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Beta Testing Starry Night 8 (New Deep Sky Objects Database + LiveSky Integration) - Read EVERYTHING To Participate!

Invitation To Everyone:

*** If you were approved for the recent SN7.6.4 beta testing (and already created a support account), then you are pre-approved for SN8 beta testing - and can download the beta and access the SN8 beta testing forum now ***

Everyone here in the Community Forums is invited to participate in Starry Night 8 beta testing!

Your beta-testing feedback, whatever you can contribute, will be invaluable to the success of Starry Night 8!

Please read completely through this post to understand what we are doing for this round of Starry Night 8 beta testing (this is a little different again from how we have done it before)

Starry Night 8 officially supports Windows 10 and macOS 10.10+

 

To beta test Starry Night you need 2 accounts!

  1. support.simulationcurriculum.com account - for providing feedback, reporting bugs, in the Starry Night beta community forum.
  2. beta.starrynight.com account - for downloading the beta.

 

How to Apply - The 2 Part Process:

  1. Please reply here (in a comment below) if you can help us at this time.   And please outline your experience with Starry Night (or SkySafari), including what versions of Starry Night (SkySafari) you have run previously, what telescopes you are controlling, what kind of astronomy you are involved in, if you are a power user, etc.  Importantly, your reply shows us that you have registered a support.simulationcurriculum.com account. 
  2. Visit the following URL and fill out the application webform: https://beta.starrynight.com/reqreg.php  Complete the registration process, choosing a password, and then you can access the beta downloads.  If you are already a registered Starry Night beta tester then please DO NOT fill out the web form again - you are pre-approved.  However, you must still reply here (in a comment below) if you can help us at this time. 

 

*** IMPORTANT*** In your comment below please state whether you have previously beta tested Starry Night 7; i.e, whether you already have the beta.starrynight.com account.

*** IMPORTANT*** If you're testing the beta on a computer that is also using Starry Night for important astronomy research please be careful, and understand what you are doing - if you are not sure what you are doing, please ask for my assistance first!  

*** IMPORTANT*** I don't want anyone to lose any important research.  So, please back up your work before you begin!

*** IMPORTANT***

  • On Windows 10, if you have Pro Plus 7 installed you can not install Pro Plus 8.  You will will encounter a conflict during installation.  So, you must install Pro 8 instead.  If you have Pro 7 installed you must install Pro Plus 8. 
  • On macOS, you can install both Pro Plus 7 and Pro Plus 8 side by side (and same for Pro).

 

When you are approved to participate, notified via an email, you will be able to download the beta and also have access to the Starry Night 8 Beta Testing forum.  The Starry Night 8 Beta Testing forum is hidden until you are approved to participate.

 

*** If accepted to the Starry Night 8 beta-testing forum please do NOT report bug/issues on this post.  See below for workflow ***

 

The Process:

As you find bugs/issues in Starry Night please first review the current discussions in the Starry Night 8 Beta Testing forum (which is hidden until you are approved).  If your bug/issue has already been identified please comment on the existing post. 

If your bug/issue has not been identified please create a NEW post in the Starry Night 8 Beta Testing forum. 

For clarity regarding this bug reporting process please see the post "Example Bug Report" (hidden until you are officially approved)

Please do NOT submit tickets with bugs/issues.

 

How To Follow The Starry Night 8 Beta Forum:

As part of your participation we would appreciate that you follow the Starry Night Beta Testing forum.  Following a forum means you will receive email updates when anyone creates a NEW post or comments/replies to one of the existing posts. This is important for two reasons. 

  1. Following the forum ensures you receive email updates regarding all admin communications to the beta testers.  If admins make a post asking for assistance you will get an email update with that post.
  2. Following is also very important so that you have an on-going status report regarding bugs/issues identified, confirmed, requiring further testing, or have been resolved, etc.  This will help you stay on top of the overall process, and ensure you are not duplicating efforts where issues are already known and resolved.

 

To FOLLOW the Starry Night Beta Testing community forum please see here.  Note, you must have been approved first, and have access to the forum before you can follow it.


 

Replying to Email Updates:

When you follow the Starry Night 8 Beta Testing forum you will receive email updates regarding new posts (and comments, if opted for).  Please do not reply to email updates using the "Reply" function. 

Please first use the "View the comment" link to open the community forum post, then reply to the post. 

This point is crucially important - so please understand the image below.

If you use the email update "Reply" function your reply will NOT be added to the community forum discussion.


