PlanetDroid

PlanetDroid is an astronomy ephemeris application designed for amateur astronomers and planetary observers. Available for the Android platform, this app allows users to calculate high precision ephemeris and positions of celestial bodies like the Sun, Moon, and planets. Users can download PlanetDroid to access its comprehensive suite of features that cater to various astronomical needs.

The app provides functionality to determine essential timings, including the rise, culmination, and set times of celestial bodies. It calculates the azimuth at which these events occur, as well as the equatorial right ascension and declination. Users can explore ecliptical coordinates, distance, and azimuth and elevation measurements for a clearer understanding of celestial movements.

PlanetDroid includes tools for calculating the equation of time, true local time, and sidereal time. It also allows users to assess the diameter, brightness, central meridian, and position angle of the axis for various celestial bodies. For comets and asteroids, the app provides insights into motion velocity and direction, which can be particularly useful for tracking these transient objects.

The app's visibility diagram enables users to visualize the elevation of selected celestial bodies above the horizon. The white line represents the current elevation of the selected body, while the dark yellow line shows the elevation of the sun. Users can also view twilight times, represented by a horizontal black line at the horizon and a vertical red line indicating the selected time. This feature aids in planning observations and enhances the overall user experience.

For users who prefer offline functionality, PlanetDroid allows the saving of locations. This feature is beneficial for users who wish to access their preferred observation sites without requiring an internet connection. The saved locations can be edited through any text editor, providing flexibility for users to customize their settings.

PlanetDroid supports GPS localization, enabling accurate site-specific calculations. This capability is particularly useful for determining rising and setting times based on the user’s exact location. Additionally, the app offers online access to asteroid and comet orbital databases, facilitating the selection of observation sites with ease.

Lunar phases and planetary aspects can also be calculated using PlanetDroid. Users can find the beginning of seasons, lunar age, and specific timings for events such as opposition, conjunction, and greatest elongation for planets. Furthermore, the app calculates the perihelion timings for comets, making it a valuable tool for those interested in tracking these celestial phenomena.

The augmented reality (AR) feature of PlanetDroid allows users to view the positions of planets and comets live on a camera image. This innovative feature enhances the observational experience and aids in locating selected celestial objects in real-time. Users who do not have a front camera on their devices should note that the AR functionality may be incompatible. However, they can still install PlanetDroid without using the AR feature by downloading it from the developer's website.

PlanetDroid requires several permissions to function effectively. Access to the camera is necessary for the augmented reality feature. The app also requires exact location permissions for accurate calculations related to celestial events. Internet access is needed for downloading orbital elements data and for online selection of observation sites. Additionally, the app requests access to the SD card for storing orbital elements data, settings, and location coordinates for offline searching.

Frequent users are encouraged to consider purchasing the PlanetDroid donation version, which helps support the maintenance and development of the app while also covering associated fees in the Android market. Users who encounter bugs or issues are invited to send error reports for localization and resolution, contributing to the improvement of the app.

PlanetDroid is available for amateur astronomers seeking precise data and calculations related to celestial bodies. Its features provide a balanced and informative resource for both casual stargazers and dedicated observers. With its emphasis on data and facts rather than visual enhancements, PlanetDroid serves as a practical tool in the field of astronomy.

For more information and to download the app, visit the developer's website: http://www.strickling.net/android_engl.htm#PlanetDroid.