CUT-AND-FOLD DODECAHEDRON AND ICOSAHEDRON MODELS OF EARTH

From NOAA's website, here are a few nice little projects that the kids especially may enjoy.  At 12.4 and 11.3 MB, each may take a moment or two to download.  But they're worth it!  Dodecahedron PDF  Icosahedron PDF

EARTH MAP 001
ECLIPTIC & ZODIAC
REFERENCE
SCRIPTS

INSTALLING BONUSES

After downloading a Freebie from SkyMarvels™, you may first have to "unzip" the file or folder you downloaded.  A wallpaper, for example, will "unzip" to produce a single JPG file.  If "unzipping" your download produces a folder, it will generally contain a "README.txt" file that gives the instructions for installing the Freebie.

ABOUT ADD-ONS AND SCRIPTS

As well as wallpapers, videos and other Bonuses, this page offers Add-Ons and Scripts.

Add-Ons are enhancements that become ongoing parts of your CELESTIA set-up.  After you install them, they are available whenever you run CELESTIA (unless you un-install them, of course.)  Add-Ons may be Alternate Surface textures, new Cloud Decks, Planetary Rings, new stars or planets, etc.

Scripts are "mini-programs."  Run from within CELESTIA, each performs functions that are only accessible when the Script is running.  We don't want to confuse things, but we do want to point out 1) that a Script's download can also include add-ons that help the script to function; and 2) currently, CELESTIA only allows you to have one Script running at a time.  Be that as it may, Scripts like those in SkyMarvels™ offer powerful features otherwise not available in CELESTIA.

Don't worry if you're not quite sure about how Add-Ons and Scripts differ.  After you've used a few, the distinction should become apparent.  The most important thing to realize about Add-Ons and Scripts is that they are only limited by your imagination!

ADD-ONS

EARTH MAP 001: ALTERNATE SURFACE

CELESTIA's "Normal" Earth surface-texture, which you probably use most often like the rest of us, can sometimes make it hard to see the lunar shadow move across Earth during solar eclipses.  Paths of eclipses are much easier to see with our "Earth Map 001" Alternate Surface, which also provides geopolitical borders and a Latitude and Longitude grid.  Even when there is no eclipse, you'll be glad to have this map surface available for reference.

Alternate Surfaces work with CELESTIA 1.4.1 and all later versions.  They are very easy to install, the entire process requiring only seconds.  As always, all instructions are included.  Enjoy!  Download Earth Map 001

ECLIPTIC & ZODIAC ADD-ON

The word "Ecliptic" has more than one meaning.  The one that pertains to this add-on is the Ecliptic's meaning as the Sun's apparent path through the stars.  The Zodiac is the narrowish band of sky that surrounds the Ecliptic, and through which the Sun, the planets and our Moon always move.  So the Zodiac is like their "super-highway" in the sky, while the Ecliptic is the "center-lane" which the Sun never leaves.

This add-on displays both the Ecliptic and Zodiac whenever you've turned on CELESTIA's Constellation Borders (called "Boundaries" in 1.6.x.)  This helps you not only to quickly "get your bearings" when you are looking at the sky, but also to learn its layout in the first place.  You'll soon appreciate the Ecliptic and Zodiac as powerful celestial signposts, which you can consult to guide you on your journeys.  Enjoy!    Download ECLIPTIC & ZODIAC