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Using The Technology Available
With the advent of cell phones, iPads, tablets and other handheld computers, backyard
astronomers have some powerful tools available to assist in the process of first identifying
what is viewable and where in the night sky it is located. During the Star Alignment process,
the AudioStar Handset is going to pick a couple of different stars that you as the observer
have to get centered in the field of view. The stars are going to be referred to by name and
that should be a clue as to the significance of those stars.
Well fear not, the techno geeks of the universe are here and they heard your anguished
cries for help. Apps such as "Star Chart", "Night Sky Lite", "SkyPortal", "Sky Walk 2" and
many more are available for both the iOS and Android platforms. Some of the best ones are
free and most of them are very reasonably priced.
Just open an app, point the camera of the phone to the night sky and the phone's screen is
filled with information as to what is currently visible and by zooming in, the constellations
with their major stars are drawn out and named. Comparing the image on the phone
screen to the real night sky can greatly assist you in getting your telescope aimed at the
correct star.
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