all stars to about
magnitude 12 (Tycho-2 2.5 million stars) and 10607 SAC deep sky objects. It also shows all planets, Moon, Sun,
moons of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, phases of the Moon and inner planets, solar and lunar
eclipses, rings of Saturn and minor planets and comets. HNSKY has the ability to use the GSC or "Guide Star
Catalog" and or USNO SA1.0 / A2.0/SA2.0 CD-ROM databases with a limiting magnitude of about 15 or more.
The intention of the program is to familiarise you with the night sky and prepare yourself with a map for a night
with your telescope. To help you with this, all deepsky objects are displayed in the correct size and orientation if
available.
This program is free. Please distribute and enjoy. Inform me if you liked it. Comments are always very welcome.
This program stays (C) Han Kleijn and you may not make money of it. Please distribute with original files only.
Newsletter of the "Hallo Northern Sky" program.
Date: 2000-11-26
Dear HNSKY user,
I just released HNSKY version 2.071. This time most of the changes are in the supplements and additional programs There are only two small changes in the HNSY.EXE program itself.
Changes since 2000-11-1:
1) Additional programs:
- New LX200 control program and Delphi source. I finally received my LX200 telescope and could finalize the LX200 control program utilizing HNSKY. Just point on any object and the telescope will follow. The position of the telescope will be displayed with a seperate telescope cursor. This program is for users with a permanent set-up. I will just use the LX200 keypad hand controller.
- Sky commander DDE program for HNSKY and source by Jack Patterson.
2) HNSKY v2.071:
- Improved DDE interface including a special telescope cursor. See the updated DDE demos and Help file demo for more info.
- Enhanced supplement possibilities for drawing lines with different colors and brightness. This allows the drawing of the new Milkyway outline supplement correctly.
-Improved HNSKY SETUP.EXE program. All possible HNSKY files are now installed.
3) Supplements:
- A very good supplement containing the outlines of our Milkyway. More then 10.000 point Milkyway data by José Ricardo Vieira and final supplement implementation by Allen Oliver.
- Double star supplement based on SAC2.1/WDS. Contains more then 10.000 doubles.
- Star supplement containing the Nextstar and SAO numbers provided by a HNSKY user.
That all for this time.
Clear skies and happy computing,
Han Kleijn
Date: 2000-11-1
Hello Gents,
HNSKY version 2.07a has been released since 00-10-21. I'm pretty
content with it and it looks for me more or less complete and
finished. Many small changes and improvements have been made and
I added some new features. Major changes are:
- New color menu
- World map supplement
- DDE interface
- Object info to windows clip board
- Azimuth/declination grid
- Cntrl-Z function.
- Variable star supplement. Thanks to H.G. Lindberg
Download as usual from my webpage, address see below.
So happy computing and clear skies, Han Kleijn
P.s there are now 156 subcribers of this newsletter !
And here for the completeness part of the "history.htm" page:
00-11-1 Upgrade of HNSKY.HLP help file. Included the new features of version 2.07
00-10-24 Supplement upgrade: HN_DEEP 2.00c, very small corrections only. New (preliminary) variable star supplement by H.G. Lindberg.
00-10-22 Version 3.0 of world map supplement. Much better resolution then version 2.0.
00-10-22 win 3.1 version v1.62d. Fixed same error as in 2.07, orientation galaxies if screen vertical/horizontal flipped.
00-10-21 v2.07a Fixed a small error in info window "dark night next days", range error could occur and wrong day.
00-10-17 v2.07 Several improvements:
- Greatly improved color adjustment menu. See new set-up menu with all colors displayed at once.
- Possibility to copy automatically object describtion in window clipboard. So it can be pasted in a spreadsheets/word processor or so.
- Improved window, 'Dark skies next days' . The dateand one day of week added.
- Improved world map. Contains now more then 2500 cities and locations.
- Azimuth/declination grid option added.
- Undo view = CNTR-Z introduced.
- Fix in orientation. Program did not reverse orientation of galaxies in case view was flipped horizontal or vertical.
- Fix in restoring horizontal and vertical flip. Was reversed.
- The program accept *.hns files as parameter. Example: HNSKY DEFAULT2.HNS. So if you register *.HNS in windows to HNSKY.EXE, you can just click on DEFAULT2.HNS or any other file.