Downloading the Starry Night 8 Beta app:

In order to participate you will need to download the Starry Night app from beta.starrynight.com (note, your application approval is required first)

 

About Updating the Beta:

When you run the beta app, it will look for a newer version and notify you if there is a newer version available.

 

How to Use the Community Forums:

For clarity regarding how to use the Community Forums (posting/replying/following) please see here:

How To Sign Into The Community Forums (Required For Posting And Replying To Topics)

Browsers Supported by Simulation Curriculum Community Forums (Cookies Must Be Enabled)

How To Use Your New Community Support Forums

  

Starry Night Beta Testing Summarized

Please...

  1. SIGN IN or create account on this Simulation Curriculum support website.
  2. REPLY to this post (in a comment below) in order to apply to the Starry Night Beta Testing group.
  3. Apply via the https://beta.starrynight.com/reqreg.php web form to join the beta testing.
  4. When approved to join the beta testing, download the SN8 beta from beta.starrynight.com
  5. Previous Starry Night 7 beta testers are ALREADY pre-approved (you can go get the beta now!) but you must still reply in a comment below.
  6. FOLLOW the main Starry Night 8 beta forum to be kept up-to-date of any new posts (bug reports) and discussions thereafter (you get email updates).
  7. REVIEW previous beta testing discussions before posting your bug report.
  8. COMMENT on bugs already reported.
  9. Create NEW posts for bugs not yet reported.
  10. Follow the bug reporting GUIDELINES when reporting or commenting on bugs.
  11. Do NOT reply/comment to community forum email updates.  Instead, VIEW the post first, then comment in the forum.
  12. Post any questions, about anything to do with the beta testing, in the beta forum.  We will reply to you there. 

 

Please also read the "What's New in Starry Night 8 and What We Need Tested" and "About LiveSky" posts here (approval required):

https://support.simulationcurriculum.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360019432514-What-s-New-in-Starry-Night-8-And-What-We-Need-Test-

About LiveSky - Please Read - Very Important

 

Thank YOU! 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Date Votes

159 comments

  • 0
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    Alain Escalle

    I would like to participate in the beta test for v8

    Thank you!

  • 0
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    Fernando Huet Grondona

    Hello,

    I have Starry Night 7 for Windows and SkySafari 6 for Mac and Iphone.

    I use them both for a permanent amateur observatory. SS6 usually for making object list, and SN7 for positioning the scope, comets, etc.

    It should be quite interesting entering your beta tester program!.Thanks

    Fernando, Spain.

  • 0
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    Myron Wheeler

    If still taking Beta Testers I would be interested in testing. I'm not using for telescope control but I have been using it regularly for the last 6 months. Thanks

  • 0
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    Ace of Space

    I have been using starry night 7 for about a year now and I have to say it is great! I use it mainly to know where I am and where I need to look. I would be a good beta tester

    Thank you,

  • 0
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    Kevin

    I would like to apply for SNP8 beta testing.  I've been using SNP extensively since version 5, mostly for content development (at least up until SNP7 discontinued the QT options pane) for outreach programs at McDonald Observatory (we are also a reseller).  We don't, however, use it to control telescopes at this time.  I've been involved with public outreach in my job here at the Observatory for 25+ years.

  • 0
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    JUAN SOL

    Hello, this is Juan Sol, from Madrid (Spain). I'm a registered user of Starry Night since version 3. I don't own a telescope, but my friends share theirs with me. I've never been a beta tester for Starry Night, but I've been beta tester for some different software. I have been using Starry Night in public conferences to talk about astronomy and archeo astronomy. I'm an user also of Sky Safary for Android. Besides I'm already retired from my profession, so I've got plenty of time for testing. 

    Thanks, Juan

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    Welcome Danny, Fernando, Myron, Ace, Kevin, Juan!

    Last weekend of testing!  SN8 is looking good, but I bet you can still find stuff to break ;)  Remember to always backup your hard drive (data).

    Please test:

    • Importing V7 data into V8 (look under the help tab).  Does it import correctly?
    • Telescope control.  Please report success or not with scope system and OS.
    • On Windows, try the custom install option, and install everything (requires about 15GB of hard drive space)
    • Report any issues with LiveSky login and keychain on macOS
    • Search for common objects, and uncommon ones too.  Report any search result failures.
    • Create observing lists, add objects to the lists, report any issues.
    • Checkout LiveSky,.com.  If you have two computers, install on both, and sync your data.  Report anything amiss.

