Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see all 6,000 objects in the SkyScout’s database?

The 6,000 objects in the SkyScout were chosen because they represent the brightest objects in the sky. In order to see all 6,000, you would need to be under very dark, clear skies, away from city lights.

Can I use my SkyScout in the daytime?

Since the SkyScout has GPS, it can locate and identify stars in day as well as night. Obviously it would be difficult to see stars or planets in the daytime, but you can still locate them and learn about them. Please remember, due to possible damage to your eyes, you should never look directly at the sun with the SkyScout or the naked eye.

What is the SD card slot for?

SD card slot is used for an optional “Sky Tour” audio presentation that provides hours of entertainment on a variety of topics. Sold separately, these “Sky Tour” cards will expand the knowledge of your SkyScout on a topic of your choosing like “Astronomy for Kids” or “Beginner’s Guide to Constellations”.

How does it work?

The SkyScout uses a patented technology that combines 3 main components:

1.GPS receiver: collects information from GPS satellites to get the exact time, date & location.

2.Object Database: database has celestial coordinates for all 6,000 objects.

3.Gravity & directional sensors: tell the unit the angle and orientation it is positioned at.

Once the unit knows the time, date, location, and its orientation, it can find the objects using the known coordinates of the sky objects.

Will the SkyScout work in the Southern Hemisphere as well?

The SkyScout was designed to work anywhere in the world. Whether you are in North America or Australia your SkyScout will always show you the best objects for viewing that is tailored to your exact location. The SkyScout may experience accuracy errors in locations at extreme high latitudes.

Updating your SkyScout

The SkyScout includes a USB cable and built-in USB port to allow you to update the software and database as future versions are released. To update the SkyScout module you will need the following:

•SkyScout Personal Planetarium

•USB cable

•Connection to the Internet

•SkyScout Update Programmer software (Windows only)

•USB drivers

Before you can update your SkyScout you must first install the USB drivers and the SkyScout Update Program included on the SkyScout Companion CD.