History
of the HNSKY planetarium program.
Report your questions,
sugggestion and problems at the HNSKY
forum or send to me directly 
History:
2023-05-29 HNSKY
4.2.15c Improved the editor. Fixed the id for single instance running which was the same as ASTAP.
2023-05-08 HNSKY
4.2.15a For Linux and Mac version the selection "no telescope" was not working. Fixed for Linux.
2023-04-27 Corrected the uploaded version from 4.2.14b to 4.2.15
2023-04-25
HNSKY
4.2.15 Added an option to disable telescope link to avoid errors. Fixed
star boldness for the V16 and V17 star database. Fixed plotting stars
in some areas. Removed statusbar1 message. Gave a title to a download error message
2023-02-28
HNSKY
4.2.14b Fixed a runtime error in settings for Linux and Mac version (when selecting non-English).
2023-02-28
HNSKY
4.2.14b Fixed a runtime error in settings for Linux and Mac version (when selecting non-English).
2023-02-19
HNSKY
4.2.14a Fixed a problem for moveaxis command for tracking solar objects.
2023-02-18
HNSKY
4.2.14 Improved smooth tracking of solar objects. See new options in settings menu, tab settings.
2023-02-15
HNSKY
4.2.13 Allowed only one instance of HNSKY (for link CCDciel), allowed
text search for objects when not displayed. Fixed small refresh bug
terrestrial view.
2023-02-12
HNSKY
4.2.12 Revamped INDI telescope control. Improved solar object tracking.
2023-02-01
HNSKY
4.2.11b Fixed a runtime error running under Linux. Some minor cosmetic corrections.
2023-01-29
HNSKY
4.2.11a Fixed a bug in Tracking smooth solar object.
2023-01-29
HNSKY
4.2.11 Overhauled INDI communication.
2023-01-25
HNSKY
4.2.11ß3 Added seconds for update interval, Add tracking smooth of comets and asteroid. See telescope popup menu
2023-01-25
HNSKY
4.2.11ß Fixed INDI client. Added mount tracking rates to follow comets and asteroids.
2023-01-23
HNSKY
4.2.10 Added solar object apparant movement and pa to statusbar and added to the server export (for CCDCiel)
2022-12-14
HNSKY
4.2.10ß2 Allow "Dark nights next days" display when running a system at UTC time but a different time zone.
2022-11-16
HNSKY
4.2.9 Fixed a small star coverage problem.
2022-10-31
HNSKY
4.2.8a Added some translations for angular measurement.
2022-10-19
HNSKY
4.2.8 Fixed asteroid and comet track function (INS). Added a shortcut for menu no sidereal motion.
2022-09-30
HNSKY
4.2.7 Added menu option "no sidereal motion"
2022-09-30
HNSKY
4.2.7ß2 (Use alternative links) Some minor changes.
2022-09-29
HNSKY
4.2.7ß (Use alternative links) New czech.ini, fixed problem deepsky magnitude jumping to
max. Adapt hint font size to other font settings. Fixed convergence
problem comets. Increased the accuracy of comet calculations with an
eccentricity close to 1.
2022-07-24
HNSKY
4.2.6 Fixed direct screen refresh is comets or asteroids are selected.
2022-04-28
HNSKY
4.2.5 Replace the TCP communication library. Overhauled Alpaca
and INDI communication and fixed memory leaks. Overhauled server.
2022-04-24
HNSKY
4.2.4a Fixed a fatal error is switching from Alpaca to Ascom.
2022-04-23
HNSKY
4.2.4 Fixed a problem in the Alpaca interface.
2022-02-27
HNSKY
4.2.3 Added an option to the popup menu to measure distance. Improved angular distance measurement for large distances.
2022-02-12
HNSKY
4.2.2 Change the three state checkmarks to two states for asteroids and comets.
2022-02-11
HNSKY
4.2.2ß1 Fixed instant refreshing time when repaint is done due to key press.
2022-02-08
HNSKY
4.2.1 Simplified operation. Only switching between terrestrial and celestial mode. Improved measuring frame.
2022-02-07
HNSKY
4.2.1ß, Simplified operation. Only switching between terrestrial and celestial mode.
2022-01-21
HNSKY
4.2.0, Released the first macOS version. Redesigned rectangle
selection. Fixed a star coverage program for SAO and PPM near celestial
poles.
2021-12-30 HNSKY
4.1.33b, Fixed JPL orbital elements import for Chrome.
2021-12-04 HNSKY
4.1.33a, Fixed the date menu tab to the first tab.
2021-11-30 HNSKY
4.1.33, Fixed importing JPL orbital elements.
2021-10-01 HNSKY
4.1.32, Update of the Catalan translation and help file in the Windows version.
2021-09-08 HNSKY
4.1.32, Fixed selection of JPL ephemerides (DE430/431).