- Supplements can have shorter names such as HNS_A.SUP.
- Several tiny text adjustments and other improvements.
00-08-29 v2.066a and v1.62c Magnitude correction for Iapetus was reversed (east/west). fixed.
2000-8-28
Hallo Gents,
I do not intend to bombard you weekly with a HNSKY newsletter, however I'm a little shocked to find out the for "faint stars" which are displayed with only one pixel, the faintest ones were shown with a brighther pixel then the medium bright ones !!. This has been the case since March 2000. So if you want more realistic screenplots, download version 2.066 and inform me if anything is not okay.
Clear skies, Han
History.htm:
00-08-28 v2.066 Wooow, everbody has been sleepy !!!!. Just found out that faint stars (one pixel format only) where plotted brigher then medium bright. Somehow this has been mixed up during testing because long time ago (before march 2000?) its was okay. Now it is fixed and the star plots are more releastic !!!. So you have to download this version. Your default.hns is ignored to force you to use the new star colors.
Newsletter of the HNSKY planetarium program. Date: 2000-8-24
Dear "Hallo Northern SKY" planetarium program user,
THIS IS THE LAST NEWSLETTER IN THE CURRENT FORM. PLEASE SIGNUP MY NEW NEWSLETTER AT:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/han_kleijn/software.htm
This one will be as the old one issued every two month's or so.
Since the last HNSKY newsletter (00-7-26) the following has changed in the planetarium program:
00-08-23 V2.065a, Small corection in font selection routine of the internal editor.
00-08-21 V2.065, A lot this time: First official release of DDE or dynamic data interface. See demo programs at 8). Fix for difference in rotation between arrow keys and mouse at corner of screen. Fix for moving mouse cursor to object (centering off in object menu). Introduced line draw mode in supplements. Existing color now showed in color dialog. WORLD map in the form of supplement. See supplementary supplements. Maybe usefull for external satellite programs using new DDE interface. Anyhow fun to create.
00-08-13 V2.064b,c and v2.07ß3,4 Small problem with D32 star files around M3 at high zoom factors fixed.
00-08-11 V2.064 Improved interpretation of supplement. DEC position of -00:19 is now correct. Problems found marker on/off fixed. Object name marker is now transparent. Time refresh updates now only Hnsky window, not full screen. (Thanks to Burghardt)
00-08-08 Story of the HNSKY program by Han Kleijn. See software page.
00-07-30 HNSKY v 2.063. Total revamp in locking routine. Still did not work proper in version 2.062. Now totally rewritten. Seperate routine for object lock and fixed ra-dec. Fix second name inner solar objects.
00-07-29 HNSKY v 2.062b. Small bug in locking fixed at high zoom factors and actual time on. Now it is possible to move around at those conditions.
That's all for this time. Please sign up my new newsletter at my homepage.
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/han_kleijn/software.htm
====Happy computing and clear skies, Han Kleijn, Bruehl Germany.====
Newsletter of the HNSKY planetarium program. Date: 2000-7-27
Dear "Hallo northern sky" planetarium program user,
Since the last HNSKY newsletter, some nice new features have been introduced to the planetarium program:
The first change is the addition of Steve Coe's deepsky observations to the deepsky help file. This help file contains now about 1000 A4 pages of deepsky describtions and some other interesting astronomical stuff. With the extensive notes of Steve Coe and the 2000+ of Tom Lorenzin, this is really a gold mine for any deepsky observer. The notes of Steve are organised by constellation and the 2000+ by RA. The 2000+ is fully indexed, so those describtions will popup after a click in HNSKY. The notes of Steve are ideal for preparation of an observation list or just to scroll through during a cloudy night or to compare with any other describtion. The advantage of Steve Coe's note's is that he always logs the local conditions and the telecope used. In the HLP file any object can be find using the "help search" function. As you maybe know, you could also use the help file to add your own observations notes using the annotation function of the windows help program. See the describtion in "How to use this database and logbook functions" of the HNS_DEEP.HLP help file.
Second change is that the HNSKY program can make multiple Telrad circles to make nice maps for field use.
The third major change, is the renaming of the extension of supplement files, asteroid and comet files.
And at last, some small bugs where removed. (Somehow during the last month several popped up.)
