This is the current incarnation of Where Is M13?
The old astronomy software application (for computers only) was a neat tool that showed a top-down (plan) and side (elevation) view of our galaxy and where selected objects were. As you viewed the two panels, you gained a sense of where the object was in three dimensions. Was it above the plane of the galaxy or below? Was it ahead or behind (from a galactic coordination perspective)? Was it near or far?
I wrote a review of Where Is M13? back in 2016 for my Binary Universe column in the February RASC Journal.
Over the years, I used the tool often for educational purposes (see example 1 and example 2).
Some time ago, I noted some chatter on Cloudy Nights. The author had a new version available.
I downloaded it a couple of days ago. And it's great.
Some of the big improvements are that is offers a true three-dimensional interactive view that may be panned. This further heightens the feeling of flying around in space. Also, it now runs on mobile devices. I tested in on both the Windows 10 (64-bit) and Android. The interface is quite different so that's taking a little while to get used to. Oooh. Red light mode is now available!
I sent a bunch of questions and comments to the developer.
I think I'll do a full proper new review of Our Galaxy in JRASC as it is quite different...
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