SkyTools 4 Visual Feature Comparison

SkyTools 4 comes in three editions for visual observing. For imaging, we offer a separate product, SkyTools 4 Imaging. For those who want the ultimate in astronomy software, we offer the SkyTools 4 Visual Pro Edition plus Imaging bundle.

SkyTools 4 Visual is available in three editions: Standard Edition, Standard Edition plus Real Time Observing, and the Professional Edition.  

The Standard Edition is for the casual back yard observer with a telescope less than 14-inches (360 mm). 

The Real Time Observing tool is designed for use at the telescope and includes telescope control, it is included with the Professional Edition. 

The Professional Edition is for the serious observer who observes from dark site, has a telescope larger than 14-inches (360 mm), or any serious visual observer who wants the very best in observing software. This edition has a much larger stellar database, with stars down to 20th magnitude and more advanced features throughout. 

Edition Standard Standard plus Real Time Observing Professional
Level For the casual back yard observer with a telescope less than 14-inches (390mm). For the casual back yard observer with a telescope less than 14-inches (390mm) who wants to use software in the field or to control their mount. For the experienced visual observer who observes from a dark site, or has a telescope larger than 14-inches (360mm).
Stars 16 million stars down to 15th magnitude in some areas 16 million stars down to 15th magnitude in some areas 522 million stars as faint as 20th magnitude
Real Time Observing  No Included Included
Nightly Planner Yes Yes Yes
Custom Finder Charts for Binoculars and Telescopes Yes Yes Yes
Nightly Observing List Generator Yes Yes Yes
Naked Eye and Overhead Sky Charts Yes Yes Yes
Auto-download of current data for bright comets, novae, and supernovae Yes Yes Enhanced
Interactive Atlas Yes Yes Yes
Eyepiece Viewer (movable eyepiece simulation attached to Atlas) Yes Yes Yes
Observing Logbook Yes Yes Yes
Sky Events Planner (eclipses, appulses, Jupiter satellite events, meteor showers, etc) Yes Yes Yes
Ephemeris Generator Yes Yes Yes
Database Power Search Yes Yes Enhanced 
Custom obstructed horizon included in all calculations Yes Yes Yes
Add notes, images, and web links to objects Yes Yes Yes
Download and display DSS images on charts Yes Yes Includes additional image types
Double-star splittability ratings and search functions Yes Yes Yes
Thumbnail Viewer (displays an array of charts for many objects) Yes Yes Yes
Spoken Object Information Yes Yes Yes
SkyTour   Yes Yes
Best Now (objects to view now)   Yes Yes
Telescope Control   Yes Yes
Advanced Comet & Minor Planet Downloads     Yes
Faint Planet Satellites     Yes
Planning for obscure objects with limited data     Yes
GPS Location Tool     Yes
Faint Novae & Supernovae Updated Regularly     Yes
Comet Database Searching     Yes
Minor Planet Database Searching     Yes

Professional Edition Star Database

This picture of NGC 7142 shows how dramatic the difference is in the Pro Edition star database. Pass your cursor over it.

 
Pass your cursor over the image to see the Pro Edition advantage