Tag: Astronomy

  • SkyORB 1.2.2 Launches: iOS Update & Android Alpha Details

    We’re excited to share that SkyORB version 1.2.2 is now available for iOS, optimized for iOS 18! This update brings several enhancements, including improved push notifications and upgrades to the 3D star and planetarium rendering. We’ve fine-tuned the visual experience to make exploring the cosmos even more immersive and enjoyable.

    For Android users, we have more exciting news! The SkyORB version for Google Play is now in closed alpha, and we’re looking for testers to help us refine the experience. If you’d like to be one of the first to explore SkyORB on Android, join the closed alpha test here. An open beta is planned for later in fall 2024, so stay tuned!

    Thank you for being part of our journey as we continue to bring the universe closer to you.

  • Press Release – RealTech VR Unveils SkyORB ∞: The Next Generation Astronomy App

    RealTech VR, a trailblazer in game development since 1994, proudly announces the launch of SkyORB ∞, a groundbreaking astronomy app set to revolutionize stargazing experiences across iOS, Apple Watch, and macOS.

    Designed for users aged 7 to 77 passionate about exploring the cosmos, SkyORB ∞ offers a seamless, immersive journey through the stars, planets, satellites, and celestial wonders. The app boasts a comprehensive 3D planetarium, real-time sky chart with augmented reality, satellite tracking, and personalized notifications and schedules, all without any in-app purchases or subscriptions.

    SkyORB ∞ Features:

    Real-Time Planetarium: Enjoy a vivid 3D representation of the night sky, planets, stars, and constellations that accurately reflects their current positions and movements.

    Astronomy Events: Stay updated on celestial events like meteor showers, eclipses, conjunctions, and more with a comprehensive calendar.

    Detailed Celestial Objects: Explore detailed information on planets, satellites, asteroids, and other deep space objects with extensive data on their characteristics and orbits.

    Sky Maps: Navigate effortlessly through the sky using real-time sky maps and star charts, providing a comprehensive view of astronomical phenomena.

    Daily Notifications: Receive accurate and timely notifications for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset, and other significant astronomical events for your location.

    Custom Observation Locations: Set your preferred observation location or allow the app to access your location for accurate stargazing information.

    Time Travel Feature: Explore the sky at different times and dates to witness past or future astronomical events or celestial alignments.

    Astronomy News: Stay informed with the latest news and discoveries in the field of astronomy, delivered right within the app.

    Educational Tools: Ideal for educators or enthusiasts, SkyORB ∞ offers educational tools for teaching and learning about the universe, including comprehensive information and visual aids.

    AR Features: Augmented Reality (AR) capabilities allow users to visualize and explore celestial objects in their surroundings, providing an immersive stargazing experience.

    SkyORB ∞ for iOS, tvOS and Apple Watch is available at $4.99 on the App Store: SkyORB for iOS https://apps.apple.com/app/skyorb/id1625985880

    Meanwhile, SkyORB ∞ for Mac is priced at $6.99, delivering an unparalleled experience on the desktop: SkyORB for Mac https://apps.apple.com/app/skyorb-astronomy/id6463693445

    As an added treat, a complimentary App Clip is available for users seeking a glimpse of the app’s remarkable features https://appclip.apple.com/id?p=com.skyorb.infinite.clip

    “At RealTech VR, our legacy spans decades of innovation. From our roots in the PC demoscene to our relentless pursuit of crafting cutting-edge mobile solutions since 2008, SkyORB ∞ marks a milestone in our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences,”

    For more information, visit https://www.realtech-vr.com and https://www.skyorb.app 

    Youtube trailer launch: https://youtu.be/fJky_t5aLvM

    Contact:

    Vincent Black

    info@realtech-vr.com

  • SkyORB 2021 – User Manual

    Overview

    SkyORB offers real-time representations of planet positions around the sun. It utilizes GPS, compass orientation, elevation, and even barometric pressure (on some Android devices) to identify visible stars, planets, and phenomena like full moons and eclipses.

