Sky3D 2.0 by Corvus Software
======================================================
Copyright 1997-1998 Eduardo Nunes All Rights Reserved.  

Sky3D Readme Notes

Table of Contents:
1.  Introduction
    1.1 What's new in version 2.0
    1.2 File Summary
    1.3 Miscellaneous Information
2.  Installation
3.  System Requirements
4.  Data sources
5.  Definition of Shareware
6.  Disclaimer Agreement
7.  Contacting the Author
8.  Reporting Sky3D Bugs
9.  Technical Support        


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1. Introduction

Welcome to Sky3D for Windows 95/98 and Windows NT. 
Please take a few minutes to read this file, which 
contains the latest information regarding this release.

Sky3D has been completely re-written for the new version 2.0. 
This was to implement many new features that users of 
Sky3D 1.0 and 1.1 have requested, and to bring content and
data up to date.
            

1.1 What's new in version 2.0

More realistic sky simulation in Sky View mode. The default
appearance of the sky and the galaxy, is much more realistic.
Now the galaxy, is render in Sky View mode.

More realistic sky simulation in Local space mode.
Deep-sky objects are now displayed in Local Space mode.

A new Star System simulator mode is added. The planets 
and moons are rendered as real 3D objects with surface
texture mapping. Include all "known star systems" and
allows one to added new and artificial objects.

The catalogs used in Sky 3D have been completely updated. 

New and improved user-interface. Sky3D's windows have
been reorganized into a more consistent and 
easy-to-use arrangement.
A completely new set of controls has been designed.

Completely new Object Info toolbar.
The new info toolbar present the information from the catalog
in an interactive graphical format, giving you a much clearer
picture of what the information means. 

View detailed information on any star. You can get information
about any object displayed on the sky by simply
pointing at the object with the mouse.

Magnitude filters. Display only stars and deep-sky objects
under a certain magnitude.

The display of additional information, such as star labels
can be switched on and off, making it easy to see exactly
what you want without being overwhelmed by unwanted information.
Objects which have a "popular name," such as the "Rosette Nebula" or
"Barnard's Loop" are labelled on the map with that name.

A new console interface.

Improved help interface. Context sensitive help leads you direct
to explanations of controls in the manual. 

HTML implementation. The information about the objects is 
implemented in HTML, with extensive inter-linking, allow you to
get instant explanations of terms used and information about objects in the sky.
Links to the manual are, of course, included to explain technical terms.

Two models of rendering the objects, offers you schematic star
charts and foto-realist visions of the sky.

Markers's feature allows one to annotate the objects and draw
lines and arrows in the sky maps.

Plugins. Sky3D, now is extensible; you will be able to download
new plugins from Sky3D' Internet site, add your own, and exchange
them with other Sky 3D users.

Save settings and camera locations. Sky3D displays up to eight
cameras with individual settings.

Keyboard "shortcuts" have been added for many common operations,
such as showing and hiding labels, disabling deep-sky objects, the galaxy etc.


1.2 File Summary

=======================================================================
 File Name           Explanations
=======================================================================
DATA\                   - data directory
DATA\CATALOG.VFS        - catalogs pack
DATA\SKY3D2.VFS         - main pack
MARKER\                 - markers directory
MARKER\SOL.MAP          - sol marker
MARKER\SETI.MAP         - seti marker
MARKER\PLANETS.MAP      - extra solar planets marker
MARKER\AXIS.MAP		- axis marker
MARKER\DUMMY.MAP        - marker template
MARKER\NEAREST.MAP	- nearest marker
PLUGIN\                 - plugins directory
SYSTEMS\                - star system directory
SYSTEMS\SOLAR.SSD       - solar system
SYSTEMS\SOLARXT.SSD     - solar system extra data
SYSTEMS\OTHER.SSD       - other stars systems
SYSTEMS\BDWARF.SSD      - brwon dwarfs systems
SYSTEMS\DUMMY.SSD       - star system data template
SKY3D.EXE               - main executable
README.TXT              - This file
README2.TXT             - Command Line Options, Console Commands, Markers
FILE_ID.DIZ             - A description of Sky3D for Windows.
SKY3D.KEY               - Program key (if you are a registered user, please backup this file)

1.3 Miscellaneous Information

Performance Issues
These are the main strategies for speeding up Sky3D:
Disable the texture mapping for the planets, galaxy and deep-sky objects.
Reduce the number of stars by adjusting the upper magnitude limit downwards.
This should give the greatest (and easiest) speed improvement.