So at this date, the final golden code is: HNSKY v2.062 and HNS_DEEP.HLP v2.00a.
At this moment, I think the HNSKY program is more or less complete. The focus will be more on maintaining and maybe some more (supplemental) databases. I received some nice supplements from Bill Anderson and anybody else is invited to do the same. Secondly anyone who is interested to write an interesting article for the HNS_DEEP.HLP file is invited to do so. This could be about telescopes, seeing, deepsky, CCD, historical information, double stars, constellations and so on. Just some educational stuff for cloudy nights. (I still have to see S4 Linear)
So in detail, here is the historical list of changes of the HNSKY program since 2000-6-16:
00-07-26 HNS_DEEP.HLP version 2.00a introduced due to several format correction required in v2.00.
00-07-23 v 2.00 version of HNS_DEEP.HLP. Additional supplement with names of bright stars.
00-07-21 v2.062 Multi object marking with Telrad circles for preparing a field map. Fix of floating point error in case planets where off.
00-07-13 v2.061a Small correction in editor syntax checking for supplements. Was accidently dependent on magnitude settings in object menu. File filter in file menu of editor was not optimum. Now set to HNS_*.SUP instead of HNS_*U*.SUP. Issued best NGC supplement.
00-07-12 SETUP.EXE updated for new file .SUP, .AST and .CMT extensions and reporting. Small update HNSKY.HLP.
00-07-07 HNSKY 2.061 Several small internal corrections. Allows switching off deepsky, planets, comets and asteroids. New asteroid, comet and supplement extensions. The supplement files have now the extension *.SUP, comet files *.CMT and asteroid files *.AST. Just rename your old files. Fixed also update problem after entering a new supplement name. Improved plotting of solar system objects.
Warning some funny effects could occur using old default.hns files for version 2.06a,b . If any please delete the default.hns file.
00-06-29 HNSKY 2.06a. Fixed a problem with check routine in editor.
00-06-27 HNSKY 2.06. released, New HNS_DEEP.HLP version 1.99 released (previous HNS_2000.HLP). Size is now doubled with all observation notes of Steve Coe included. This Help files contains now about 1000 pages of A4 with deepsky info. !!!!.
00-06-25 HNSKY 2.0593ß Telrad circles color adjustable. HNS_2000.HLP renamed in HNS_DEEP.HLP.
00-06-23 HNSKY 2.0592ß test version with telrad. Fixed clean up statusbar
I still hope that HNSKY will described in Sky&Telescope or Astronomy one day. I you have good relations there, please inform them about HNSKY.
That's all for this time. Thanks for all the replies and comments. Without those, this program would never be expanded to this state.
====Happy computing and clear skies, Han Kleijn, Bruehl Germany.====
Newsletter of the HNSKY planetarium program. Date: 2000-6-16
Dear "Hallo northern sky" planetarium program user,
The Saguaro Astronomy Club has created an other monumental work. They have released there new, highly improved SAC deepsky database version 7.0 and will release version 7.1 the next days. See what Steve Cou has to say in the text added to the end of this email. The number of objects is still a little more then 10.000 covering allmost all objects visible in amateur telescopes. So there is no need for UGC and PGC catalogs. SAC version 7.0 gives the latest and almost all answers for wrongly identified and missing NGC and IC puzzles. For background information it is a must to visit the internet domain "ngcic.com" of the NGC & IC project group. Very interesting historian information and other stories how they fixed/corrected missing and wrong entries of the NGC and IC deepsky catalog dated about 100 years ago. The Saguaro Astronomy Club can be found at http://saguaroastro.org/archive/home.htm.
The SAC 7.1 database is now available as the standard HNS_SAC1.DAT, HNS_SAC2.DAT and HNS_SAC3.DAT files for HNSKY. Since the abbreviations and comments are often longer, I suggest to download HNSKY version 2.059. In older versions the statusbar text length is limited to 130 charactors only. You can use your old default.hns file but you have to switch on the stars to "ON" in the object menu.
The following has changed in HNSKY since 2000-4-9:
-00-06-14 Update for 2000+ plus help (v1.01) file with potporri of astronomical information such as annual meteor showers.
-00-06-13 Release of version 2.053ß. Improved interpretator for abbreviations.
-00-06-12 Release of version 2.052ß. Allows long messages on status bar. First preliminary version of deepsky databases based on SAC70.
