Based on previous reviews of the Mac and the iPad versions, as well as the technical energy being put into continuous development, I have come to consider SkySafari Pro or SkySafari Plus by Southern Stars the best option for the Mac. They include, for example, Equinox, SkySafari, TheSkyX and Starry Night. There are several Mac apps that combine a sky chart with telescope control for compatible GoTo telescopes. I've defined six categories of apps: a sky chart that does telescope control, astronomy weather forecast, satellite look up, session planning, image processing and last but not least, a superb scientific calculator.ġ. It would be impractical to list every available app, and I recognize that many advanced amateurs will have their own favorites. The goal here is to recommend some very good, respected apps for beginners that are in typical use on the Mac.
What are the essential Mac apps for the backyard astronomer? In this article, I've listed some of the most notable OS X apps that round out a complete technical package for the amateur astronomer.
