Explore the Universe with Stellarium: An Open Source Planetarium Software
Stellarium is a cutting-edge, free, open-source planetarium application designed for desktop computers. This tool offers a lifelike depiction of the night sky, emulating what one would naturally observe with the naked eye, through binoculars, or via a telescope. It’s not just for casual stargazers; this software also finds application in professional planetarium projectors. Simply input your geographic coordinates, and you’re ready to embark on a journey through the cosmos.
Key Features of Stellarium
- Realistic Sky Simulations: Experience an authentic reconstruction of the heavens, complete with sunrises and sunsets.
- Comprehensive Star Catalogue: Access a default database containing over 600, 000 stars, with the option to download additional catalogues encompassing up to 210 million stars.
- NGC Data: Find detailed information about all objects in the New General Catalogue (NGC).
- Messier Objects: Browse images of nearly all Messier objects and stunning views of the Milky Way.
- Constellation Illustrations: Discover artistic depictions for all 88 recognized modern constellations, along with those from over a dozen diverse cultures.
- Eclipse Simulation: Visualize solar and lunar eclipses with precision.
- Photorealistic Landscapes: Enjoy breathtaking backgrounds (additional landscapes are available on the official website).
- Scripting Support: Create customized experiences using ECMAScript, with several demonstration scripts provided.
- Plugin Extensions: The software supports various plugins, with eight pre-installed, including:
- Artificial Satellites Plugin: Updates data from an online TLE database.
- Ocular Simulation Plugin: Displays how celestial objects appear through selected oculars.
- Solar System Editor Plugin: Imports data on comets and asteroids from the Minor Planet Center (MPC).
- Telescope Control Plugin: Compatible with Meade LX200 and Celestron NexStar telescopes.
Latest Updates in Stellarium
The newest version introduces several enhancements and features:
- Significant updates to support diverse sky cultures.
- Incorporation of two new plugins: Mosaic Camera and Custom Nebula Textures.
- Core improvements for optimal performance.
- Updates and expansions in the sky cultures section, including the addition of a new culture. For a comprehensive overview, refer to the full release notes.
Download and Explore Stellarium
Ready to explore the stars? Download the latest version:
- Stellarium 25.2 (64-bit) | File size: 361.0 MB (Open Source)
For more information, visit the Stellarium Home Page, or check out the releases for Other Operating Systems. You can also view a screenshot of Stellarium in action.
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