    Key Features of SkyORB:

    1. 3D Real-time Planetarium: Enjoy a photo-realistic rendering of the cosmos.
    2. 3D Real-time Sky: Track the sky with your device’s compass and gyroscope.
    3. Comets and Satellites: Keep updated with positions via the web.
    4. Weather Forecast: Stay informed about the weather.
    5. Ephemeris: Access astronomy events for the next 60 days with notifications, even when the app isn’t running.
    6. Day/Night Terminator: See the terminator on a world map.
    7. Universal Search Engine: Find celestial objects easily.
    8. Moon Phases: Get detailed moon phase information, including rise and set times.
    9. Sun Rise/Set Times: Know when the sun rises and sets.
    10. Time Shift: Travel through time effortlessly.
    11. Star Database: Utilizes the Hyparcos 2.0 database with variable star information.
    12. Deep Object Database: Includes NGC IC 2000 deep objects and the Messier database.
    13. Solar System Planets: Detailed 3D rendering with high-definition textures.
    14. Exo-planets List: Updated regularly.
    15. Major Town Detection: Locates the nearest major town based on GPS.
    16. Minor Planets Information: Retrieve updated data from the Minor Planet Center.
    17. Meteor Showers Peak Days: Stay up to date on meteor showers.
    18. Accuracy: SkyORB uses the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s DE404 Long Ephemeris for planet coordinates.
    19. Satellites: Utilizes SGP4/SDP4 for precise satellite positions.
    20. Automatic Tracking: SkyORB can automatically track visible stars.
    21. Comets (MPC): Display comets, meteors, and satellites. (Requires web sync)
    22. Orbits: View the sun’s path for the day.
    23. Star Names: Display the names of stars.
    24. Light Extinction: Simulate light extinction for daylight sky coloring.
    25. Space View: Explore the solar system in various views.
    26. Real View: View the solar system with true scale animation.
    27. Perspective View: Observe the solar system from selected planets.
    28. Gallery View: Compare planet sizes in a real-size alignment.
    29. Sun Clock: Display rise/set terminators and current location.
    30. Moon Phases: Provides moon phase information, apogee, perigee, and eclipse dates.
    31. Ephemeris and Weather: View rise/set times, twilight, and current weather.
    32. Configuration: Customize location, tracking, MPC sync, graphics settings, and UI settings.
    33. Universal Search: Search for celestial objects and locations.
    34. Notifications: Get notifications for astronomical events and sunsets.
    35. Glossary: Understand key astronomical terms.

    Quick Reference: Main Pages

    • Sky Page (Local View)
    • Orbit Page (Space View)
    • Sun Clock Page
    • Ephemeris and Weather Page
    • Settings Page
    • Search Page

    Sky Page

    • Time Shift: Travel through time.
    • Stars Display: Display stars.
    • Comets and Meteors Display: Display comets, meteors, and satellites.
    • Deep Objects Display: Display deep objects.
    • Constellation Display: Display constellations.
    • Planet Display: Display planets.
    • Tracking Mode: Enable tracking mode.
    • Light Extinction: Simulate light extinction.

    Space Page

    • Orbit Display: Display planetary orbits.
    • Time Shift: Travel through time.
    • Point of View Display: Choose your viewpoint.
    • Gallery View Display: View planets in a gallery.
    • Real View Display: Observe the solar system in true scale.

    Sun Clock

    • Day/Time Terminators: See rise/set terminators.
    • Sub-Lunar Position: View the sub-lunar position.
    • Sub-Solar Position: View the sub-solar position.
    • Current Location: Locate the current location on the map.

    Moon Phases

    • Moon: Observe moon phases in 3D.
    • Set and Rise Times: Get moon set and rise times.
    • Apogee and Perigee: Learn about the moon’s apogee and perigee.
    • Eclipse Dates: Find eclipse dates.

    Ephemeris and Weather

    • Astronomical Events Calendar: See upcoming events with notifications.
    • Weather: Retrieve current weather based on your location.
    • Sunrise/Set Time: View sunrise and sunset times.

    Configuration

    • Location: Configure longitude and latitude or use GPS.
    • Automatic Tracking: Enable or disable automatic tracking.
    • MPC Sync: Sync data for meteors and comets.
    • Graphics Settings: Configure textures and rendering quality.
    • UI Settings: Customize user interface settings.

    Universal Search

    • Search by typing to find celestial objects currently above the horizon.
    • Input your location and coordinates for accurate sky rendering.

    Notifications

    • Receive notifications for astronomical events.
    • Choose from three types of notifications: Astronomy, Sun, and Push.

    Glossary

    • Definitions of astronomical terms like right ascension, declination, MPC, TLE, Opposition, Aphelion, and Perihelion.

    This revised format provides a clearer structure for users to understand the features and functionality of SkyORB 2021.