tvjay

Big Picture : CosmoSaver

CosmoSaver is a screen saver for Macintosh computers. I know the name is a little odd, but when engaged, this little-app conducts an awesome fly-by visualization of our solar system.

Pluto to the Sun, displaying current orbital positions of the classic nine planets and 29 natural satellites with an accurate representation of what these celestial objects look like and where they are located at that moment.

The flight path starts with a wide view of our solar system and proceeds to the first classic planet - Pluto. After reaching appropriate orbit the camera makes one revolution looking directly at that planet then, one revolution for each satellite starting at the lowest altitude.

Each object is identified by name at top of frame and the displayed shape and detail vary with each object and, obviously, not entirely accurate for planets’ changing surfaces and atmospheres - except for Earth, where orientation and rotation are accurately reflected in current time, with an option to download near-live cloud conditions.

This incredible visualization brings an acute awareness of our near-space in real-time and does at least two things for me:

First, it provides a new sync of sorts, a foundation for a broader perspective as I come to appreciate how our planetary system is connected by gravity, motion, light source and time.

Second, since these celestial bodies are always in motion and their positions in constant change, it is fair to say the views at certain times are better than others. Some times views are just very interesting, at other times absolutely stunning. Through this process I have found a very new meaning to the saying: “the planets are lined-up right”. Something I could just barely imagine previously, I can now “see” pretty accurately all the time.

And while there are some flaws that those with intricate knowledge of our solar system will recognize, this app is truly mesmerizing. It is fair to say the newer your computer and the larger your screen size and resolution, the better your viewing experience is likely to be. In my case it’s fast 1920x1200 Pluto-to-the-Sun flights running very frequently on a MacPro without any problems whatsoever.

You can download a demo version or buy a license for $6.99 at www.cosmosaver.com

A new start

I knew it had to happen sooner or later. I just did not know exactly when.
I also said that when it finally happened, I would write. So, it appears this is the time I join so many others in posting on-line.

Much of what I expect to be writing here will likely deal with television matters regarding local, free, over-the-air television. If you’ve come here from the TVbD site and you know me professionally, you may well see me comment on topics you’ve been hearing for years. But technology innovations are in the process of changing this model for good, so I also hope to be writing about how television is being redefined in the home.

Those who know me personally will not be surprised to see me comment on aviation matters or some matters political, or even a conversation on the state of the planet.

Not sure where we’ll end-up, but I guess we have to start somewhere, and as far as this medium and format is concerned, we start right here and right now.

Thanks for visiting.