Hi all, I’m trying to pick out a cool christmas gift for my best friend’s SO. He sings in a hardcore band, he’s an awesome mechanic, and he is deeply interested in science, especially outer space.
So i want to get him one of those programs that lets you virtually explore the solar system, and things like nebulae & other galaxies. However, there is a confusing array of this type of software available. I’m hoping that my fellow Dopers will have some recommendations for me. I’m looking for the one that is the most actual fun to use, with the best visuals. And anything else you think I should know.
There’s Celestia–but you can’t exactly give it to him as a present because it’s free. If he’s interested in space flight he’d probably enjoy Martin Schweiger’s Orbiter simulator, but that’s also free.
On the other hand, the people who develop the core software for these applications usually welcome donations. Would a donation in the name of your friend’s SO work?
Thanks, Spectre of Pithecanthropus. I am absolutely down for donating to software developers, especially those who are gracious enough to share the software with humanity in the first place.
I am also wondering about something called, “3D Space Simulator,” and one called “Redshift.” Has anyone used these?