NSO Software Resources
National Schools' Observatory Software
Before downloading, please check the copyright restrictions associated with NSO software, located at the bottom of this page.
Image Processing - LTImage
It is important that the image data gathered by the telescopes can be readily displayed and analysed in the classroom by pupils. LTImage has been specially developed for this purpose.
The software is key to pupils' investigative work, straight forward to use and an exciting application of ICT.
A workshop shows pupils how to use this software and can be found in the Study (Science & ICT).
'Virtual' Liverpool Telescope - LT3D
LT3D is computer simulation software that allows pupils to control the movements of a 3D computer model of a JMU Liverpool Telescope.
Using a video projector teachers can use this software to introduce the telescope to a class and demonstrate how it works.
The class can operate the telescope themselves in the school computer room and follow a prepared LT3D worksheet found in the Study (Science section).
'Virtual' Liverpool Telescope (control) - LTRobot
This simulation software enables pupils to experience what it's like to control a 'Virtual' Liverpool Telescope to make simulated observations of the night sky.
The software is designed to give pupils an understanding of how a robotic telescope operates under computer control. Pupils are able to construct observing schedules using various sky maps, where star and planet co-ordinates can be identified. They can then write simple code (similar to LOGO) to operate the virtual instrument.
Once the telescope is pointing at an object the software simulates taking a photograph. There are a lot of objects for a class to observe using this software, and it can be used as a starting point for a class making decisions as to which objects in the night sky to observe using the 'real' Liverpool Telescope.
This exciting software also offers a very practical application of control for ICT and Design & Technology teaching. A workshop can be found in the Study (Science, ICT and D&T).
Introduction to the NSO - PowerPoint Presentation
A simple introduction to the NSO in the form of a self-running PowerPoint
presentation. You do not require a teacher password to download this
NSO presentation.
Copyright restrictions
All software resources are copyright of the National Schools' Observatory (NSO) or its employees and are for use by registered schools only.All NSO software has been tested in schools prior to being made available for general use by registered schools; however, we cannot guarantee reliability in all circumstances. It is recommended that software is installed by somebody with knowledge of your system and tested before use with students.
A site licence for all NSO software is allocated to each school on registration and entitles the registered school to make copies of NSO software for educational purposes within the institution. This licence also entitles the registered school to make one copy of the software available per student for use on their personal home computer as part of the schools education programme. Teachers can also make a personal copy of the software.
Under no circumstances can a registered school copy NSO software for any purposes other than those described above.
