If the recent series of space shuttle missions has piqued or renewed your interest in space, you'll need some astronomy software to help you navigate the skies from your backyard. There are several terrific open source applications available for users of all levels of experience, from casual and novice users to astronomy buffs with a secret desire to become an astronaut.

Here are my four favorite apps to help you find your way around the skies and stars:

Fellow OStatic blogger Mike Gunderloy wrote a great post at Web Worker Daily about his family's experience homeschooling and working from home. In it, he gives some terrific tips about finding a balance between having structure and staying flexible.

As a homeschooling mom who also works full-time from home, there are a number of open source tools I rely on every day to teach my kids and keep us all on task, while keeping myself productive and (relatively) stress-free.