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2. Installation

The program is in PKZip format, and needs PKUnzip(or compatible) to 
expand it.

The program file is called SKY3D20.ZIP
Just unzip the archive in to a directory;
- Check the option "Use folder names" or -d "Recreate the folder
structure that is stored within the archive." in WinZip command line
interface.
To start Sky3D, double click the Sky3D icon.

Uninstall Sky3D

1. Delete Sky3D directory.
2. Delete Sky3D entry in star menu.
3. Delete HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Corvus Software\Sky3D using Registry Editor.


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3. Minimum System Requirements

OS: Windows 95/98 (with DirectX 6.0) or WindowNT 4.0 (SP3/DirectX 3.0)
CPU: Pentium 133
Video: High color support (15/16/24 bits per pixel)
Ram: 32 MB
HDD: 10 Mb
pointer device

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4. Data sources 

Sky3D uses data from many different sources. This chapter describes
those sources, and gives an estimate of the accuracy of the data 
displayed by the program.

Stars

* The Hipparcos Catalog ESA 1997 (118 218 stars) 
(Heidelberg, Germany: Astronomisches Rechen-Institut,1991).

* "Preliminary Version of the Bright Star Catalog, 5th Revised Edition"
Hoffleit, Dorrit, (Yale University, 1991).
[From the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC), USA.]

* "Preliminary Version of the Third Catalog of Nearby Stars"
Gliese, W. and Jahreiss, H.
(Heidelberg, Germany: Astronomisches Rechen-Institut,1991).

* Catalog of the Components of Double, Multiple stars (CCDM) first edition
Dommanget J., Nys O.

* Catalogue of Apparent Diameters and Absolute Radii of Stars, 2nd Edition
Fracassini M., Pasinetti-Fracassini L.E., Pastori L., Pironi R.

For 7255 stars this catalog lists all values of the apparent and absolute
radii from the literature. Data were compiled beginning 1950 up to 1985,
including some data from 1986 and 1987.

Deep-sky objects

* A catalog of parameters for globular clusters on the Milky Way
Harris W.E 1997.

This catalog compiled by William E. Harris contains basic parameters
on distances, velocities, metallicities, luminosities, colors, and
dynamical parameters for 147 objects regarded as globular clusters in
the Milky Way galaxy.

* Catalog of Open Cluster Data (5th Edition) 
Lynga G. Lund Observatory (1987)

The fifth edition of the Lund Catalog of Open Cluster Data gives key
information for all known open star clusters in this galaxy. 
The catalog includes cluster identification, position, reference,
Trumpler classification, membership, angular diameter, mean distance,
reddening, turn-off color, age, Fe/H, radial velocity, star types,
magnitudes, color, number of observed stars, richness class, earliest
spectral class, magnitude brightest member, galactocentric distance,
linear diameter, and comments.

* Catalog of CO Radial Velocities toward Galactic H II Regions
Blitz L., Fich M., Stark A.A. 1982

Catalog of Carbon Monoxide Observations of Southern Hemisphere 
H II Regions
Gillespie A.R., Huggins P.J., Sollner T.C.L.G., Phillips T.G.,
Gardner F.F., Knowles S.H.

* Catalog of 706 pulsars
Taylor J.H., Manchester R.N., Lyne A.G. 1993

The catalog is an up-to-date compilation of the principal observed
parameters of 558 pulsars, including positions, timing parameters,
pulse widths, flux densities, proper motions, distances, and
dispersion, rotation, and scattering measures. It also lists the
orbital elements of binary pulsars, and some commonly used
parameters derived from the basic measurements.

Planets

* Information on the Solar System planets
NSSDC Planetary (http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary)

* Information on the Extra-Solar System planets
Extra Solar Known planets- DARWIN Space Infrared Interferometer Project
(http://ast.star.rl.ac.uk/darwin/planets/planets.html)

Planet-mass objects orbiting pulsars- DARWIN Space Infrared
Interferometer Project
(http://ast.star.rl.ac.uk/darwin/planets/pulsar.html)

New planets' information from Science News (www.sciencenews.org)

List of Planet Search Programs by Alan J. Penny at Rutherford Appleton
Laboratory (http://ast.star.rl.ac.uk/darwin/planets/searches.html)

                            * * * * * *

5. Definition of Shareware 

Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying.
If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to
register.
Individual programs differ on details, some request registration while
others require it, some specify a maximum trial period.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the
copyright holder retains all rights. Shareware authors are accomplished
programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable
quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones.)
The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically
grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry
or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission
before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware.
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find
software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or
Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you
can try before you buy, and because the overhead is low, prices are low also.
Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee, if you don't use the product
you don't pay for it.