2021-09-03 HNSKY
4.1.31a, Fixed a freeze by the comet unit for dates before 1995. Improved updating delta-t setting in date menu.
2021-06-18 HNSKY
4.1.31, Fixed an other star coverage problem.
2021-06-13 HNSKY
4.1.30b, Fixed placing a rectangle at the celestial pole.
2021-05-10 HNSKY
4.1.30, Fixed a star coverage problem (since dec 2020). Fixed printing of planet and deep-sky fits images.
2020-12-31 HNSKY
4.1.29, Better fix for star coverage problem when the celestial pole is in the corner of the window.
2020-12-30 HNSKY
4.1.28, Fixed some minor star coverage problem when the celestial pole is in the corner of the window.
2020-12-12 HNSKY
4.1.27, Gaia online version adapted to eDR3. Uploaded the
first new Gaia star databases based on Gaia release eDR3. Difference
will be minimal.
2020-12-07
HNSKY 4.1.26, Fixed slew to option. Could not be
switched off.
2020-11-12
HNSKY 4.1.25, Change the option slew to in the
search window. Now in all cases the map will center on the searched
object.
2020-10-23
HNSKY 4.1.24, Fixed removing downloaded DSS
files. Upgrade of the deepsky database for Cygnus.
2020-10-05
HNSKY 4.1.23, 2 Fixed swipe behavior for Linux version
only. Happened if the left mouse button is pressed while mouse is
moving.
2020-10-05
HNSKY 4.1.22 Changed mouse position in RA, DEc to full
resolution. Mouse click position to statusbar. Updated Bulgarian
translation. Added popup menu to search window to allow to
copy
the list from search window to clipboard.
2020-9-29
HNSKY 4.1.21 Identical as ß6 except after search with center
on the telescope tracking is disabled.
2020-9-21
HNSKY 4.1.21ß6 Added blue colour (can be modified)
for DSS blue bandpass. Added new translation keywords.
2020-9- 19
HNSKY 4.1.21ß5 Added new bandpass menu for DSS downloads. If
you
have installed HNSKY 4.1.21ß4, then please delete manually the
install FITS files in documents/hnsky\ fits first.
2020-9- 13
HNSKY 4.1.21ß4 Modified load fits option. The original fits
directory is preserved.
2020-9- 13
HNSKY 4.1.21ß3 Added non-english labels for new menu option
2020-9- 12
HNSKY 4.1.21ß2 Fixed hints for unicode.
2020-9- 10
HNSKY 4.1.21ß1 Modfied FITS functionality. Number of FITS downloads is
now unlimited. Added an option for only clearing visible FITS files.
For faster access, the FITS file name contains now a RA, DEC position
code.
2020-9- 1
HNSKY 4.1.20 Modified save-as for supplements, such that the supplement
name is copied to object menu. Upgraded the supplement "M33 global
clusters".
2020-8-28
HNSKY 4.1.19 Remove menu NAO DSS-image download since they shutdown
their service. Fixed some problems with reading supplements. Added two
supplements with global clusters of M31 and M33.
2020-8-20
HNSKY 4.1.18a Fixed plotting FITS files across the celestial
pole.
2020-7-17
HNSKY 4.1.18 Fixed missing grid labels on the right side of the screen.
Hungarian translation update available by István.
2020-5-14
HNSKY 4.1.17 Fixed a problem when using the measuring frame in
combination with dragging the map around. Update the main database and
some star supplements.
2020-4-15
HNSKY 4.1.16 Fixed an asteroid download problem. All MPC asteroids
where loaded. Added a Sourceforge update link for asteroids and comets.
2020-3-23
HNSKY 4.1.15 Fixed a double click problem in search window.
Fixed
a alignment problem and colour problem in menu move_to. Some code
improvement. Fixed error message for moveto between -10 and+10 degrees
declination.
2020-2-24
HNSKY 4.1.14 Fixed a problem in selecting the external databases in
hnsky_themes. Some code cleanup in the objectmenu.
2020-2-21
HNSKY 4.1.13 Fixed some minor problems for downloading asteroids.
2020-1-26
HNSKY 4.1.12 Updated the language files for de Linux version.
2020-1-25
HNSKY 4.1.12 Modified the goto menu and added "slew_to" option to the
search window.
Modified go to window:

Added "slew to" option for telescope
mounts in the search option:

2020-1-14
HNSKY 4.1.11 Fixed problems using Simbad and Hyperleda
downloads
2020-1-13
HNSKY 4.1.10 Fixed some problem in Simbad and Hyperleda downloads
2020-1-11
HNSKY 4.1.9 Removed night vision. (Use Win10 night light
instead), made horizon thicker. Fixed animation menu for hnsky_themes.
2020-1-9
HNSKY 4.1.8 (no change)
Updated the Catalan help file. Changed for declination the
degrees symbol from "d" to °.
