Astronomical Software 1
Scientific Computing
P. O. Box 5091
Littleton, Colorado 80123
Timex/Sinclair 1000, 1500; $19.95
AS1 provides functions frequently found only on more expensive software for more expensive computers. Combined into two compact “Time Options” and “Coordinate Options” menus, we see many selections that were treated as separate programs in Eric Burgess‘ ‘Celestial Basic.’
TIME OPTIONS 1. Date to Day Number 2. Date to Julian Day Number 3. Julian Day Number to Date 4. Date to Day of Week 5. UT to LMST 6. Coordinate Options COORDINATE OPTIONS 1. Obliquity of the Ecliptic 2. Angle Between Two Objects 3. Precesses Coordinates 4. Equatorial<>Horizon 5. Equatorial<>Ecliptic 6. Equatorial<>Galactic 7. Time Options
The monitor screen is divided into three segments for program input, output and prompts. Your input is echo-printed at the top left corner of the screen. Program output is vertically centered. Additional options appear at the bottom of the screen after the current computation is complete.
All date inputs are made with the month in numerical form. A decimal point is required to separate hours and degrees from fractional parts.
The “Time Options” routines take into account the effect of leap years and the changeover from the Julian to the Gregorian Calendar. The “Coordinate Options” functions provide two-way conversions. Either format may be used to obtain coordinates in the other system.
The documentation is excellent. A fifteen-page manual provides an overview of program functions, input formats and constraints, and error recovery. Each program function is summarized, and sample input and output for that function are shown.
I infer from the “1” appended to the program’s name that this is the first of a series of astronomy programs developed for T/S Computers by Scientific Computing. I hope this is the case, because AS1 is a very professional looking but highly specialized product.
Reviewed by Duncan Teague
Planet Finder
Michael E. Zerbo
16 Colony Drive
West Sayville, New York 11796
Timex/Sinclair 1000, 1500, $5.95; 2068, $9.95
Planet Finder as a title is a misnomer. The program doesn’t find planets as does an Ephemeris. It isn’t Eric Burgess’ Skyplot, a telescopic view of a section of the ecliptic. It also isn’t Burgess’ Planet Finder, a panoramic view through a picture window at a span of the Earth’s horizon.
Planet Finder is a collection of astronomical images and information. It’s a cleverly designed, graphically interesting file of solar system data, celestial bodies, and planetary configurations.
Planet Finder loads in two parts. The first program opens with the theme from a classic science fiction movie, produces an animated drawing that reminds me of a local advertisement for water beds, and finally displays a menu of four choices:
1. Load Main Program 2. Review Program Instructions 3. Review Astronomy Terms 4. Terminate Program
Option 2 contains instructions for use of the main program. Option 3 defines astronomical terms ranging from “albedo” to “terrestrial planets.” Option 1 loads the main program with these options:
1. Review Planet Information 2. Planets And Their Satellites 3. Facts About The Moon 4. Planetary Orbital Tilts 5. Weight Simulation 6. Questions About The Solar System 7. Terminate Program
Options 1 and 3 remind me of a slide set I’ve used in my astronomy classes. Each slide pictures one of the major objects in our solar system. Next to each picture is that body’s vital statistics. These two menu options produce a screen display which differs from those slides only in regard to the position and quantity of the information.
Option 2 is simply an exhaustive listing of currently known satellites. Option 4 is a diagram with the scale exaggerated to avoid clutter. Option 5 includes a drawing of a double-pan balance. Above the balance calculations compare the weight of an object on Earth with its weight on another planet.
Option 6 is a game of trivial pursuit where the category is always astronomy. The test covers general knowledge, the terrestrial planets, the gas giants, and solar system leftovers (the Sun, the Moon, and Pluto). The four test areas can be taken separately or all together. In the latter instance, a grade is given on each part and on the whole test.
The astronomical data is painstakingly accurate and up to date. It correctly shows Pluto as the smallest planet, Neptune as most distant, and Saturn as the planet with the most moons. This program is lighter than an astronomy text and more fun to use.
The TS/1000 version is less colorful, but it loads itself! Both are a great buy at the prices asked.
Reviewed by Duncan Teague