I started using Celestia a couple months ago, and I’m hooked. I’ve been waiting for a real space simulator for a while, and I’m using some other programs to add things to my Celestia universe.
I’m learning Wings 3D for the models, and I use Anim8or to add textures to the models. I’ve started creating my own worlds and spacecraft, and I may make a little science fiction film if I get inspired.
Is anyone else using these programs? I’m curious to share experiences and tips with someone other than their forum experts. You can learn a lot, but they concentrate on the “flavor of the week” in their discussions and are not openly welcoming to newbies.
The biggest realization I took from this program is that most of the stars we see are within 500-600 light years of Earth, and we really can’t see a lot of the Galaxy from here.
Note: The main Celestia page is down, but I linked to the forums- if you want to download the free program, follow their links.
I downloaded it, and I think it’s pretty cool. I just don’t have the time or creativity to make models of my own.
Unfortunately, from reading their forums, it looks like several of their primary contributors have had to “retire”, making a sizable delay in updates and addons. Sorry I don’t have much more to add that that.
I’m downloading it right now…it looks like fun.
Shouldn’t posts about Anne Heche go in Cafe Society?
(ducks, runs)
I don’t get it. uses Google
Oh, now I see. 
I always thought she was spacey.
I know Happy was joking, but for those who don’t, Celestia is a three-dimensional simulation program of outer space. Stars, planets, and galaxies- along with anything else, like spacecraft real and imagined- are rendered in 3D and can be set in orbital motion. For example, you can animate a TIE fighter from Star Wars zipping past Earth, or a giant skull rising over a dead planet. It all depends on what models and skins you make or import. Ever wanted to see the constellations as they appear from Sirius, or even Aldebaran?
I’m willing to share some of the things I have made for the program. If interested, drop me a line.