Astronomy Software for Palm OS

I use a Palm M515 as an organizer, mainly for work, but have found some very neat astronomy-related programs that expand the utility of this device. I previously used a Palm IIIxe. P means I think the application is useful and would recommend purchase.

P Jovian v2.5.1 from Hans Anger (http://www.astro-metrics.com/) ($11.99). I actually prefer this application over J-Moons! (below) because of the additional features. The colors are great on the M515, but the gray scale version looks (and works) fine on the non-color capable Palm IIIxe. 

This screen is what really sold me on this particular application. J-Moons! doesn't allow you to tell the relative position of each satellite (i.e. in front of or behind Jupiter).

This screen shows where the Great Red Spot is. The bar in the middle of the screen is used to show the position of the storm on the back side of the planet. 

This screen shows the identification for the various belts on the planet. This is great for those nights where the seeing allows for more detail to be seen.

This screen gives brief background information on the satellites, the Great Red Spot, and major zones on the planet. The information presented isn't all that detailed. 

 

Star Pilot Logo

 PStar Pilot Advanced (v1.4) from Star Pilot Technologies ($35.95 - $39.95) which is a software bundle that includes the following applications:

PJ-Moons! is a program that calculates the positions of Jupiter's 4 largest satellites.

  • This program is great because it allows you to configure the view so that it exactly matches what you see through the eyepiece (i.e. North = down, left = West, etc.). I now know exactly which satellite is which.

  • The program automatically calculates the positions for your time zone. You can also set the time/date to any value and get the positions of the  satellites.

 

PMoon Info! is a program that calculates the phase, rise & set times, age and distance of the Moon.

  • One of my favorite programs because I can plan deep sky (and Lunar) viewing sessions based on the phase, rise and set times.

  • This program will give time and dates for the Moon's quarters and Lunation (I don't know what this means yet)

  • There's a quick view for Rise and Set times for your location for the previous, current and next day.

  • Date & Time information is displayed as Julian, Universal and Local. This is great for recording observations.

  • The program also displays the Rise and Set times for the Sun, as well as the distance from the Earth.

 

PPlanets!  is a program that calculates the positions of the planets.

  • Calculates Rise and Set times for your location. There is also a table format where this information is presented for all of the planets.

  • Calculates RA and DEC (and Alt/Az) coordinates. This is great if you have Digital Setting Circles and want to "dial in" the planets. Excellent for spotting the planets during daylight hours.

  • Calculates phase for the inner planets.

  • Calculates visual magnitude, angular size, distance from the Earth. Also calculates the time it takes light to reach the Earth.

 

PMessier! is a program which calculates the position of all of the Messier objects.

  • Calculates Rise and Set times for your location. Excellent for planning purposes!

  • Lists the Constellation, object type, magnitude and RA/DEC (also Alt/Az) coordinates.

  • Has an observing feature for each object where you can record observing notes (equipment used, rating, general notes) and will even time/date stamp the entry.

 

PStar Pilot is a small sky atlas (map) which gives object positions in the visual sky.

  • Plots the relative positions of the planets, Sun, Moon, brighter stars and Messier objects.

  • Has zoom feature to magnify a smaller portion of the displayed map.

  • Identifies and provides information for objects that you select by tapping on the position on the map.

 

PSol! II is a program that calculates real-time information for the Sun.

  • Calculates Sun Rise, Sun Set, Day Length, start and end of Civil, Nautical, and Astronomical Twilight.

  • Calculates the length of day with twilight times added for any location you specify.



2red v1.1 from in2space ($5.95) is a neat concept, but doesn't really work on the Palm M515. The concept is to change the display to red on your PDA in order to help preserve your night vision. Sure, it will change the display to red for most applications, but because the Palm M515 is backlit, the basic, obnoxious white glow still emanates from the edges of the screen. The white light is bright enough to read by. Even though it's less than $6, I'd suggest you wait until something better comes along, especially if you have a backlit color device.

 

palmhand.gif (3169 bytes) And it all fits in the palm of your hand (or shirt pocket)!

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