While not everyone has access to the Hubble Telescope , you may still look up in the sky to find wiz and nearby planets shining like a beacon of promise . There are quite a few stargazing apps out there that will help you observe the location of planets , stars , constellation , and other celestial dead body without need a powerful telescope .
These apps were built for amateurs and hobbyists who love stargazing and spend hour staring at them . Learn more about the universe we live in and wonder at the sheer wideness and depth of the space . All with the assistance of your nomadic camera and a few apps . countenance ’s commence .
Also Read:14 Best Space Games for Android and iOS
1. Sky Map
Sky Map was ab initio spring up by Google engineers , but now act upon severally and has been open - sourced since then . Once given permissions , simply level your camera in any focusing , and you’re able to view a map of the sky with stars , planets , and constellation marked accordingly .
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Download Sky Map : Android
2. Star Chart
Star Chart has a beautiful UI . Not only is the app well - designed , but even the sky is submit in 3D. Several planets , mavin , and notably , the constellations are describe in 3D layout in real time . Star Chart make it easy to visualize far out space aim in their true form and color .
Another celebrated feature is vocalism control . Just speak the name of the planet or object you need to see , and the app will take you there . In fact , Star Chart will fly you to your destination . you’re able to see all 88 constellations with beautiful artwork . Like Sky Map , there is a Time Shift feature which allow you view the sky up to 10,000 years forward or feebleminded . Then there is Moments using which , you may view crucial retiring events .
In - app purchases begins $ 2.99 , will unlock feature article like meteor shower bath , comets , satellites , and even more heavenly objects . Get it for the breathtaking images it has to offer .
Download Star Chart : Android|iOS
3. Star Walk 2
Star Walk 2 is even more beautiful and provide even more immersive experience than Star Chart , if that ’s possible . The app come with a UI that is easy on the eyes . you may view the solar organisation , constellations , meteor showers , and far off objects in a 3D sky map .
Not only this , you will also get a line about forthcoming cosmic events and eclipse , and can watch them from within the app . you’re able to search for physical object or travel back and forth in time to view location on a fussy date and time . Most constellations , planet have been cover in cryptic with background info and various images . I like how the app will lay over information and map on a live sky view .
In - app leverage begins at $ 0.99 .
Download Star Walk 2 : Android|iOS
4. SkySafari
SkySafari follows lawsuit and propose time traveling feature article that we discourse earlier above . you’re able to consider sky map and find planets , constellations , stars , and other physical object . What I wish about the app was the data that they have gather from NASA library . you’re able to learn so much about these celestial object .
Plus , the developer have been busy collecting gamey resolution images of not just planets , but entire galaxy and constellations , and whatnot , all inside one app for you to explore . you may see past events like meteor shower , lunar eclipses , and more using a motion brook app .
Finally , there is an Orbit Mode that mould like the Fly mode we saw originally . you may trip to different major planet using this . More worthy for VR users but really nerveless .
In - app purchases start at $ 1.99 and this stargazing app is cheaper than some other ante up sky map apps I see earlier .
Download SkySafari : Android|iOS
5. SkyView
SkyView has all the elements that should be part of a good stargazing app . you’re able to distinguish and find thousands of stars , planets , constellation , and more with this simple app . There is a time change of location feature film . you’re able to correct alerts for approaching celestial events , so you do n’t bury to see that lunar occultation .
SkyView also has a social feature where you’re able to take mental image of the sky using your smartphone and share it with your friends . Did you find something interesting ? Share it with admirer so you could talk about it . The app look beautiful and there is a circumstances of information available on the flight of the objects , their background information and such .
SkyView is only useable for iOS users and will be you $ 1.99 one sentence . No more in - app purchases which makes it reasonable for what it has to propose .
Download SkyView : iOS
6. Starlight
We saw some astonishing stargazing apps above but they offer a lot of feature that might be too much for a beginner . If you are just start out , try Starlight . you’re able to search for and see all 88 constellations , most hotshot , and satellite . The UI is less busy , giving you a clear view of the configuration which have deal - painted fine art over it .
Starlight is suitable for vernal kids who are just set forth out with astronomy . It is beautiful , running , and has just enough info on our solar system as well as the galax beyond . The app will cost you just $ 0.99 , and also comes with an ad - supported version for Android users .
Download Starlight : Android|iOS
7. Star Tracker
Star Tracker made the leaning because it is probably the only app in the list that support VR along with AR . This intend , you get a full planetarium experience the right way on your smartphone which is immersive and a joyride . The animations for constellations are fun to watch but sometimes , covers the school text behind .
There are some cryptical blank objects with nontextual matter that you may explore in the paid version which will be you $ 2.99 . While some of the above apps have more to offer like timeline , trajectory , and alerts , Star Tracker is useful if you are looking for a VR experience .
Download Star Tracker : Android|iOS
8. Pocket Universe
Have Thomas Kyd in your house ? Pocket Universe is one of the best educational stargazing apps in the list . It was designed with kid in minds . There are lots of quiz to advance encyclopedism , detailed virtuoso maps with position of planets , constellations , and aloof space physical object .
I loved the different take on augment reality with multiple modes to turn your living room in to a planetarium . The outcome is a simulation of the solar system right under your roof . This adds a new and exciting way to interact with the creation around and beyond us . Pocket Universe will cost you $ 2.99 and is completely deserving it , in my view .
Download Pocket Universe : iOS
Stargazing Apps for Astronomers
There are a number of options available and reckon on what you like , you could go for either of them . Most apps which offers forward-looking feature film like timeline , graphic and artwork , AR and some lawsuit VR , live events , and more come with a free version that you may attempt . If you like , you could go for the paid edition which ranges between $ 0.99 to $ 3.99 . Not bad , particularly when you realize all the information and knowledge they have to offer on the universe .
