Re: superhero space navigation

Leonard Erickson wrote:
> Though now that I think harder, those positions are trather dependent
> on where in the solar system you are. So the standard programs
> aren't quite as useful... 

Use Celstia: <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celestia>
It's open source 
and you can stick the "camera" anywhere you want.

The fact that the positions of the planets in the constellations is 
dependent on where you are is a feature, not a bug. If you see that Mars 
is a bit too far to the left of where it's supposed to be when you're at 
your destination, that means you'll want to aim to the right to correct 
that.

If you could measure the planet locations in enough detail you could use 
this to find your way to arbitrary points in the solar system, which 
could be useful if your destination isn't visible from a long way away 
(an asteroid, for example). Just fly until all the planets are in the 
right spots in the sky and then start looking in the local area for your 
target.