The latest version can be downloaded from Softpedia

Nov 17, 2014 17:20 GMT  ·  By

Distro Astro 3.0 is a Linux operating system based on Ubuntu that is designed specifically for astronomers. It packs pretty much all of the most interesting applications regarding this field of study and it's probably the only one of its kind.

Granted, it's possible to install most of the stuff you find in Distro Astro and most of the Linux distributions out there, but that's not the point.

The developers of this distro went through all the trouble of creating a special blend that incorporates all the important applications that an astronomer, beginner or expert, might need. From the looks of it nothing is missing and users will also find some applications that are actually quite good, but not all that popular.

The distribution is quite lite and uses the MATE desktop environment, but this is less important for this kind of operating system. In fact, it's worth noting that most of the distribution is centered around the apps, which provide a great pass time for users, even if they don't even own a telescope.

Distro Astro 3.0 is full of cool tools

The number of applications available in the operating system is impressive and many of them are not for regular users. Fortunately, a few like Celestia or Stellarium are easily recognizable and they are pretty user-friendly.

Distro Astro has features for nearly all astronomical uses – from running observatories and planetariums, to conducting professional research, amateur astronomy, outreach, and astrophotography. That's why we call it Linux for Astronomers.

"The INDI Library built into Distro Astro provides telescope control for common telescopes from Meade, Celestron, Orion, and other major telescope brands. It also provides observatory dome control for commercial domes such as Sirius Observatories, and support for devices like focusers, filter wheels, and cloud sensors."

"It also includes support for a large set of imagers from SBIG, Apogee, Starlight Xpress and Finger Lakes, and common amateur astronomy webcams such as the Philips ToUCam, Mead LPI, and Celestron NexImage. Access to the INDI library is provided by supported clients such as KStars, Cartes du Ciel, and XEphem, all of which are built into the distribution," wrote the developers on the official website.

Distro Astro includes other tools like various planetarium apps, celestial mapping software, data analysis apps, and a lot of education oriented applications as well. More details about this operating system are available on the website. You can download the latest Distro Astro version from Softpedia.

Distro Astro 3.0 (13 Images)

Distro Astro 3.0 desktop
Distro Astro 3.0 launcherDistro Astro 3.0 astronomy tools
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