2020-1-7
HNSKY 4.1.8. Modified the asteroid download. Asteroids are now
extracted from the full size file MPCORB.DAT. The small file of bright
asteroids as previously provided by the Minor Planet Center is no
longer available. Note that download take some time size since it is a
very large file. The program extract a selection based on number of
asteroids required and limiting magnitude as set.
2019-11-24
HNSKY 4.1.7b. Adapted the anchor of button "abreviations" from right to
left. Should help in 4k display mode.
2019-11-18
HNSKY 4.1.7a. This version will hide the horizon line if you
make it exactly the same colour as the RA, DEC grid.
2019-9-19
Added IAU and Astronomy magazine constellation supplements,
2019-9-12
HNSKY 4.1.7, fixed a problem with the deepsky level slider. Adapted the
server communication for frames import by the APT program.
2019-9-8 Minor
update of the G16, G17, G18 databases
2019-9-7 Repacked
using an (older) installer compatible with Windows XP.
2019-8-28
HNSKY 4.1.6c Added an arm64 (aaarch64) version for Pi
computers
running a 64 bit operating system. Modified the http file download for
this version.
2019-8-28
HNSKY 4.1.6b Modified code for pulling a rectangle and
measuring frame to be compatible with Raspian Buster.
2019-8-27
HNSKY 4.1.6a Update for Linux version, fixing OpenSSL problem
using the latest Linux distributions.
2019-8-25
HNSKY 4.1.6 Modified displaying FITS images that for all sources the
same brightness settings are required. Fixed in themes version a
display problem with image brightness trackbar.
2019-8-23
HNSKY 4.1.5 Fixed displaying SkyView fits files for very wide field.
(Mellinger survey) Added experimental mosaic design export. Fixed
OpenSSL problem for some new Linux versions.
2019-8-20
HNSKY 4.1.4a Fixed deleting a mosaic rectangle. Updated help file
description designing a mosaic.
2019-8-18
HNSKY 4.1.4 Modified star database routine for small speed
improvement. Removed JPL ephemerides links. In settings added buttons
for path selection.
2019-8-4
HNSKY 4.1.3a Some cosmetic improvements. In the Linux version
added a watchdog for internet access.
2019-8-1
HNSKY 4.1.3 Added Simbad online search. The RA, DEC
grid gets ground colour below horizon.
2019-6-30
HNSKY 4.1.2a. Fixed a problem in hnsky_themes version with the object
menu. Added support for kchmviewer to read deepsky.chm file.
2019-6-28
HNSKY 4.1.2. Added a HNSKY themes version. For 64 bit systems two HNSKY
versions are installed. The second HNSKY_themes follows the Win10
themes. Disadvantage is that the pull down menu text is always black.
Select a lighter background colour to compensate.
2019-6-27
HNSKY 4.1.1. Overhauled the menus to allow one source code for Windows,
Linux and Linux Raspberry Pi. More space is introduced to prevent
overlapping in other operating systems.
2019-6-25
HNSKY 4.1.0b. Fixed some browser help problem in the Linux versions.
2019-6-19
HNSKY 4.1.0. minor improvements.
2019-6-5
Added two new variable star supplements:
- GCVS 800 short period
variable stars.sup
- GCVS 22500 variable stars.sup
2019-5-21
HNSKY
version 4.1.0ß1 Deep sky objects are now in one single file
"deep_sky.hnd". For deep sky level setting a seperate slider is
created.
Therefore any search will look through the whole database.
2019-5-3
HNSKY
version 4.0.5a HyperLeda, change magnitude limit from vt to
bt.
Fixed search radius. Fixed astroid update for previous year data.
Updated the local HyperLeda database.
2019-4-29
HNSKY
version 4.0.5 Magnitude of downloaded online database is now
limited by magnitude setting in the object menu. this will
speedup
the process.
2019-4-28
HNSKY
version 4.0.4 New, online query HyperLeda and Simbad is
plotted in map! Ned still goes to browser.
2019-4-15
HNSKY
version 4.0.3a,b Added get_position command to TCP/IP server.
2019-4-10
HNSKY
version 4.0.3 Adapted to standard colour FITS files
(naxis3=3).
So any FITS files which is solved should be displayed correctly.
2019-4-9
HNSKY
version 4.0.2b,c Greatly improved reading external fits
files.
Contrast/data range is better adapted. Added keywords cwhite,
cblack to fits file reading for better range settings.
2019-4-8 New
German translation by Guido Hollenstein added.
2019-4-3
HNSKY
version 4.0.2a, Added: If asteroid file for this year is not
available, download previous year.
2019-4-2
HNSKY
version 4.0.2, Added precession correction for celestial
north & south cross. Same for polar scope view.
2019-3-18
HNSKY
version 4.0.1, Finalised Alpaca, improved polar alignment
scope
window, fixed a center problem if telescope tracking was on.