-00-06-07 Release of version 2.051ß. Improved time update routine. Up/down key for maximum star magnitude. Overvied for dark moonless nights for the next 30 days, Up/down key readable in "night vision mode". Action Arrow key in OBJECT menu improved.
I will introduce HNSKY version 2.06 after two week or so. It will be almost identical to version 2.059. I like round numbers and I only want to improve a few very small things in HNSKY next time. Then hope again to slow down. Family is calling. And my new computerized telescope is coming...
I still hope that HNSKY will described in Sky&Telescope or Astronomy one day. I you have good relations there, please inform them about HNSKY.
That's all for this time. Thanks for all the replies and comments. Without those, this program would never be expanded to this state.
====Happy computing and clear skies, Han Kleijn, Bruehl Germany.====
Newsletter of the HNSKY planetarium program. Date: 2000-4-9
Dear "Hallo northern sky" planetarium program user,
The latest version (2.05) of HNSKY has just been released. Major new features are "TYCHO-2 in HNSKY format", "2000plus database" and "USNO CD access".
The following has changed in HNSKY since 2000-2-9:
1) 2000-2-17 The new Tycho-2 star database is available in HNSKY format. Total size is 23 Mbytes. Downloading will take 2 1/2 hours using a 28k8 modem.
2) 2000-4-9 Swapped horizontal and vertical flip action.
3) 2000-3-31 Stars and supplement files can be selectected by double clicking on there name in object menu.
4) 2000-3-25 New function to plot the path of solar/planetary object such as comets and asteroids over an adjustable time range.
6) New supplement introduced under 8) containing 6395 Tycho-1-main and Tycho-1 stars as omitted in Tycho-2.
7) 2000-3-18 Syntax check function in editor for supplements and asteroid/comet files. Improved supplement interpretator. ,, is interpretated as ,0, or ,999, Replace function and cursor postion indication for internal editter.
8) 2000-3-16 USNO A2.0/SA1.0/SA2.0 access. Get your free CD. See help file.
9) Load of time related events, adjustable supplement names. Load several color setup's
10) Adjustable startup time option (actual or 24 hours). All beta versions will be accessible from here in future. USNO see http::
11) 2000-3-14 Export program for D32 and DAT star databases under 6)
12) 2000-2-28 2000+ deepsky catalog in Windows help file for direct acces via HNSKY. With friendly permission from domain 1000plus.com
13) 2000-2-13 Updated asteroid and comet file valid for the year 2000 added.
Expected: May 2000: New improved SAC 7.0 deepsky database.
The coming month, I will spend more time with my family and look to the sky then looking to a computer screen. So not much activites expected.
That's all for this time. Thanks for all the replies and comments. Without those, this program would never be expanded to this state.
====Happy computing and clear skies, Han Kleijn, Bruehl Germany.====
Newsletter of HNSKY planetarium program. Date: 2000-2-9
Dear "Hallo northern sky" planetarium program user,
The new Tycho-2 star database (I/259) has just been released officially by the "Strasbourg astronomical Data Center (CDS)" on the 8 of February. This new catalog contains the 2.5 million brightest stars in the sky.
I'm proud to announce today (9 th of February) that the release v 2.0393 of HNSKY supports this new high accuracy star database.
To use this new high accuracy database, you have to download about 160 Mbytes directly from the CDS (http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/Cats.html) or mirror sites and run the conversion program as provided under 4) on my HNSKY software webpage. Conversion will take minimum about 10 to 24 hours computing time.
Other new features of HNSKY 2.0393 are:
1) Corrected SAO and PPM stardatabase. In the southern hemosphere all stars where about 10 arc second too much to the south.
2) CCD measuring frame and user adjustable view size.
That's all for this time. Thanks for all the replies and comments. Without those, this program would never be expanded to this state.
