The Tool Palette

The Tool Palette can be used to select several tools and palettes.

Object Selection Tool Selects any object on the screen when you click on it. To select multiple objects, hold down the shift key as you make your selections. Double-clicking the tool will open the Preferences window. Grabber Tool The default. Use this tool to "drag" the sky to the left or right, up or down. Constellation Selection Tool Clicking anywhere in the sky with this tool selected will display the constellation that contains that point. Double-clicking the tool opens an options window that lets you choose what to show when the constellation is selected.

Magnification Tool

Click anywhere on the screen to zoom in that direction. To magnify a specific area of the sky, hold down the mouse button and drag to encompass the area you wish magnified. Holding down the Ctrl key (Windows) or the Option key (Macintosh) while using the Magnification tool will zoom you back out. Double clicking on the tool will return you to a normal field of view.

Time Button

Shows/hides the Time palette.

Planets Button

Shows/hides the Planet palette.

Mouse Button

Shows/hides the Mouse Information window, which gives the name of the object or constellation over which your pointer is resting.

Display Button

Shows/hides the Display palette.

Location Button

Displays the Viewing Location window, which allows you to set a new location.

Current Location

Shows the name, longitude, and latitude of the current viewing location.

Elevation Buttons

Lowers (left button) or raises (right button) your viewing elevation.

Return Home Button

Returns to normal field of view, at the default home location.

Current Elevation

Displays your current elevation in meters, kilometers, or astronomical units, whichever is appropriate. Clicking this display reveals a pop-up menu from which you can select from several preset elevations.

Zoom Buttons

Adjust the magnification level of your current window. Zoom in (right buttons) is like looking through an ever-more-powerful telescope. To zoom back out, press the appropriate button on the left.

Current Field of View

Displays the current field of view. Clicking this display reveals a pop-up menu from which you can select from several preset fields of view.

Window Display Buttons

Left: Normal window view, with menu bars and scroll bars (default)

Center: Full screen view with menu bar only

Right: Full screen view, without menu bars or scroll bars

 

Next: The Time Palette

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