2019-3-15
HNSKY
version 4.0.1ß4, fixed equinox and some other things.
2019-3-11
HNSKY
version 4.0.1ß1x, first edition with internal ASCOM Alpaca client.
2018-12-11
HNSKY
version 4.0.0x, improved ASCOM error handling. Fixed background colour
trackbars of object menu.
2018-11-28
HNSKY
version 4.0.0w, added moon Charon (Pluto) internal and as supplement.
Note Pluto and Charon are both rotating around
barycenter which is outside Pluto, so it is not perfect.
2018-11-4,
HNSKY
version 4.0.0v, fixed some artifacts drawn by the measuring frame at
high zoom factors.
2018-9-15,
HNSKY
version 4.0.0u, A CCD frame is now a single object in supplement 2.
This allow to retrieve the center position. Updated the server commands
for CCD frame control. New frame angle definition conform PA for deep
sky objects.
2018-9-15,
HNSKY
version 4.0.0t, added a delete_frame command for the sever. Second name
of object is reported after a server object search. For frames this is
the frame center position.
2018-8-18,
HNSKY
version 4.0.0s, fixed a problem in the object menu, selecting
supplement 2.
2018-8-15,
HNSKY
version 4.0.0r, minor corrections in editor.
2018-8-03,
HNSKY
version 4.0.0q, overhauled the INDI client
2018-6-23,
updated Catalan
translation en Esperanto.ini
2018-6-12, HNSKY
version 4.0.0p, Added three supplements for Nereid
(Neptune
moon), Iapetus (Saturn moon) and Pasiphae (Jupiter Moon.)
These
supplements only work only with version 4.0.0p
2018-6-6,
updated the help file
2018-6-5, HNSKY
version 4.0.0o2, Fixed again Fixed Galilean moons
calculation.
Added in settings adjustment for Jupiter Great Red Spot transit times
2018-6-4, HNSKY
version 4.0.0n,
- fixed a bug
in Galilean moons calculation and updated red spot calculation.
-
fixed night vision mode for Linux
- Added missing
tyc_717.290 to Windows installer
2018-6-3, HNSKY
version 4.0.0m2, replaced editor since it was causing problems under
Linux.
2018-6-3, HNSKY
version 4.0.0L3, online version of Gaia has also star colors. Released
version III of the G16 with all bright stars having colour information..
2018-6-1, HNSKY
version 4.0.0L2, fixed random but wrong colour indication for
databases other then G16. Released Linux version 4.0.0L.
2018-5-31, HNSKY
version 4.0.0L & new G16 database including Gaia colour
information. This new database will only work with version 4.0.0L

2018-5-28, HNSKY
version 4.0.0k adaption of icons to Hi-DPI.
2018-5-23, HNSKY
version 4.0.0j minor cosmetic improvements in menus
2018-5-22, HNSKY
version 4.0.0i2 Cosmetic improvements in menus
2018-5-20, HNSKY
version 4.0.0i
Adapted to Hi-DPI settings up to 192 dpi. Please
report any
problem with missing label or wrong position in the menu's. Many items
have been adapted and something could be set wrong.
2018-5-16,
Linux 4.0.0h, Windows v4.0.0h1. Compiled with compiler option Hi-DPI.
2018-5-15,
Updated help files.
2018-5-10,
HNSKY 4.0.0h, removed GSC star catalogue support.
2018-5-8,
Native star database up to magnitude 18 based on Gaia DR2 released.
Zoom in to the milky way to see stars up to magnitude 18.
Please
update HNSKY to version 4.0.0.g for correct slider settings.
2018-5-7,
New Gaia DR2 based native star database. Magnitude is
photographic BP. A Johnson
V and visual magnitude will follow.
2018-4-25, HNSKY
version 4.0.0e, adapted online Gaia to DR2 release. Improved
plotting speed in some cases by 10-20%
2018-4-23, Updated
Catalan translation.
2018-4-11, Added to
two supplements, one with all stars within 100 light years and one with
all stars with G2V spectrum.
2018-4-11,
HNSKY version 4.0.0e, fixed broken FITS routine of 4.0.0d
2018-4-11,
HNSKY version 4.0.0d, modified the "max magnitude" slider
effect on asteroids. Less are displayed.
2018-4-5,
HNSKY version 4.0.0c, build in a protection against
compressed FITS files.
2018-4-1,
HNSKY version 4.0.0b, fixed a problem starting the
editor containing a large file.
2018-3-27,
HNSKY version 4.0.0a, fixed the position of the mosaic
building rectangle for mean and apparent coordinate systems.
2018-3-26,
Maintenance update. Improved Occult import, Fixed numerical
integration of large asteroid files.
2018-3-23,
Maintenance update. Added small step zoom by Shift+Mouse
wheel and small step rotation by Alt+Mouse wheel.