    Your support accounts have been approved to access the Starry Night 8 beta forum!

    Starry Night | Beta Testing Starry Night 8

    Please read all the pinned posts at the top of the Starry Night 8 beta testing forum.

    Please post ALL issues in the Starry Night 8 beta testing forum (not here).

    If you haven't done so yet you also need to apply and be approved for a beta.starrynight.com account.  You can do that here:

    https://beta.starrynight.com/reqreg.php

    ^^^ This is where you download the beta.

    ONE WEEK(END) TO GO!

    Thanks sooo much!

  • 0
    Avatar
    Alain Escalle
    Hello,
    I am a French astrophotographer since three years using Stary Night 7 for controlling my EQ6-R mount.
    I am using Stary Night since version 6 after and my first Orion telecscope two years ago.
    I participate to conferences on a new astronomical festival in south of France.
    I would like to apply for Stary Night P8 beta testing if possible.

    Thank you in advance!

  • 0
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    John Bakker

    Hi  -  I'm keen to help with the beta testing for Starry Night 8.  I will be able to help with it's functionality on a Mac Pro.  I'm not an expert Starry Night user, more  of a beginner+ level (not a complete novice!) and this means that I will be able to assist with the UX of more inexperienced users.  I'm a enthusiast of the night sky and astronomy in general.  I have a science background - a neuroscientist with an interest in quantum physics - I'm not sure how this will specifically help but it will ensure that I bring rigour to my evaluations and feedback and that I will give clear and detailed explanations.

    Thanks and best regards

    John

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    Hi Beta Testers, 

    Here is a little FYI regarding dev.LiveSky.com and www.livesky.com

    At this time, Starry Night 8 is testing with dev.livesky.com.

    If you log into dev.livesky.com it will reflect and sync what you see in SN8. 

    If you log into www.livesky.com it will reflect and sync what you see in SS6.

    On Monday, we will switch SN8 over to www.livesky.com, and then SN8 will sync everything that is in your SS6 at that time.

    If you have any questions or issues regarding LiveSky and SN8 please comment on this post below.

    [LiveSky.com] What Is The Difference Between dev.Livesky.com Vs www.Livesky.com? (Answer: The Latter Is The Production Version In Use With All SkySafari 6 Apps At This Time)

    Thanks!

  • 0
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    Colin99

    Hi. I'm interested in becoming a beta tester for Starry Night 8. I've beta tested software in the past, I was a software developer in local government. I am running Starry Night Pro 7 on a windows 10 PC. PC is a DEll XPS 8930 with  I7-8700 @ 3.2GHz, 16GB ram, and Nvidia GTX 1060 with 6GB memory.

    Colin Campbell

  • 0
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    Paul Sadler

    Celestron 8se,mostly used Android software, including as beta tester, interested in 8. 

  • 0
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    Simon Fry

    Hi Keiron,

    I am a starry night user (SN7Pro) in the UK and recently set up my own Pulsar observatory with AZ-EQ6 GT mount and WO 132FLT, Meade LX50 10", Orion 80mm APO and SW180 MAK. I've been a casual user up to now but looking to expand so happy to beta test if approved and pass on my experiences and opinions as a novice looking to become more adept. I am looking to control my scopes with SN.

     

    Kind Regards

    Simon 

  • 0
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    Welcome Colin, Paul, Simon! 

    Last weekend of testing!  SN8 is looking good, but I bet you can still find stuff to break ;)  Remember to always backup your hard drive (data).

    Please test:

    • Importing V7 data into V8 (look under the help tab).  Does it import correctly?
    • Telescope control.  Please report success or not with scope system and OS.
    • On Windows, try the custom install option, and install everything (requires about 15GB of hard drive space)
    • Report any issues with LiveSky login and keychain on macOS
    • Search for common objects, and uncommon ones too.  Report any search result failures.
    • Create observing lists, add objects to the lists, report any issues.
    • Checkout LiveSky,.com.  If you have two computers, install on both, and sync your data.  Report anything amiss.

    Your support accounts have been approved to access the Starry Night 8 beta forum!

    Starry Night | Beta Testing Starry Night 8

    Please read all the pinned posts at the top of the Starry Night 8 beta testing forum.

    Please post ALL issues in the Starry Night 8 beta testing forum (not here).

    If you haven't done so yet you also need to apply and be approved for a beta.starrynight.com account.  You can do that here:

    https://beta.starrynight.com/reqreg.php

    ^^^ This is where you download the beta.

