After a three year absence, I'm headed back to the Advanced Imaging Conference this weekend with Steve Bisque (who seems to attend every astro conference) and Matt Bisque (a first time AIC'er). Tom's holding down the fort for a change.

I hoped to have some beta copies of TheSkyX Serious Astronomer Edition to hand out, but there's just too many things going on at SB right now. So, attendees, you'll just have to wait to get your hands in it. My apologies in advance.

We'll be in booth 20, and hanging around the hotel all weekend. Sushi anyone?

See you at AIC!

One of the most fascinating, and just plain fun features in TheSkyX is the ability to predict, and watch simulated Iridium flares. Sure there are sites that can predict flares, but TheSkyX lets you actually see what the flare will look like from your back yard. Many flares are naked eye, so all you have to do it take a few minutes to step outside and look in the right direction. No equipment is required.

And you never know what other goodies you'll see while observing. Last night I was out with my family to watch a "so so" flare of Iridium 61, and happened to call my sister (a neighbor) to watch it too. Although we (my wife and I and my three young kids) missed the flare, my sister and her son saw it, and they also got to see (by pure chance) a spetacular view of the International Space Station pass near the waxing moon a few minutes before. Way cool! (And educational, too.)

If you're interested and own TheSkyX, watch the Iridium Flare Tutorial (Flash required) on how to use it to predict and simulate Iridium flares. For the next "bright flare", have your kids and neighbors participate in a fun, spontaneous astronomical observing event.

I still get excited every time I launch Seeker and gaze at our Earth. It's simply stunning.

We posted the latest Seeker patch this week on the Downloads page. Remember, to install the larger update (~300 MB) first, then the latest patch (~12 MB) after that.

One exciting new feature is support for the 3DConnexion mouse. I've not tried one yet, but feedback indicates that using this device with Seeker is a sweet mix.

Richard's also posted some Seeker-generated videos on YouTube this week:

• The Search for Water
• The Tharsis Region of Mars
• Launch Your Dreams

Although the videos are really cool, IMO there's really no way to recreate Seeker's realistic views, and the sense of "awe" you get when watching "real time" on a high-end system.

Steve and Matt just headed out the door on their way to this weekend's PATS show in Pasadena, CA (see www.bisque.com/news). Even though they're lots of work, and take time away from development, trade shows like PATS, and star parties, are always a great way for us to connect with our friends, customers, as well as to show off the latest offerings.  (Last week, we shipped over 600 lbs. of display equipment, computers, software, a Paramount ME, etc. to the show.)

So, if you're anywhere in the area, consider dropping by and saying "howdy" to the guys and check out what's new.

(Rumor has it that Dr. Dave will be there too!)

Our next outing is AIC in November. Should be a great event!