Sidereal Clock for Windows

Used Sidereal Clock for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffOctober 15, 2009

Sidereal Clock is a tiny application that allows users to keep track of local mean sidereal time. The program does function appropriately, but its complete lack of other features or options may be disappointing to some users.

This program may well be the smallest and simplest program we've ever reviewed. Users can enter their time zone or have the clock detect it automatically, and users can also enter their longitude. But that's it. The clock is small, about 1 inch by 2 inches, and displays sidereal time in hours, minutes, and seconds. An online Help file gives a brief description of each of the clock's features. Users access the program's settings by right-clicking on the clock's face, and it may seem at first that the program contains several other features, including the ability to display universal time and use a calculator and alarms. However, attempting to access these features results in a message encouraging users to upgrade to the commercial version of the program. If you truly need a sidereal clock and nothing more, this program is fine. But if you're looking for features of any sort, you're better off with something else.

Sidereal Clock is free. It comes as a ZIP file but installs and uninstalls without issues. We recommend this program to all users seeking a very basic way to keep track of sidereal time.

Sidereal Clock for Windows

Used Sidereal Clock for Windows?

Explore More

Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: December 29, 2008

Latest update: October 15, 2009

Version: 2.0.1

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 98
Windows 10
Windows 95

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 13,450

Downloads Last Week: 4

Report Software

Program available in other languages

Descargar Sidereal Clock

Last Updated

User Reviews

2.8/5

9 User Votes

Shows local sidereal time accurately. Long nnonn'nn.n"
speters33wDecember 2, 2012
Pros
Small Unobtrusive Can be set always on top or not. Window size changes with font selection.
Cons
Takes up space in taskbar when running.
Summary
Doesn't deserve low star reviews I read, one couldn't unzip, one didn't know what sidereal time is, and one didn't know local longitude and attempted to click on a pretty small map to get longitude. Puts a small clock on your desktop displaying local sidereal time. Must be configured to your local longitude, starts at 0o00'00.0" Pretty featureless, but exactly what I want. Accuracy seems fine. "Alarms" require a paid upgrade, but I'm not using them anyway
I was unable to use the program
PisceanStarmanMay 26, 2011
Pros
I was unable to use the program
Cons
I was unable to use the program
Summary
I have windows 7 and internet explorer 9. I was able to download the program sucessfully. I was not able to figure out how to unzip and use the program, so, I deleted it from my computer. If you can tell me how to unzip the program, I will be more than happy to re-download and use it. I will then re-rate it.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Jun 4, 2011<p/>I recently re-downloaded the sidereal clock widget. This time I had no problem opening and setting up the widget. I performs very well and serves the purpose that I got it for; which is to keep track of the setting of the center of the galaxy on the horizon from my longitude. Please upgrade the previous star rating that I gave from one star to five stars. Thanks for such a wonderful widget.
Not useful and mostly in the way
PopejwOctober 28, 2009
Pros
Small program, good if you want a clock
Cons
It was just mostly in the way and cluttered up the desktop, the standard clock that comes with windows on the taskbar works well.
Summary
I didn't care for the extra clutter on the desktop, it is a redundant program since windows already has a clock on the taskbar. However if you are in need of one this would be a good program for it.
Awkward to use and configure,
rls444October 27, 2009
Pros
Not much. I guess it works.
Cons
It's difficult to configure, the map too small to get accurate longitude and latitude, and the clock itself unappealing.
Summary
Forget it!
This is not a Sidereal Clock! I'ts a website.
mejim60October 31, 2006
Pros
Cons
There is no Sidereal Clock, it's some guy wanting money for astro photo's.
Summary
Works fine for me!
patrickimoMarch 13, 2005
Pros
From the Radio-Sky Publishing website: "Remember that you need to configure it [the clock] before it will be correct for your location! To configure the clock double click on the clock face and enter your time zone and west longitude."
Cons
Summary
It does not give the correct local sidereal time
janlabeFebruary 15, 2005
Pros
Cons
The sidereal clock does not correct for your longitude within your time zone. The error can be nearly an hour. A correction for your longitude from the time zone center at 4 min. per degree must be applied.
Summary
Easy Sidereal clock
March 3, 2002
Pros
Cons
Summary
Takes windows settings and provides sidereal time automatically based on this making config a doddle. If the author is reading this, then I suggest a minimize to system tray and stay on top options. On the whole, probably what you expected if you searched for sidereal clock - no suprizes.
A must-have for amateur astronomers
May 14, 2001
Pros
Cons
Summary
It is simple and necessary to all amateurs. Get an easy reading of stellar maps while knowing local sidereal time and know what constellation is above your head.

Developer’s Description

By Radio-Sky Publishing

Calculates the sidereal time based upon the computers local clock.

This is a small sidereal clock that sits on your desktop. The clock displays local mean sidereal time for your location. Every astronomy buff should have one.