2018-3-19,
Adapted asteroid import for Occult .csv format.
2018-3-14,
fixed the help files for Chrome browser
2018-3-7,
HNSKY version 4.0.0 is final and released
The program main changes
compared with 3.4.0 are:
Program:
-
Improved swipe
functionality.
-
New improved telescope cursor, the telescope is position is now shown
as correct sized and orientated rectangle. Orientation can be set
manually with mouse wheel while holding CTRL key down.
- Added possibility to design mosaics.
(measuring frame on, hit HOME. To remove rectangle hit CTRL+DEL)
- Goto menu has slew to functionality
if "track telescope is on".
- Three-state check-mark for asteroids
and comets. Grayed=all, checked=auto
-
Three-state check-mark for star names. Off=bright stars only,
Grayed=supplement stars only. Checked=All star names.
- Vizier online server for star catalogue
can be set in settings.
Catalogues:
- Added PPMXL online star catalog.
-
Added Lynds (LBN) supplement containing 1125 bright nebula as
supplement and brightest to the deepsky level 3 database.
-
Added Hickson Compact Groups of Galaxies (HCG as separate
supplement and to the deepsky level 3 database.
New improved telescope cursor:

Building mosaics:
2018-1-1, HNSKY
4.0.0ß1,first release, executable only. No changes in layout
and
functionality except swiping (left mouse button down) goes now very
smooth with some overlap at fields <40
degrees. Mayor re-coding of graphic routine was required.
2017-11-28, HNSKY for
Windows version
3.4.0b.
Asteroid editor sees now .txt files from Minor planet making import
easier.
New program released:
2017-11-2, ASTAP,
Astrometric Stacking Program version 0.0.0ß
(2017-11-2).
This replaces HNS_FV
2017-10-15, HNS_FV
fits viewer version 0.0.0ß28. Fixed a
small mouse wheel problem in Win7 only.
2017-10-12,
HNSKY for Windows & Linux version
3.4.0a1, fixed the
help call of the editor, Linux fixed installation under education.
2017-10-11, Windows
& Linux version
3.4.0a,
fixed the help of the setting menu.
HNS_FV
version 0.0.0ß27, added HFD and FWHM values to the
info caption.
2017-9-30,
HNSKY for Windows & Linux version 3.4.0. released.
2017-9-29, Windows
beta
3.4.0ß18
and stable version 3.3.5k, fixed some non-English language problems and
overhauled repaint.
2017-9-27, Windows beta
3.4.0ß17 and stable
version 3.3.5, overhaul drawing routine. Prepared for translations.
2017-9-22, Windows
beta 3.4.0ß16, small modification in server output for the measuring
frame angle.
Demonstration video of the server link between
APT
3.3.7 & HNSKY 3.4.0ß and
HNS_FV:
https://youtu.be/b1GW1neM3zk
https://youtu.be/gj6QUQX1sPc
Demonstration video of the server link between
CCDciel and
HNSKY:
https://youtu.be/-yUvVVNEq0I
2017-9-21,
HNS_FV version
0.0.0ß26, fixed front-end problems. Now you can rename it as
PlateSolve2.exe and it will create plate solved FITS files from every
file.
2017-9-18/20,
Windows stable version 3.3.5j and Windows/Linux beta 3.4.0ß15 ,
overhauled the CCD measuring frame routine resulting in a more
reliable repaint.
2017-9-17,
Stable version 3.3.5i and beta 3.4.0ß14 , CCD measuring frame can be
free rotated using Ctrl + Mouse scroll wheel.
2017-9-16,
Stable version 3.3.5h with cosmetic changes. Final version 3.4.0 will
be issued soon,
HNS_FV Version
0.0.ß25, cosmetic changes.
2017-9-13, Linux
and Windows v3.4.0ß13_FPC, server bug fixes.
2017-9-7, Linux
and Windows v3.4.0ß12_FPC, updated the
server
commands. For communication with
Astro
photography Tool &
CCDciel
in the near future.
2017-9-3/4,
HNS_FV Version
0.0.0ß24, added histogram and pop-up menu. Find platesolve2.exe by
double click. Fixed conversion of JPG and PNG files.
2017-8-22,
Deepsky database update. code optimalisation for Windows v3.3.5g
and Windows & Linux version v3.4.0ß11_FPC. Fixed auto
daylight savings in FPC version.
2017-8-16, Windows
v3.3.5f and v3.4.0ß9_FPC, Minor improvements in
search window.
2017-8-15, Windows
and Linux v3.4.0ß8_FPC, Improved again
swipe reliability.
2017-8-14,
Windows v3.3.5e2, swipe cursor update.
Windows
v3.4.0ß7_FPC, fixed auto connect telescope, swipe cursor
update. Improved swipe reliability.
