These apps were built for amateurs and hobbyists who love stargazing and spend hours staring at them. Learn more about the universe we live in and marvel at the sheer vastness and depth of the space. All with the help of your mobile camera and a few apps. Let’s begin. Also Read: 14 Best Space Games for Android and iOS
1. Sky Map
Sky Map was initially developed by Google engineers, but now works independently and has been open-sourced since then. Once given permissions, simply point your camera in any direction, and you can view a map of the sky with stars, planets, and constellations marked accordingly.
There is a feature called Time Travel using which, you can view past location of any particular object. There is a search icon which you can use to find objects in the sky by name. When identified, you will see an arrow pointing to it. Having said that, the app is still basic and the UI is rather dull compared to some other apps that we will explore below. Sky Map is completely free and comes without any ads. Pros:
Search Time travel Night mode
Cons:
Dated UI
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 rendered in 3D. Several planets, stars, and notably, the constellations are depicted in 3D layout in real time. Star Chart makes it easy to visualize far out space objects in their true form and color.
Another notable feature is voice control. Just speak the name of the planet or object you want to see, and the app will take you there. In fact, Star Chart will fly you to your destination. You can view all 88 constellations with beautiful artwork. Like Sky Map, there is a Time Shift feature which lets you view the sky up to 10,000 years forward or backward. Then there is Moments using which, you can view important past events. In-app purchases begins $2.99, will unlock features like meteor showers, comets, satellites, and even more celestial objects. Get it for the breathtaking images it has to offer. Pros:
Time travel Search and fly Filters 3D models Voice control Augmented reality
Cons:
More expensive for similar features
Download Star Chart: Android | iOS
3. Star Walk 2
Star Walk 2 is even more beautiful and offers even more immersive experience than Star Chart, if that’s possible. The app comes with a UI that is easy on the eyes. You can view the solar system, constellations, meteor showers, and far off objects in a 3D sky map.
Not only this, you will also learn about upcoming cosmic events and eclipses, and can watch them from within the app. You can search for objects or travel back and forth in time to view location on a particular date and time. Most constellations, planets have been covered in deep with background info and various images. I like how the app will superimpose information and maps on a live sky view. In-app purchase begins at $0.99. Pros:
Search Astronomy news 3D objects Detailed info Meteor shower, solar eclipse, etc. Time travel Augmented reality
Cons:
None
Download Star Walk 2: Android | iOS
4. SkySafari
SkySafari follows suit and offers time travel feature that we discussed earlier above. You can view sky map and find planets, constellations, stars, and other objects. What I liked about the app was the data that they have collected from NASA libraries. You can learn so much about these celestial objects.
Plus, the developers have been busy collecting high resolution images of not just planets, but entire galaxies and constellations, and whatnot, all inside one app for you to explore. You can view past events like meteor shower, lunar eclipses, and more using a gesture supported app. Finally, there is an Orbit Mode that works like the Fly mode we saw earlier. You can travel to different planets using this. More suitable for VR users but really cool. In-app purchases begin at $1.99 and this stargazing app is cheaper than some other paid sky map apps I saw earlier. Pros:
Search 3D objects Detailed info Meteor shower, solar eclipse, etc. Time travel Augmented reality Orbit Mode NASA images, data
Cons:
None
Download SkySafari: Android | iOS
5. SkyView
SkyView has all the elements that should be part of a good stargazing app. You can identify and find thousands of stars, planets, constellations, and more with this simple app. There is a time travel feature. You can set alerts for upcoming celestial events, so you don’t forget to see that lunar eclipse.
SkyView also has a social feature where you can take images of the sky using your smartphone and share it with your friends. Did you find something interesting? Share it with friends so you can talk about it. The app looks beautiful and there is a lot of data available on the trajectory of the objects, their background info and such. SkyView is only available for iOS users and will cost you $1.99 one time. No more in-app purchases which makes it reasonable for what it has to offer. Pros:
Search 3D objects Detailed info Meteor shower, solar eclipse, etc. Time travel Augmented reality Alerts for events Social sharing
Cons:
No Android app
Download SkyView: iOS
6. Starlight
We saw some amazing stargazing apps above but they offer a lot of features that might be too much for a beginner. If you are just starting out, try Starlight. You can search for and see all 88 constellations, most stars, and planets. The UI is less busy, giving you a clear view of the constellation which have hand-painted art over it.
Starlight is suitable for young kids who are just starting out with astronomy. It is beautiful, functional, and has just enough info on our solar system as well as the galaxy beyond. The app will cost you just $0.99, and also comes with an ad-supported version for Android users. Pros:
Educational Rich content
Cons:
Lacks advanced features
Download Starlight: Android | iOS
7. Star Tracker
Star Tracker made the list because it is probably the only app in the list that supports VR along with AR. This means, you get a full planetarium experience right on your smartphone which is immersive and a joyride. The animations for constellations are fun to watch but sometimes, covers the text behind.
There are some deep space objects with graphics that you can explore in the paid version which will cost you $2.99. While some of the above apps have more to offer like timelines, trajectory, and alerts, Star Tracker is useful if you are looking for a VR experience. Pros:
AR with VR Search Deep space
Cons:
No timeline No alerts
Download Star Tracker: Android | iOS
8. Pocket Universe
Have kids in your house? Pocket Universe is one of the best educational stargazing apps in the list. It was designed with kids in minds. There are lots of quizzes to encourage learning, detailed star maps with location of planets, constellations, and distant space objects.
I loved the different take on augmented reality with multiple modes to turn your living room in to a planetarium. The result is a simulation of the solar system right under your roof. This adds a new and exciting way to interact with the world around and beyond us. Pocket Universe will cost you $2.99 and is completely worth it, in my opinion. Pros:
New AR modes Educational Quizzes Search Alerts Wikipedia integration
Cons:
None
Download Pocket Universe: iOS
Stargazing Apps for Astronomers
There are a number of options available and depending on what you like, you can go for either of them. Most apps which offers advanced features like timeline, graphics and artwork, AR and some cases VR, live events, and more come with a free version that you can try. If you like, you can go for the paid version which ranges between $0.99 to $3.99. Not bad, especially when you realize all the information and knowledge they have to offer on the universe.
