Pole Up command (Orientation menu)

Sample screen showing Pole Up Mode with the Rotate Tool turn on.

Use this command to orient the Virtual Sky using the Pole Up Mode.

The orientation of the Virtual Sky is defined by one of three different orientation modes: Zenith Up, Pole Up, or Free Rotation.  In Pole Up mode, as you move around the sky, the north celestial pole is always oriented toward the top of the screen. Stars and other deep-space objects are plotted according to their fixed, equatorial coordinates. During time skips, the planets will move relative to a fixed starry background.

In Zenith Up mode, the zenith is "pinned" to the top of the screen as you move around the sky. This is good for looking at horizon- or earth-based views of large portions of the sky. In Free Rotation mode, the direction of the north celestial pole is defined by the user.