====Happy computing and clear skies, Han Kleijn, Bruehl Germany.====
Tycho-2 information:
Abstract:
The Tycho-2 Catalogue is an astrometric reference catalogue containing
positions and proper motions as well as two-colour photometric data
for the 2.5 million brightest stars in the sky. The Tycho-2 positions
and magnitudes are based on precisely the same observations as the
original Tycho Catalogue (hereafter Tycho-1; see Cat. <I/239>))
collected by the star mapper of the ESA Hipparcos satellite, but
Tycho-2 is much bigger and slightly more precise, owing to a more
advanced reduction technique. Components of double stars with
separations down to 0.8 arcsec are included. Proper motions precise to
about 2.5 mas/yr are given as derived from a comparison with the
Astrographic Catalogue and 143 other ground-based astrometric
catalogues, all reduced to the Hipparcos celestial coordinate system.
Tycho-2 supersedes in most applications Tycho-1, as well as the ACT
(Cat. <I/246>) and TRC (Cat. <I/250>) catalogues based on Tycho-1.
Supplement-1 lists stars from the Hipparcos and Tycho-1 Catalogues
which are not in Tycho-2. Supplement-2 lists 1146 Tycho-1 stars which
are probably either false or heavily disturbed.
For more information, please consult the Tycho-2 home page:
http://www.astro.ku.dk/~erik/Tycho-2
Newsletter of HNSKY planetarium program. Date 99-12-9
Dear "Hallo northern sky" planetarium program user,
It is almost 2 months ago since HNSKY version 2.00 was released. First I thought the program was more or less finished, but due to the cloudy sky here, I spend more time at the computer monitor then looking to the sky. More ideas came up and many users send there remarks and comments. Now the program has reached version 2.02c.
Most important new features:
1) WIN95 style hint labels for direct labeling of any object as soon the mouse pointer is nearby. See screenshot of NGC869 & NGC884 on the software page. (v2.00h)
2) Full NGC/IC description such as NGC214 , pretty faint, pretty small, little elongated gradually very little brighter in the middle. Important: You have to download the new extended deepsky databases (type III) to get the full description. Or you could rename your old databases but you will miss the extended description. (v2.01)
3) Direct move to north, south, east,west and zenith. (v2.02)
4) Many small improvements in behaviour of dialog windows, hints, describtions and many more.
The GSC CD's from ASP are discontinued. The only source known is the internet. See internet adres in the help file.
That's all for this time. Thanks for all the replies and comments. Without those, this program would never be expanded to this state.
====Happy computing and clear skies, Han Kleijn, Bruehl Germany.====
__________________________________________________________________________________
Newsletter of HNSKY planetarium program. Date: 99-10-3
Dear "Hallo northern sky" planetarium program user,
HNSKY version 2.00 has been finally released. This version will work with windows 95, 98 and windows NT 4.0 5.0.
Most important new features:
1) It can handle more then 10.000 asteroids and comets. The latest files with the orbital elements can be download from the internet.
2) Supplements in ASCII format. With these you can extend the program databases yourself.
3) Adjustable colors.
4) Improved printing in 600 DPI quality.
In case you have a permanent or a very fast internet connection, you could download the GSC, Hubble guide star catalog. 1300 Mbyte compressed in less then 300 Mbyte. See help file.
That's all for this time. Thanks for all the replies and comments. Without those, this program would never be expanded to this state.
====Happy computing and clear skies, Han Kleijn, Bruehl Germany.====
__________________________________________________________________________________
Newsletter of HNSKY planetarium program. Date: 99-7-13
Dear "Hallo northern sky" planetarium program user,
- HNSKY for win3.1 has reached version 1.60i.
- HNSKY for win95/98 has reached version 1.99ß06. Can be downloady from my web page. See end of this message.
The win95/98 program is still under development, but I it has reached a state where I could not wait to inform the users. The following major improvements with respect to the version 1.60 have been achieved:
1) Seperate comet and asteroid data file for several hunderds of comets and asteroids in "TheSKY" format. Updates available from internet.
2) Improved scroll/roll feature. For example color the comets and asteroids red and blue and see how they move around the ecliptic with the +-23:56 hour buttons.
3) Colors of comets, asteroids and deepsky objects, grid and font are adjustable.
4) Win95 help balloons and status bar.
It uses the same SAO, SAC and PPM database files as version 1.60.
And of course, there is still the suppport for the GSC, hubble guide star CD-roms and the moons of Mars, Uranus and Neptune.
Please report any succesfull use. Reports from users are scare.
That's all for this time. Thanks for all the replies and comments. Without those, this program would never be expanded to this state.
