Starry Night Backyard 3.0.3 Publisher: Sienna Software Price: CD-ROM -- $64 (upgrade $40) Download -- $49 (upgrade $25) Age Range: All Ages! Rating:

A "CAP & Dad" Review

A Beginning Comment : Starry Night Backyard 3.0.3 is actually an "upgrade" to their Starry Night Basic 2.1.3. As I don't have a copy of their old "Basic 2.1.3", I can't really explain the differences (I did have the opportunity to see and play with a copy of "Basic" months ago - I never really had a chance to fully check it out).

What is "Starry Night Backyard 3.0.3" :
Just one of the "coolest" ways to explore the known universe from your computer. From finding their location in the day OR evening sky to finding earth's location from another star, it is a realistic stellar adventure that's greater than any science fiction show or game can hope to reproduce.

Okay - What's It Do??
Once you've set your specific location and time (excessively easy) you can automatically start viewing the stars, constellations, planets, asteroids and even distant galaxies from your computer. You can even zoom in on them for great pictures of these astrological entities.

Was the sky too cloudy or night to cold to view the recent lunar eclipse?? Well, download a demo copy of Starry Night Backyard 3.0.3 and go back in time a couple days to view it. You can travel back in time to 4713 BC or forward in time to 9999 AD to view any stellar or planetary event(s) you choose. See Halley's comet, Lunar &/or Solar Eclipses, planetary alignments. or much much more.

Wish you could see a lunar eclipse from the moon? Easy enough with this wonderful program. You can get a view of the galaxy from other planets, moons, the sun, other stars and, for those Pink Floyd fans, even the Dark Side of the Moon. Ever wonder how odd and distorted the present constellations become when viewed from different stars?

Want to share your stellar adventures with others? You can make a QuickTime movie of your adventures (Great for school reports as well) [that is besides saving still images that was already mentioned].

Sounds Complex!
Not really. Their drop down menus and dialog boxes make it extremely easy. If you can use a mouse - you can explore the stars. I recommend checking out all their menus and dialogue boxes for a seemingly endless variety of options; that's why I am unable to even begin to mention all the options available (I haven't even tried them all out myself & I've been playing with this program for 4 days, learning several new aspects of it each day).

Set your Viewing location by Latitude/Longitude, by "Look UP" selection of specific cities, or by dragging the "little red circle" upon the map - for any of the planets, moons or even the Sun. You can also click on the stars and an information dialogue box will open giving you the option to "Go There".

Once you've have your "viewing location" set - the fun begins. Not an astronomer and can't tell which "light in the sky" is a star, planet, moon, or another galaxy? To to the Label menu then down to "All". Can't find your Zodiac? Go to "Constellations" menu then click on "Labels" and "Astronomical."

Looking for "upcoming" events or just interested in if there is anything interesting happening that night? Well, there are also options to look those up - including directly connecting you to the internet and going to the site that "has all the latest and greatest" information.

Conclusions (of sorts) :
For star gazing, astrological viewing and information, for stellar QuickTime movies, for a lot of fun and more; go to their site (http://www.siennasoft.com), take the time and download the demo, give everyone in your family a chance to play with it (as well as friends and neighbors) and if you don't think it is both fun and educational -and- worth every penny - don't buy it. But I bet the majority of you that do try it will buy it. I've already squeezed my purchase into next month's budget!

Rating & Review Summary

CAP Rating = 5 of 5

Pros: He had a "blast". He played with it for almost an hour, just going from planet to planet. The basic controls are easy enough for a 3 year old -- you'd have no problems. Cons: He had no complaints

DAD Rating = 5 of 5

Pros: Way too many "pros" to list in this little box. With a free 14 day demo, it is more than worth the download time. Cons: Absolutely NONE -- Really makes me wonder what they could possibly have added into their "Pro" version.

The Reviewing Team.
"CAP" turned 3 at the end of August and has been "doing 'puters" for about 2 years now. He's presently owns 32 child specific programs and has received 6 more for review at or since EXPO-2000. His opinion is invaluable! As a "child" he sees these programs through a child's eye - and really knows what he likes and dislikes. It is "these opinions" I hope to incorporate into my review. Me?

"Dad"; probably better known as R.P. Phillips of the Phillips Files section of MacMilitia or Bob the "G" man from this Reviews section.

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