Page 97 - All About Space 68 - 2017 UK

STARGAZER
In the shops

Software
Orbiter Space Flight Simulator
Cost: Free
From: orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/
This software is more for the advanced astronomer or physicist
who understands the complexities of rockets and space flight. It is
incredibly easy to install, but we would advise you to have at least
3GB of memory available for the main software, as well as add-ons.
Orbiter Space Flight Simulator gives you an idea of what space
flight really feels like, while remaining true to the laws of physics.
Once the software is installed, you can change certain
parameters before the start of the simulation, changing such
factors as ‘limitless fuel’, ‘radiation pressure’ and other variables
that could affect the Newtonian mechanics of the simulation.
After downloading and installing the 2016 main package, the first
flight of an STS-107 space shuttle was initiated, after which it was
discovered that there was an option to change to the International
Space Station (ISS).
The terrain on the programme was also very impressive, it is
clear that a lot of effort went into making not only the spacecraft,
but even the take-off site at Cape Canaveral in Florida.
With all of this available as free-to-use software, it may be a
handy programme for a professional astronomer to own, or at least
for those who are passionate about the physics and mechanics of
space flight.

Filters
SkyTech CLS Canon EOS Clip Filter
Cost: £59.00
From: Altair Astro
This SkyTech City Light Suppression (CLS) filter would greatly
benefit astrophotographers who are not blessed with skies
untouched by light pollution.
Designed to clip straight onto any APS-C sized Canon EOS camera,
this filter will block out surrounding light pollution, and allow the
light from your deep sky object to pass through to your sensor,
making it easier to capture on film.
If you don’t have a Canon EOS camera, you can purchase a decent
Canon 1100D for below £200, which, when combined with the price
of the filter, is a relativity cheap and admirable astrophotography
kit. After easily attaching the SkyTech filter, it became clear that
the camera settings didn’t need to be adjusted to accommodate for
it. This is a massive time-saver, especially when you have several
targets to observe in a short time and you don’t want to spend a long
period adjusting the camera.
For anyone who lives in an area that experiences mild to
moderate light pollution, such as a rural-urban fringe, this CLS filter
would be an immediate advantage. It will also save you travelling to
a higher altitude to get away from the bright city lights.

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