Cartes du Ciel

Cartes du Ciel, known as Skychart, is astronomical software that generates detailed celestial charts. The program uses data from 16 star and nebula catalogs, displays planetary positions, asteroids, and comets. Its goal is the preparation of star maps for specific observation sessions. Configurable parameters determine which catalogs to use, colors, object dimensions, representation of solar system bodies, labels, coordinate grids, image overlays, and visibility conditions.

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• Customizable celestial charts. The core of the program is generating maps of the night sky. Customization includes scale, orientation, field of view, and map projection. Adjustments are applied in real-time, allowing the view to be adapted to the needs of the optical instrument being used.
• Extensive astronomical catalogs. The database integrates information from multiple catalogs such as Hipparcos, Tycho, UCAC, USNO, and the Guide Star Catalog. This integration provides stellar magnitudes, spectral types, and data on nebulae and clusters with a high degree of precision.
• Telescope control. Functionality includes compatibility with the ASCOM and INDI protocols for communication with computerized mounts. It allows synchronized pointing (slew), tracking, and coordinate synchronization (sync) from the software interface.
• Ephemeris calculation. The engine calculates positions of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets using celestial mechanics algorithms. Orbital data is regularly updated from the Minor Planet Center and other astronomical services.
• Multiple coordinate systems. The graphical representation works with equatorial, altazimuth, ecliptic, and galactic coordinates. Transformation between systems is automatic and depends on the observer's date, time, and location.
• Optical instrument simulation. The tool replicates the field of view of eyepieces and CCD/CMOS camera sensors. Configurable parameters include the telescope's focal length, sensor size, and eyepiece dimension in millimeters.
• Astronomical image overlay. The function loads FITS, JPEG, or PNG files to align them with the generated star chart. The process uses asterisms for astrometric calibration, identifying stars in the image and correlating them with the internal catalog.
• Observational session planning. The utility creates lists of objects for a specific night, considering their altitude above the horizon, transit time, and visibility conditions. It filters objects by type, magnitude, and constellation.
• Calculation of astronomical phenomena. The module predicts events such as stellar occultations by the Moon, transits of Galilean satellites, eclipses, and lunar phases. Results are presented in tabular and graphical format with time information.
• Binocular and inverted eyepiece view mode. The option adapts the chart for direct use with refractor and Newtonian telescopes. It flips the image vertically and horizontally to match the view through the optical instrument.
• Chart printing and export. The system generates outputs in vector (PDF, SVG) and bitmap (PNG, BMP) formats. Print parameters include scale adjustments, margins, custom headers, and coordinate grids.
• Scripting language. Task automation is done using Pascal scripts. Operations cover generating chart sequences, extracting catalog data, and automated telescope control.

The development history began in 2001 by Patrick Chevalley. The main programmer originally created the application for personal use, later releasing it under the GPL license. The source code is written in the Pascal language, using the Lazarus development environment and the Free Pascal component library. The first public version (1.0) was released in 2002. Active development continues with regular updates incorporating new catalogs, astrometric corrections, and features requested by the astronomical community. Patrick Chevalley maintains the core of the program, while external contributors handle translations, documentation, and testing on different operating systems. Compatibility includes Windows, Linux, and macOS.

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