Stargazing

[Stargazer]

As you may guess from the alias I choose to be known as on the internet, 'Stargazer', I have an interest in the the things that happen beyond the atmosphere of our little blue and green marble.

Many a summers night, I like to lay in a dark field somewhere and just watch the stars and the satellites pass by.

Just a few minutes ago, I was standing on the bridge if U104, my watchman had just told me it was a clear night and not even a hint of any wind. Perfect conditions.

I took in the view, as the clock ticked midnight. And then I saw what I thought was Orions Belt. I thought how cool it would be had the developers actually put real constellations in rather than just place them randomly and get lucky with something that looked like Orions Belt.

Then as I looked around, I saw the Big Dipper, and Cassiopeia... Do software developers not have anything better to do with their time than to make accurate star-scapes? Not that it isn't appreciated of course.

What a fantastic touch!

So amazed I just had to share it.

As you were,

Rob.

[desirableroasted]

I am with you. I live on the edge of the ocean with zero light pollution. Not as good as being in the mountains, but the view is wonderful.

I too, am happily surprised when Orion rises in SH3. It's not exactly in the right place... it will rise in summer ... but it is a nice touch.

[frau kaleun]

One of my favorite things (and there are many) about SH3.

Orion's always been my favorite constellation, seeing it in the game for the first time was really something special!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4650628131_769001a627_b.jpg

[Brag]

I haven´t checked them for accuracy, but the constellations do look like the real thing in the right place. I would need good weather and a few days watching Casiopea to check on accuracy. As is is good enough for me. Certainly a nice touch. :DL

[Tinman764]

Orion is certainly low in the southen part of the sky during the winter months - which, I believe, where it should be for the northern hemisphere.

[Gargamel]

From my observations, they do seem accurate, but they only seemed to map the mag 0 or brighter type stuff. But honestly, any more for just eye candy would just drain the resources, affecting game play.

But interestingly enough, there's a real navigation mod available for SH3. You can use polaris to find your latitude, and kinda of use the sun for longitude. The problem is, from what i read, the clocks in the sub are not accurate. But the whole mod is still a very cool read.

Inspired me to learn how to do this by hand. Figured out how to do this with just the level and GMT clock on my iphone, which is kinda ironic, since it does GPS. But that's a good way to check my work.