2017-8-13,
Linux and Windows v3.4.0ß5_FPC, live swipe. See
Youtube
channel. Fixed automatic daylight savings for time zones in
America.
2017-8-12,
Windows v3.3.5b, c, d, e live swipe. See
Youtube
channel. Fixed automatic daylight savings for time zones in
America.
2017-8-11,
Windows v3.3.5a, / v3.4.0ß4, delayed the swipe cursor a few
pixels. Fixed asteroid import from Occult.
2017-8-10,
Windows v3.3.5, added basic swipe screen functionality. hold CTRL-key
and press left mouse button to swipe with the mouse. If swipe is
enabled in settings, no CTRL key press is required. It is a very basic
swipe-screen function. Screen is not updated until the mouse button is
released. Note that near the celestial poles you swipe a globe
which turns around the poles.
Window version 3.4.0ß3_FPC with a
server. Work in progress. Intension is to continue
with the FPC version only.
2017-8-9,
HNS_FV Version
0.0.0ß21, strech draw, ctrl-z function. Fast Bayer matrix conversion.
2017-8-1,
HNS_FV
FITS image viewer which can call PlateSolve2 and add the plate solution
to the FITS header. Version 0.0.0ß1
2017-7-28,
Windows 3.3.4d, Minor fix in measuring frame.
2017-7-27,
Windows 3.4.0ß1_FPC version with server to be controlled from APT.
Download 3.4.0ß Work
in progress
Intension is to continue with the FPC version only.
2017-7-16, Updated
Esperanto and Catalan language files.
2017-6-29, MS
Windows version 3.3.4c, Linux version 3.3.4b_FPC.
Fixed the mouse position indication in cylindrical projection.
2017-6-23,
MS Windows version 3.3.4b, Linux version 3.3.4a_FPC. Fixed a
path problem opening a FIT's file using the pull down menu.
updated Spanish language module, "Deepsky level 3" and
"Sharpless2, catalog of HII regions (emission nebulae).sup"
2017-6-21,
- MS Windows version 3.3.4a. Linux version 3.3.4_FPC. Fixed updating
FITS checkbox in object menu. Improved some night vision colors
in Moon & dark skies window. Updated deep sky database
for Sharpless-2 objects without H-alpha emissions.
2017-6-21,
- MS Windows version 3.3.4. Updated the Moon & dark skies
window: 1) Added adjustable colors for the twilights , 2)
astronomical twilight definition is adjustable. 3) added date scrolling.
2017-6-17,
- Added two new (small) supplements: Landolt UBVRI photometric standard
stars in the magnitude range 11,5-16,0 and Miles stars with spectral
data.
2017-6-7,
- MS Windows version 3.3.3f, added to UCAC4 info the APASS B-V
magnitude for estimating star color and the calculated star temperature
and class.
2017-6-4,
- Linux version 3.3.3L_FPC (amd64 and i386) Fixed a major problem with
mouse position detection (source code typo). Secondly a fix for the
Linux version preventing application hanging if no internet connection
available. For the Linux version the Skyview download link should be
changed from http to https to make it working! In version 3.3.3L1 this
is done automatically.
2017-6-3,
- MS Windows version 3.3.3e
- Linux version 3.3.3k_FPC (amd64 and i386)
Reintroduced midnight=24:00 hours as far as possible. I was not happy
with the temporary 23:00 hours solution. The time input still
doesn't allow 24:00 hours /12:00 PM and will show midnight as next day
at 00:00 hours/12:00 AM. Since it is a standard module mirroring the
operating system time format it can't be changed.
Fixed a problem with syntax check for supplements.
2017-5-20,
- Linux version 3.3.3j_FPC fixed some path problems for help file and
selecting FITS directory. Adapted some windows for large font size.
Issued Linux i386 version (32 bit)
- MS Windows version 3.3.3d3, fixed a font problem in Windows 7.
2017-5-19,
Linux version 3.3.3h_FPC repacked with correct permissions set for the
non English .ini files. The non-english files where not accessible You
could solve this manually by following command line:
sudo chmod 666 /opt/hnsky/*.ini
2017-5-16,
New
Catalan help
file by Antoni Clavell and updated Esperanto
translation of the program by Ramon Perera.
Windows version 3.3.3d2, added some words to translations.
Linux version 3.3.3h_FPC, fixed a problem with the grid in mean equinox
of date. Added some words for translation.
2017-5-8,
Windows version 3.3.3d, Linux version 3.3.3g_FPC, fixed a
problem that in rare case magnitude of stars was not given.
Added the Win10 Night light option to the night vision mode. Note this
will only work if you have the latest Win10 updates and it will take 10
minutes to reach maximum red color shift. If switches off, Win10
will take 10 minutes to restore the normal colors.
2017-5-8,
Linux version 3.3.3f_FPC, fixed in Settings menu the dropdown
list of non-English versions.
