The instructions were very easy to understand. The manual had every little detail covered. It was impressive to see that you could change how much light pollution was in the sky and how you could build, design, and alter the orbit of your own satellite. You could also double click on an object and learn all you need to know about that object. In the program every time you go into it you are taken to your “home” location. Whether it be in the Sahara desert or in Vancouver, you can see what tonight’s sky will look like. (When we first started using the program, we were a little confused on how to set the home location.) You can go to live coverage as well on the Internet. We also really enjoyed clicking on the play button and watching the planets orbit around the Sun. This program is exceptionally well done. However there is one small thing we would add. Each time you click to go to a different setting a little box containing an interesting fact about astronomy should appear. We also thought the graphics could have been a little better. The trees on the different locations were all the same even though they were in different parts of the world. We don’t think India has the same lush trees Vancouver has.
     There was one thing we didn’t like in the program. When you click on a planet and select “go there” the program takes a while to get there and basically hangs, or stalls for 10 seconds. Besides that, this program was wonderful. In our opinion, this program will appeal to all ages. For example if ever the sky outside is cloudy and you want to see the MIR space station cross your view, hop onto your computer and open up Starry Night Backyard. This program could be installed at schools and if you ever have to do a project on astronomy, you have all the resources you need. You have the program with detailed information, you have live Internet updates, and you even have a paragraph on what to watch out for in the skies tonight.
     We really enjoyed using the software. It was exceptionally detailed and well laid out. We especially enjoyed looking at skies of different places from the comfort of home. We are giving this program a 10 for its superb outline of the night sky. It is fantastic at describing and showing what to expect in the sky and what planets and stars to see. Sienna really did do an excellent job of putting together such a fine program.

(Originally published in the Summer 2000 issue of YES Mag.)