Extending the Stellarium virtual planetarium
Star Power

Expand the Stellarium virtual planetarium with new objects and environments in just a few simple steps.
The Stellarium planetarium program shows a realistic sky in 3D, calculates and displays star movements, and lets you prepare and evaluate observations. A previous article [1] introduced the software and looked at some of its capabilities. In this article, I focus on extending the software with plugins, additional materials, and little-known features.
Installation
Most distributions offer Stellarium version 0.13.3 in their repositories, which is the version I discuss here. Version 0.14.2 was released January 2016 [2]. You can install the program on newer computers without problem; however, it isn't possible on older systems if they don't support OpenGL 2.1 or later. Your only recourse then is to install the legacy program, version 0.9.
The directories for the program's files are based on the Linux standard: The data resides in /usr/share/stellarium/
, and you should not change the data in this directory or its subdirectories. Only on rare occasions with a compelling need should you access this directory with root privileges. The program stores userspace data below ~/.stellarium/
. Naturally this directory is empty immediately after the installation.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.