====Happy computing and clear skies, Han Kleijn, Bruehl Germany.====
Newsletter of HNSKY planetarium program. Date: 99-5-30
Dear "Hallo northern sky" planetarium program user,
HNSKY version 1.60ß01 has been released. The following has changed since April 1999 (v1.41):
Version 1.60: - Support for "Guide Star Catalog" CD-ROM database, commonly known as the "GSC".
Version 1.50: - Support for major moons of Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Orbits of moons can be drawn.
- More info at cross-hair.
The program is now at 1.60ß01. I'm currently reorganizing Hnsky for a change in compiler from turbo pascal 7.0 to Delphi 4.0. This is a lot of work and i'm not sure if it will completed. The final version of 1.60 has not been released (will take a few weeks) but the current ß version does everything as desired and is fully functional. Please report any succesfull use. Here is a short description of the Hubble Guide Star Catalog:
HNSKY has the ability to use the "Guide Star Catalog" CD-ROM database, commonly known as the "GSC". This set of 2 CD-ROMs (one for the northern sky, the other for the southern sky) contains approximately 15 million stars. Limiting magnitudes about 15. The Guide Star Catalog (GSC), which has been constructed to support the operational need of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) for off-axis guide stars, contains nearly 19 million objects brighter than sixteenth magnitude, of which more than 15 million are classified as stars.The GSC was originally created to provide a large database of stars over the whole sky with which to aim the Hubble Space Telescope, and is the largest star catalog currently in existence.
Use of GSC in HNSKY:The GSC is divided in regions with a size of about 2.5 degrees. HNSKY can display them combined till a pratical limit of about 20 degrees. Within this displayed area, objects can be mouse selected to display there details. Due to the fact that the GSC is not sorted by magnitude, a mouse selection click could result in the data of a fainter object nearby. To prevent this, go to a higher zoom factor. Additional the same objects can found using the search option. This search is limited to the displayed GSC part and therefore to the maximum 20 degrees when zooming out.
The 15 million stars in the GSC are displayed in white. All other 4 million mainly "non-star" objects in green.
In the menu settings, the correct CD drive(s) should be selected. When there is only one drive available, set both drive settings to the same drive and swap CD's if required.
Ordering GSC: The GSC is not supplied with HNSKY, but must be purchased separately. See help file.
Plan for the future: No major change expected except compiler change from Turbo pascal 7.0 to Delphi 4.0 compiler
That's all for this time. Thanks for all the replies and comments. Without those, this program would never be expanded to this state.
====Happy computing and clear skies, Han Kleijn, Bruehl Germany.====
__________________________________________________________________________________
Newsletter of HNSKY planetarium program. Date: 99-4-4-
Dear "Hallo northern sky" planetarium program user,
HNSKY version 1.41 has been released. The following has changed since January 1999 (v1.40):
99-4-4 Release v 1.41.
*Bayer star designations added. If "name all stars" is on and "constellations" is on, all constellation stars will get there Bayer designations from the greek alphabet.
* New scroll bar for selecting constellations, solar objects and named stars directly with a mouse click. So if you have problems with typing, this is your option.
99-2-27 Release v 1.40c. Small correction in displayed information.
99-2-26 Small update for Barnard's loop in SAC_3SKY.DAT.
99-2-15 Release v 1.40b. In v 1.40 was accidentally the search for named star disabled.
99-2-13 New small utility program ORB_DET. A simple windows program which calculates the orbital elements of a minor planet based on three observations/positions using the Gauss method. Can be downloaded from my webpage.
Plan for the future: Maybe improved support of moons of Saturn, Uranus.
That's all for this time. Thanks for all the replies and comments. Without those, this program would never be expanded to this state.
====Happy computing and clear skies, Han Kleijn, Bruehl Germany.====
__________________________________________________________________________________
Newsletter of HNSKY Date: 99-1-31
Dear "Hallo northern sky" planetarium program user,
HNSKY version 1.40 has been released. The following has changed since version 1.35 was released at December 22, 1998:
Release HNSKY 1.40:
- Added deepsky contour option. To see better object inside LMC and so on.
- Improved colours for hi and low colour drivers.
