Planetensuche

Planetensuche (Planet Search) is a comprehensive, free, and offline-capable desktop application designed for amateur astronomers, space enthusiasts, and researchers to explore, visualize, and analyze data about exoplanets, stars, and deep-sky objects. Continuously developed for over two decades, the software combines a massive astronomical database with powerful visualization tools and realistic orbit simulations.

Key Features 🪐 Exoplanet & Star Database

Extensive Catalogs: Built-in database featuring the latest exoplanet discoveries, including data imports from the NASA Exoplanet Archive, Gaia (DR3), TESS (TOI/CTOI), Kepler, SIMBAD, GALEX, and ZTF.

Broad Scope: Explores not just exoplanets, but also galaxies, dwarf planets, asteroids, and variable stars (AAVSO, VSX).

Habitability Analysis: Calculate and filter planets by their Earth Similarity Index (ESI) and evaluate Habitable Zones (e.g., Kopparapu 2013 models) to find potentially life-bearing worlds.

Double Star Detection: Specialized tools to test and identify potential binary or multiple star systems using cross-referenced catalog data.

📊 Data Visualization & Analytics

70+ Interactive Charts: Generate deep analytical charts to compare planetary masses, radii, orbital periods, discovery methods, and stellar spectral types (including Hertzsprung-Russell diagrams).

Estimation Tools: Built-in calculation modules to estimate star radii and masses based on available observational data.

🌌 Interactive Sky Map & Simulations

Dynamic Sky Map: An interactive star map that highlights constellations, deep-sky objects, and specifically marks host stars with confirmed exoplanets.

Orbit Simulator: Watch exoplanets realistically orbit their host stars based on actual orbital parameters, or build and simulate your own custom planetary systems.

Observation Planner: Displays local astronomical events for your location, including sunrise/sunset, moon phases, visible comets, and calculates light pollution metrics (Bortle class and SQM values).

🎓 Education & Extras

Astronomy Quiz: Test your knowledge about space, distances, and planetary facts with a built-in educational quiz module.

Formula Collection: A handy reference section for common astronomical formulas and calculations.

History of Exoplanet Hunting: Detailed timelines and information regarding the milestones in exoplanetary research and their discoverers.

?? Technical Highlights

Offline First: Once the catalogs are updated, the software runs completely offline, ensuring your data is always accessible without an internet connection.

Cross-Platform: Written in modern Java (Java 21), ensuring smooth execution across Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Multi-Language Support: Interface available in English and German.