Where is M13? For Linux

Where is M13? is a free, but not open source, graphical application implemented in Java and designed from the offset to act as a revolutionary tool to view various sky objects, such as stars, planets, or even entire galaxies.

The software is unique, because there’s no other application out there that allows you to visualize the physical properties and locations of deep sky objects of our Galaxy or around it. As its developers describe it, Where is M13? will add a new dimension to your observing.

Key features include two view modes (Galaxy View and Sky View), history of opened files, support for labeling selected objects, coupled vertical scrolling in the Sky View mode, support for modifying the font size, and support for checking for new versions of the software at start-up.

The program comes with support for multiple units for double start separations (Solar System Diameters (ss), Light Years (ly), Light Days (ld) and Astronomical Units (au)) and object distances (Light Years (ly) and Parsecs (pc)).

Another interesting feature is the filters functionality, which separates in two categories: Object Types and Catalogs. Among the Object Types filters, we can mention Global Clusters, Open Clusters, Diffuse Nebulae, Planetary Nebulae, Galaxies, OB Associations and Starts. On the other hand, Catalogs filters include Messier, NGC, Collinder, Caldwell, Bayer Starts, Flamsteed Stars and Other.

Looking under the hood of Where is M13?, we can notice that it is written entirely in the Java programming language, including its GUI (Graphical User Interface). It is available for download as a universal pre-built binary package that works on any distribution of Linux.

Being written in Java means that it’s a cross-platform software, which can be used on any computer operating system where the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is available, including all GNU/Linux distributions, as well as Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. Currently, both 32-bit and 64-bit hardware platforms are supported by the application.