Sky3D is a "Shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for
evaluation. Fell free to share it with your friends, but please do not give
it away altered or as part of another system. 
You may not modify, translate, disassemble, reverse engineer, decompile, etc.
The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users
with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for
programmers to continue to develop new products.
If you find this program useful and find that you are using Sky3D and
continue to use Sky3D after a reasonable trial period, you must make
a registration payment. The registration fee will license one copy for use on
any one computer at any one time. 
You must treat this software just like a book. An example is that this
software may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one
computer location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being
used at one location while it's being used at another, just as a book cannot
be read by two different persons at exactly the same time in different
locations. You are encouraged to pass a copy of Sky3D along to your friends
for evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that
they like using it. 
Registration entitles you to a key file, software support via e-mail and
automatic upgrade from future shareware version (by turning shareware version
into a registered version).


                        * * * * * *


6. Disclaimer Agreement

        The manual, all included files, and the Sky3D program are all
        Copyright. 1997/1998 Eduardo Nunes 
        All trademarks are recognised as the property
	of their respective owners.  

Users of Sky3D must accept this disclaimer of warranty: "Sky3D" is
supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or
implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchant
ability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability
for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use
of Sky3D. 

WARRANTY.
THE PROGRAM IS PROVIDED "AS-IS". NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, ARE MADE AS TO IT OR ANY MEDIUM IT MAY BE ON. WE WILL PROVIDE
NO REMEDY FOR INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES
ARISING FROM IT, INCLUDING SUCH FROM NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR
BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONTRACT, EVEN AFTER NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES.
CORVUS SOFTWARE DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE FUNCTIONS CONTAINED IN THE
SOFTWARE WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS OR THAT THE OPERATION OF THE
SOFTWARE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR FREE. 

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:
IN NO EVENT SHALL CORVUS SOFTWARE OR ANY OF IT'S AUTHORIZED DEALERS OR
SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANY OTHER PARTY FOR ANY DAMAGES
WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS
PROFITS, LOSS OF SAVINGS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS
INFORMATION, OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES) ARISING OUT
OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF CORVUS
SOFTWARE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

You acknowledge that you have read this agreement, understand it,
and that by opening or using this software you agree to be bound by these
terms and conditions. You further agree that this is the complete and
exclusive statement of the agreement between you and Corvus Software, which
supersedes any proposal or prior agreement. All rights in the software not
specifically granted in this Agreement are reserved by Corvus Software.
If you have any questions about this agreement, contact Corvus Software in
writing or by fax.

                            * * * * * *

7. Contacting the Author 

If you have any question, comments, bugs reports, or just want to share
some thoughts about the program in general, please contact us.
e-mail: corvus@getsoftware.com

For updates and new releases, visit our web site:
                http://www.sky3d.com

                            * * * * * *

8. Technical Support        

To get most out of your software, take advantage of the following
product support.

Write to us at:
Corvus Software
Rua Sabino de Sousa,17 2Dto
1900 Lisboa
Portugal

FAX: 351-1-8136780
e-mail: corvus@getsoftware.com

When contacting us by post or fax, make sure to include the title and 
version of the software, and a detailed description of the problem. When
sending us a fax, please include your name, and the return fax number with
the area code.
If you purchase Sky3D from an on-line service please indicate witch.
Make sure to note the exact type of hardware that you are using in your system,
including: your CPU type and speed, the amount of RAM present, and Video card
type or manufacturer.

                        * * * * * *


9. Reporting Sky3D Bugs

Where to send bug reports:
E-mail  : corvus@getsoftware.com
FAX     : 351-1-8136780

There are two sections of information - primary and secondary.

Primary information contains information such as date, your name, e-mail
address, etc. Secondary information is actual bug information.
        
If possible, start Sky3D with the "sky3d -d" command line parameter
or check the "Bug report" in setup dialog box, and try to reproduce the bug.

Please run DirectX Diagnostic Tool (\Program Files\directx\setup) and    
attach a copy of your DirectX file (DxDiag.txt) to the end of
the report.

                        * * * * * *

Please Accept Our Sincerest Gratitude for Supporting the Shareware Method.

For updates and new releases, visit our web site:
                http://www.sky3D.com