Release HNSKY 1.39:
- Introduced three versions of the SAC deep sky database, SAC_1SKY.DAT, SAC_2SKY.DAT and SAC_3SKY.DAT. The deep sky database SAC_2SKY.DAT is compatible to the old SAC_HSKY.DAT file and contains the NGC and IC objects. This old file can be renamed to SAC_2SKY.DAT if required. SAC_1SKY.DAT contains a selection of 260 objects for beginners or people who live in urban areas and do not need 8000 objects on the screen, they will never see. SAC_3SKY.DAT is the largest deep sky database and contains to complete SAC database of about 11000 objects.
- Font size adjustable. So you can increase the font size till 20 points.
Release HNSKY 1.38:
- Font type changed from Roman to Swiss, Small improvements.
Release HNSKY 1.37:
- Magnitude calculation for comets.
- Small correction leap years.
Release HNSKY 1.36:
- PPM star database added. 467000 stars till magnitude 10/11 or so. You will need a fast computer for this file.
Here some information of the file structure:
The six files required:
1) HNSKY.EXE
2) HNSKY.HLP
3a) SAC_1SKY.DAT (small) or 3b) SAC_2SKY.DAT (medium) or 3c) SAC_3SKY.DAT (large)
4a) SAO_HSKY.DAT (small version) or 4b) SAO_HSKY.DAT (large) or 4c) PPM_HSKY.DAT (very large)
5) BWCC.DLL
6) DEFAULT.HNS
1) and 2) and 6) are in HNSKYP.ZIP
3a) and 3b) are in HNSKYD.ZIP
3c) is in HNSKYD4.ZIP
4a) and 5) are in HNSKYD1.ZIP
4b) and 5) are HNSKYD2.ZIP
4c) and 5) are in HNSKYD3.ZIP
That means you need: HNSKYP.ZIP and HNSKYD.ZIP and HNSKYD1.ZIP
or: HNSKYP.ZIP and HNSKYD.ZIP and HNSKYD2.ZIP
or: HNSKYP.ZIP and HNSKYD.ZIP and HNSKYD3.ZIP
additional HNSKYD4.ZIP can be downloaded
That's all for this time. Thanks for all the replies and comments. Without those this program would never be
expanded to this state.
====Happy computing and clear skies, Han Kleijn, Bruehl Germany.====
__________________________________________________________________________________
Dear "Hallo northern sky planetarium program user, Date 98-12-24
Just in time before a trip to my family tomorrrow, I finished HNSKY version 1.35. If the required data is available in the SAC database, deepsky objects are show as ovals.
The counters keep on running on the webpage. 6958 visitors since june 12, 1998.
Here is a complete list of the changes in HNSKY since version 1.32.
1) Galaxies as ovals:
If the length, width and orientation in the SAC database are given, then the objects are drawn as ovals/ellipses with the corresponding size and orientation. Not only the new program v1.35 (160 Kbyte) but also the new updated deepsky database version II (100 Kbyte) has to be downloaded.
files:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/han_kleijn/hnskyp.zip (program 160 Kbyte)
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/han_kleijn/hnskyd.zip (new SAC_HSKY.DAT, 100 Kbyte)
2) Corrected help file (thanks Irv). v.135
3) Lunar eclipse
During a lunar eclipse the shadows on the moon are show using two dotted circles. v 1.34
4) Error in alphanumeric data of sun/moon corrected. v 1.33. The display was however 100% correct.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
If you do not like to be on this simple mailing list, please let me know.
The latest version can be downloaded from my web page:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/han_kleijn/software.htm
or: hnsky.home.dhs.org
The program Hallo northern sky plots the night sky for any time and location. It displays all stars to about magnitude 12 (Tycho-2 2.5 million stars) and 10607 SAC deep sky objects. It also shows all planets, Moon, Sun, moons of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, phases of the Moon and inner planets, solar and lunar eclipses, rings of Saturn and minor planets and comets. HNSKY has the ability to use the GSC or "Guide Star Catalog" and or USNO SA1.0 / A2.0/SA2.0 CD-ROM databases with a limiting magnitude of about 15 or more.
The intention of the program is to familiarise you with the night sky and prepare yourself with a map for a night with your telescope. To help you with this, all deepsky objects are displayed in the correct size and orientation if available.
This program is free. Please distribute and enjoy. Inform me if you liked it. Comments are always very welcome. This program stays (C) Han Kleijn and you may not make money of it. Please distribute with original files only.