Star finding device

[htcdude]

Is there such a thing that can locate stars/constellations etc for me? I mean there's apps on phones where you hold it up to the sky and it shows you what's where, is there a handheld device that does this? I have a Blackberry phone but don't have an internet connection enabled on it, so guessing I can't download the app or get it to connect somehow without being charged?

Thanks,

Nige

[hank]

There's a free computer program called Stellarium ( Google it! ).
I think the 'phone App is called 'Star walk' .

H.

[htcdude]

Thanks I'll have a look at that tomorrow. Ideally though I want something that I can stand outside with and locate things for me (until I get used to locating things!)

Can I use the phone app one on my phone though if I have no internet connection enabled?

Thanks,

Nige

[hank]

Originally Posted by htcdude

Thanks I'll have a look at that tomorrow. Ideally though I want something that I can stand outside with and locate things for me (until I get used to locating things!)

Can I use the phone app one on my phone though if I have no internet connection enabled?

Thanks,

Nige

Not too sure! When you're talking about Apps, I'm out of my depth - this is too technical for me!
Tentatively, -- I think these devices have the equivalent to a compass inside, so they 'know' in which direction they're facing.

H.
.

[Deb London]

I use TomTom on my phone and I think I can rely on it if I haven't got internet (I've been told, though I've never not had internet). Someone here could turn off their internet and see if their app still works. That would solve one problem. How to get it onto your phone, I'm not too sure. The internet costs so very little though Nige. £ 2.50 for 5 days for me.

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by htcdude

Is there such a thing that can locate stars/constellations etc for me? I mean there's apps on phones where you hold it up to the sky and it shows you what's where, is there a handheld device that does this? I have a Blackberry phone but don't have an internet connection enabled on it, so guessing I can't download the app or get it to connect somehow without being charged?

Thanks,

Nige

I remember HW England once sold a transparent umbrella with star maps on them. So you just stood outside and with your umbrella raised, then gently rotated it until the star groups lined up
(if it was not HWE it was an ad on the same page)

[nytecam]

Originally Posted by Deb London

I use TomTom on my phone and I think I can rely on it ......

Hi Deb - a little OT but congrats on your Jan first massive birdwatch from Brent? - your bird-count-pic next to Hank's automount in WAB Gallery

[Deb London]

Thanks nytecam!

Originally Posted by nightshade

I remember HW England once sold a transparent umbrella with star maps on them. So you just stood outside and with your umbrella raised, then gently rotated it until the star groups lined up
(if it was not HWE it was an ad on the same page)

A good, low tech idea!

[valleyforge]

Originally Posted by htcdude

Is there such a thing that can locate stars/constellations etc for me?

Check out this device from Celestron:
Celestron SkyScout Personal Planetarium - Accessories

This page has some video guides to the device, which not only gives you audio and/or text info on any celestial object you point at, but can also be used to guide you to a particular star or planet too.

[Boddie]

For those of you wondering about the apps available, here is the best video on youtube, that I could find anyway, to illustrate what these app's can do.

Star Walk tutorial - YouTube