Given the increasing levels of light pollution everywhere, software like Sky Map 2000 may be the only way the average person will be able to see the stars...
... which unfortunately makes planetarium software less and less useful over time. For most people, driving to a dark site can take hours if not days of travel :(
I have a telescope but haven't used it in years. I considered switching 100% to Internet telescopes, but the existing solutions are expensive and clunky. I wonder what the future of the hobby is.
I share your dismay. I grew up under dark skies and whenever I get a chance to watch the dark skies it takes my breath away. Soon we will be limited to watching starlink streaks.
Internet and smart telescopes don't do it for me. For the live feel, it's hard to beat a good pair of binoculars. I atleast get to take them out more often than I would have used a telescope.
... which unfortunately makes planetarium software less and less useful over time. For most people, driving to a dark site can take hours if not days of travel :(
I have a telescope but haven't used it in years. I considered switching 100% to Internet telescopes, but the existing solutions are expensive and clunky. I wonder what the future of the hobby is.
Internet and smart telescopes don't do it for me. For the live feel, it's hard to beat a good pair of binoculars. I atleast get to take them out more often than I would have used a telescope.
That said, astrolabes and sundials are a delight.