«This software can visualize the Moon aspect for every date and hour. It permits also to study lunar formations with unique database and pictures library compiled by Christian Legrand.
It's conceived to be easily usable "in the field" according to an observing session needs, but also to study "at home" the Moon and its relief. It's interfaced with "Sky Charts" freeware (above). This set is certainly now one of the most complete released.
It's possible to choose the language used by the software and database.
Files have been cut in several packages.
New features introduced in version 2 included :
- Introduction of "Moon complete globe" with Far Side;
- Simulation of a spatial flight orbiting the Moon;
- VMA is now separated in 3 modular versions;
-- AVL "Light”: 2D software for less performing hardware;
-- AVL "Basic”: Basic software presenting the "3D with librations" mode;
-- AVL "Expert”: Advanced software presenting the "3D complete globe" mode;
- New texture of complete globe realized with Clementine high resolution
photos by professor Mark S. Robinson and his team of the "Northwestern
University";
- More than 600 new Far Side craters and formations descriptions;
- Database corrections for some bad entries;
- New pictures library: "Moon Stars" 130 LOPAM pictures of the most famous
lunar formations
News functions introduced with 2.1 included :
- Computerized goto mount support;
- Moon phase calendar.
Recently, version 3 brought:
- New Dual-Window interface;
- Colorful lunar globe;
- Applying scientific overlays to the virtual globe. This includes the results from the Clementine and Lunar Prospector probes (altimetry, colorimetry, gravitational anomaly, high and low energy neutron, iron, hydrogen, potassium, thorium repartition);
- New "Farside indiced craters" database (1667 entries);
- New pictures libraries from the "Lunar Astronautical Charts" and"Lunar Maps" (800 pictures);
- The "Consolidated Lunar Atlas" has been completed (2300 pictures);
- The "Pro" version is now available on CD-rom that include the
software, databases, textures, overlays, LOPAM, Apollo, Probes and LAC/LM pictures libraries.