2017-5-7,
Linux version 3.3.3d_FPC adapted for new folder /opt/hnsky.
2017-5-5,
Windows 3.3.3c, fixed a problem in the status as introduced
inversion 3.3.3b.
Linux version 3.3.3c_FPC, Major overhaul Linux version:
- Fixed a problem with the time menu
- Fixed unreliable zooming using rectangle.
- Removed night vision from menu.
- Fixed manual entry in Object and Animation menu.
- Fixed presentation of some Ok buttons
- Adjusted some window layouts.
- Removed INDI message during start.
- Closed deepsky circles since bug in FPC was fixed.
2017-5-4, Windows version 3.3.3b, added CTRL+double mouse
click for telescope pointing.
2017-5-3, Linux version 3.3.3b_FPC. Fixed some path
problems. Now released in a Debian package.
2017-4-29, Linux version 3.3.3a_FPC Fixed some problem in
the
INDI
interface. Works now reliable for remote control
using
INDI
and with drivers like LX90, LX200, Celestron.
2017-4-16, very minor corrections in the help files.
2017-4-14, HNSKY version 3.3.3. Added access to wide
field DSS images from
NAO.
This allows large fields up to 6° similar as
Skyview. Example:
2017-4-12, HNSKY version 3.3.2d and Linux version 3.3.2d_FPC,
several minor corrections.
2017-4-9, HNSKY version 3.3.2c and Linux version 3.3.2c_FPC.
Some minor improvements. The Linux version is no longer ß. Will be
identified with same version ending with FPC.
2017-4-7, HNSKY version 3.3.2.

Two new features for supplement manipulation and one could be be used
to keep a logbook of observations :
Edit menu for a single supplement entry:
1) For convenience HNSKY provides and additional edit menu to access a
single supplement entry. This could be used to add a log or an
observation in the "type" field. You could either use an
existing supplement or add a new label at the mouse position (home
key). Rename an existing supplement before you use it otherwise a new
HNSKY version could overwrite it if updated.
See in the online help file:
www.hnsky.org/help/uk/hnsky.htm#suppl_edit
Import tool in the editor:
2) New option for creating a supplement from a text list of objects. I
made this for personal use. If I copy my HTML based astro image web
page and then paste it inside the editor, the program will process and
create a list of labels with their corresponding position. All
recognizable deep sky names will be recorded once and remainder will be
ignored. This helps me personally to keep an updated record of deep sky
objects images taken. Any textual list of deep sky object will be
imported. Maybe useful for others.
2017-3-31,
Introduced
Spanish
help
file.
Excellent translation work by Roberto
2017-3-8, HNSKY Linux version 3.3ß42. Fixed a
problem with the map clock.
2017-3-7 and 8,
Help file
overhaul, Roberto made very nice new style. Thanks.
Hope you like it.
2017-3-6, HNSKY version
3.3.1a/ 3.3ß41 Updated the help file and non-English files.
2017-3-2, HNSKY version
3.3.1 Significant update:
- Added a modern date & time input and a monthly
calender. The calendar doesn't allow dates beyond year 1752 and 9999 so
there is still an traditional input. The midnight button is
now setting 23:00 hours. since 24:00 hours is not allowed in the
current setup.
- Automatic daylight saving adjustment for time zones
in the setting menu
USA:
PST/PDT, MST/MDT, CST/CDT, EST/EDT
Europe: GMT/BST CET/CEST
The daylight saving is based on the current valid rules and works from
1977 (
arbitrary) to year
20.000+. No effort is made to follow historical changes using
a so called Time Zone Database. Using the function buttons F3, F4, F5,
F6 it is possible to step through the daylight saving dates changes.
- Uses the decimal separator dot or comma as specified in your
(Windows) system settings . However the dot as separator is always
accepted.
Both the daylight saving and date & time menu took significant
effort to implement. Please review and report any bug or
problem.
Some work for the translation files is still required.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
2017-2-25, HNSKY version 3.3.0f, added the ASCOM telescope driver
park,/unpark, setpark, home and tracking functions
2017-2-23, HNSKY version 3.3.0e/3.3ß40, included comets in the
min size: auto
mode of the OBJECT menu.
2017-2-22, HNSKY version 3.3.0d, added a help link for
Jet
Propulsion Laboratory Development Ephemeris
2017-2-21,
HNSKY version 3.3.0c/3.3ß39, Changed open cluster contour to dotted
line to follow the convention.
2017-2-20, HNSKY version 3.3.0b/3.3ß38, Added comet and
minor planet velocity to statusbar message. Unit is arcsec/hour sky
motion. Could be used in PHD2 for comet guiding.
2017-2-18, Overhauled the deep sky
database. Added some objects from the old SAC72. Replaced all published
brightness values by calculated values. Now more consistent
brightness values.