    ONLY A FEW MORE DAYS TO GO!

    Thanks!

  • 0
    Avatar
    Eggerk

    I would like to beta test version 8. I've been using SN since about version 4. I'm probably a power user, for example inserting my own horizon for my observatory; making my own DSO catalogs such as Stephen O'Meara's Deep Sky Wonders, etc. I control an Astro-Physics Mach 1 GTO mount with SN7 Pro Plus running under Windows 10.

  • 0
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    Vincent Coldrick

    Hi,

    Although I am new to Starry Night (I use Pro Plus 7), I am very familiar with the beta testing process. I have over 30 years experience in designing, building and testing numerical algorithms and trading room applications for the international financial markets in the role of Product Development Manager. Now retired and studying Classics, I am currently considering undertaking a PhD thesis (late in life, I know!) dealing with Celestial Phenomena and their interpretation in the Classical period, which explains my interest in the product and in particular, the Ephemeris Generator. I would be very interested in commenting on the performance and contributing to the development of this feature in Version 8.

    Vincent

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    SN8 ALERT! 

    Please Read - An Important Announcement About The Switch To The Production Version Of LiveSky!

    This evening a new beta build will become available - and it will switch all betas over from the development version of LiveSky.com to the production version of LiveSky.com.  With the next build, when you start SN8, all the LiveSky data you were using in the beta will be gone (i.e. equipment lists, observing lists, etc).  This is how you will know the app has switched over to the production version of LiveSky.

    This is an important milestone on our path towards official release.  However, we are not sure what, if any, issues with the production version of LiveSky data may be encountered after this switch.  Data could go missing, or get mixed up - please keep this in mind, remember we are still in beta!  

    So, if you are a current SkySafari 6 user, and you value your existing (production) LiveSky data, then please DO NOT sign into the production version of LiveSky in SN8 using the same account that you are using for LiveSky in SkySafari 6.    Instead, you can create another different LiveSky account (for testing production) or just choose to use the anonymous account you will receive.

    That all said, we should be all good in a couple of days.  But, until you hear it from me first, please be defensive with your existing SkySafari 6 production version LiveSky data.

    If you have any questions or concerns about the switch to the production version of LiveSky please either create a NEW post in the SN8 beta forum or reply to the ongoing discussion found here:

    https://support.simulationcurriculum.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360019547153-About-LiveSky-Please-Read-Very-Important

    If you come across an issue, let us know in the forums.

    Thank you very much SN8 beta testers!

     

  • 0
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    Mculmore

    Has the log in dialog issue taken care of yet on MacOS? It takes at least 4 entries of p/w to even get to the app. 

     

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    Hi Matthew, 

    Hopefully this next build.  And, please let's discuss any issues in the SN8 forum.  

    Thanks!

  • 0
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    Coloradolight

    I would like to apply for SNP8 beta testing.  I've been using SNP for about a year.  Ive used SSP 5 and 6 to run my portable scope for imaging.  The SNP I use in my observatory (Gibson Observatory) for telescope control for imaging and as context for the educational imaging groups I host is Colorado Springs (General Astro-Imaging and a Novice Astro-Imaging group).   I've been hosting Astro-Imaging group for about 10 years.

    Bryan R Gibson

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    Congratulations, Starry Night 8 Beta Testers!

    Together we have achieved our goal, officially releasing Pro Plus 8 for sale today!!

    Pro 8 and Enthusiast 8 will be released in the coming days.

    Version 8 marks a significant milestone in the development of Starry Night software, which has been underway for more than two decades!

    From all of us at Simulation Curriculum, and speaking on behalf of all current and future customers of SN8, we say THANK YOU for your sharp focus, critical feedback and clear communication with all of us over this past month.

    That all said, we are not finished with the beta testing!  There are still outstanding issues in this initial software release, and more issues will be reported in the weeks ahead.  And the plan, as we have done previously, is to continue building and testing betas, to ensure the fixes are properly applied, before releasing the updates officially.  And, so, that is to say, we would wholeheartedly appreciate your continued support beta testing SN8 for the foreseeable future.

    I also hope to see everyone here active in the community forums, helping one another to make the most of our software, to achieve whatever astronomy objectives you have all set in mind for this year ahead.  We are lucky to have one another, and so many of us, in very significant community numbers too.

    We are also very deep into the season of goodwill for all, and so let me take this opportunity to also wish everyone here Happy Holidays!

