XEphem v.3.5.2 is installed on all of the Astrophysics Sun workstations. This is a slightly old version but entirely adequate for our needs. This documentation refers specifically to this version, and local installations on Macs or PCs may behave slightly differently.
You need to set up some files before using XEphem for the first time. In your Unix home directory, create a subdirectory called "XEphem". Go into this subdirectory and use a text editor to create a file called "XEphem" (yes, the same name). This file must contain the line:
XEphem.ShareDir: /iraf/xephem-3.5.2/GUI/xephemSave the file and exit the editor.
XEphem can now be started by typing "xephem" at any Unix prompt. If you want to have your default location set to Athens, OH, choose it from the pulldown menu and then save your preferences.
XEphem has many functionalities. The best way to familiarize yourself with these is to play with them. However, the most all-around useful tool is the "Sky View", which is selected under the "View" pull-down menu. The Sky View window has its own menus. Under the "Control" menu are the "Filter" and "Options" windows, which are particularly useful.
Left-clicking on any location in the Sky View window gives you a display of RA, Dec, hour angle, zenith angle, etc. Left-click-dragging will also show the distance from the initial position. Middle-click-drag is a hand-grabber for pulling the view around. Right-clicking on an object gives you basic data on the object. (Warning: this data is not always correct! Magnitudes may be in error, and all galaxies are listed as "spiral galaxies" even when they are not spirals!)
A large number of nonstellar objects is preloaded into memory. A much larger number is available in additional databases. These can be accessed from the "Objects" menu of the main XEphem window. Choose "Load and delete objects in memory."
The complete XEphem Manual is available as a PDF document.
The use of XEphem to create detailed finding charts is explained here.