2017-2-16, HNSKY version
3.0.0/3.3ß37, added α, δ
symbols for RA and DEC If you don;t like
this select English languge in settings menu. Updated non English ini
files. Updated the
help
file.
2017-2-15, HNSKY version 3.3.0, (3.3ß37 Linux),
Added support for Jet Propulsion Laboratory Development Ephemeris (like
DE430, DE431). Covering years –13,000 to +16,999 . The
Jet Propulsion Laboratory Development Ephemeris will bring
high accuracy for occultations. Overhauled
planet unit. Added apparent position. Updated time menu and
added Julian day input.
2017-2-1, HNSKY version
3.2.7f/3.3ß36, fixed a problem in IAU designation. Fixed some
initialization problems after closing polar view window.
2017-1-18, Very minor update
in the Deepsky database 3.
2016-12-17, HNSKY version
3.2.7d/3.3ß34, improvement in star_index. Removed
some PGC and vdB doubles in the deepsky database. The current
deepsky database is one of the finest error free compilations
available.
2016-12-15,
HNSKY version 3.2.7c, fixed set time menu alignment for higher DPI
settings.
2016-12-11,
HNSKY version 3.2.7b /3.3ß34 , added tool bar buttons to the "set_time"
menu. Fixed a small problem in the drawing mode. Updated Deepsky level
3.hnd.. Added VDB supplement.
2016-11-24,
HNSKY version 3.2.7a /3.3ß33 , changed the north/south line in dotted
line for meridian flip and other reasons.
2016-11-22,
HNSKY version 3.2.7 /3.3ß32 , all numbers on the altitude grid and
horizon have now orientation zenith. This to assist you with
orientation and it looks nicer.
2016-10-30,
HNSKY version 3.2.6.e, made all extensions in editor down case. Added a
Kepler K2 campaign supplement as demonstrator of the supplement
possibilities. Moon occultations in Kepler field:
2016-10-15,
HNSKY version 3.2.6.d & Linux 3.3ß31d, overhauled the bright
star (text) find routine.
2016-10-12,
HNSKY
version 3.2.6b & Linux 3.3ß31b, introduced the 290-9 and 290-5
star database format. Reduced file size again with 10% and
17%. Each star in the Gaia or U16 databases takes around 5
bytes disk space. These database versions are compacter but
there is no gain in speed. You could keep the older databases for time
being. For
technical
details see the help file. Made the star plotting routine a
little faster. Disabled the mouse find function for disabled deep sky
database.
2016-10-4/6,
HNSKY version 3.2.5a & Linux 3.3ß30 and new compacter format
for the star databases without quality loss. TYC and TUC record size
goes from 11 to 10 byte saving 9% space. U16 and G17 go from
7 to 6 bytes saving 14% space. Works only with very latest HNSKY
versions 3.2.5a en 3.3ß30. These database versions are
compacter but there is no gain in speed. You could keep the old
databases. For technical details see help file.
2016-10-2,
GAIA
native HNSKY database up to magnitude 17 contains
164 million Gaia stars. Note that Gaia DR1 is missing some stars so is
less suitable for star maps. HNSKY version 3.2.4b or Linux
3.3ß28 required, just released today. Unpack in the program directory,
typically c:\program files\hnsky
2016-10-2,
HNSKY version 3.2.4b & Linux 3.3ß28. For above Gaia 290 star
database.
2016-9-26,
issued a new version of the TUC star database up to magnitude 15.
Contains 7 % more stars due to other magnitude selection.
2016-9-25,
HNSKY version 3.2.4a & Linux 3.3ß26. Fixed a problem
in reading U16 star database type 290 with 7 byte record size.
2016-9-24, New,
native
HNSKY database up to magnitude 16 contains 113 million stars.
A compilation of UCAC4 and Tycho-2. (RAR file of 437 mbytes). HNSKY
version 3.2.4.001 or Linux 3.3ß25 required. No Tycho-2 or
UCAC4 indentifiers are available due to 7 byte record size.
Instead an IAU style designation based on the position is used.
2016-9-22, HNSKY
version 3.2.4 & Linux 3.3ß25. Introduced 7
byte record size in 290 database.
2016-9-14, HNSKY
version 3.2.3b, Gaia DR1 support using Vizier online database up to
magnitude 20. Gaia proper motion implemented.
2016-9-5 HNSKY
version 3.2.3a, fixed an stream error if switching off the
online database. Adapted plotting range of the TUC database to
magnitude 15.
2016-9-2 Native
HNSKY database up to magnitude 15 containing 36 million stars
made form TYCHO-2 and UCAC4. Compressed in a RAR archive the size is
192 mbytes. It will only work with the latest version 3.2.3. of HNSKY
since it is in the "290" format. Abbreviation in the program as TUC
2016-08-06, HNSKY version 3.2.3
with new .290 star file format. Installer will replace the d32
files with .290 files! This
star database format will be faster and allow larger star databases