    Again, thank you very much for being here, for bringing the best out of the initial release, and for sharing your continued passion and vision for the future of Starry Night 8!

     

  • 0
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    Mculmore

    We bad! Another round of kickin some space ass accomplished. Congrats to all! 

  • 0
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    John Sillasen

    Great news, Keiron,
    Where is it on sale and available? In checking the Simulation Curriculum website, only SN7 products show as the current available. When it is on sale, will there be any special offers available to the Beta testing community?

  • 0
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    Philippe Reverdiau

    Hello, Keiron !

    Whish a (soon to come) happy birthday to Starry Night 8 !

    Courage for the work remaining !

    Philippe

    My setup : iMac 21.5 in. late 2013 - Intel core i5 2.7 GHz - 8 Go Ram - Mac Os X 10.14.1 - (was StarryNight Pro Plus 8.0.0.1629) - iOptron CEM25P mount

  • 0
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    moody hameed

    It is right here

    https://store.simulationcurriculum.com/products/upgrade-to-pro-plus-8

     

    thats the link to upgrade for those of us who have SNPP7 (99 to upgrade)

     

    https://store.simulationcurriculum.com/products/starry-night-pro-plus-8

    thats the main link (for 249)

  • 0
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    Thanks, Moody!  Those are indeed the links to SN8, with the upgrade pricing for previous users.

    https://store.simulationcurriculum.com/products/upgrade-to-pro-plus-8 (Upgrade from $99).

    https://store.simulationcurriculum.com/products/starry-night-pro-plus-8 (New for $249.95).

    StarryNight.com has been updated to reflect SN8, and links to a LiveSky product page, as well as a comparison chart.

    If anyone has any questions about upgrading please contact me directly: ksmith@simcur.com

    However, as a beta tester, if you just want to keep using the beta version you are more than welcome.

    And, speaking of beta testing, we are building the 8.0.1 beta right now, and it will be available as beta update later this evening.  And, we would appreciate your help beta testing the 8.0.1 update.  Release notes with what's fixed, and how to test it, will be included.  

    Provided the 8.0.1 beta update gets cleared by your testing, we will release 8.0.1 officially on Friday.

    Please also bang away on Enthusiast 8, especially in Windows.  This app hasn't received the same attention as Pro Plus 8 and Pro 8.  And, while we expect Enthusiast 8 to be solid, it would give us greater confidence to hear it from a few of you.

     

     

  • 0
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    John Sillasen

    Got my upgrade note this afternoon as well. Of note, the latest update, 160 something didn't request a new registration number. It just used the last from, 1598 I think it was. Would have to look it up. It still required removal of the last but left the original, typical install.

    How long can we stay on 8.01 before its license expires and we lose the option to get a lesser expensive upgrade price? I don't imagine we will be allowed to stay on a Beta version for life now, right? Just don't want to lose out especially since I was forced to install on a different laptop than my SN7Pro+.

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    Hi John, 

    The prices on the upgrade page are permanent.  You can upgrade at any point in the future for the prices you see now.  

    You can keep using the beta as long as you want - just keep these points in mind:

    • The beta is at the bleeding edge of Starry Night 8 development, so it can and will be broken at times.  And that is really the point, to catch the bugs, and the breakdowns, before releasing the update officially to the world at large.
    • With that in mind, make sure you always have a backup of your hard drive just in case!  This is best practice for everyone regardless of whether you're using the beta or not!
    • The only other difference between the beta and official release is the license key.  The beta license key expires every 14 days.  And, so as long as you don't mind logging into beta.starrynight.com every couple of weeks to get another new beta license key you can continue to use the beta version for the foreseeable future.

    I have created a community forum just for SN8 "official release discussion", which you can now find here:

    Starry Night | Version 8 Software Programs

    Please post all questions about the SN8 official release, how-to use it, troubleshooting, bug squashing, etc, in that community forum.

    For any other questions about upgrading to SN8 please contact me directly: ksmith@simcur.com

    Thanks!

  • 0
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    Seanrkerr

    Hello Keiron,

    I would like to beta test starry night 8. I beta tested sky safari 6 but I never had to report a bug or issue! I do astrophotography using ioptron Gem mount and an astrotech AT72 refractor for wide sky. 

  • 0
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    Seanrkerr

    Oh yes, forgot to mention that I have iOS Skysafari 5 pro since released as well as Mac and iOS versions of 6. 

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