Let’s face it: there are plenty of mysteries in the cosmos as much as in our ocean. Both vast spaces are beautiful and awesome, yet they are filled with the unknown that keeps pulling back our interest.
Because of the beauty and the secrets of observing outer space, plenty of applications have been developed and promoted to allow professional astronomers to study the universe and for space enthusiasts, stargazers, or students to use.
Here are some of the best astronomy apps users have accessed.
1. Stellarium
Download: Apple App Store | Google Play Store
Stellarium is the first on this list, with its ultimately user-friendly features and easy-to-navigate interface. Stellarium has a record of more than 600,000 stars and millions of deep-sky objects.
The app also includes various constellation names and information from over 40 cultures. Its realistic depiction of space, galaxies, and the atmosphere makes it admirable.
Its interface promises a powerful zoom for better examination of space objects, but other features include a fish-eye projection to allow users to feel the experience of a planetarium dome.
Users can also customize the interface so that it may or may not show gridlines, constellations, and labels. Lastly, there is the option to switch to night mode, which tints the screen red. Night mode lets users use Stellarium without interrupting their night vision, which is vital for stargazing.
2. Star Walk 2
Download: Apple App Store | Google Play Store
Star Walk 2 is the best way to start your astronomy journey if you want something easy to understand and navigate.
There are similar features to the application mentioned above, and what makes Star Walk 2 unique is its augmented reality (AR) feature, which uses the user’s phone camera to view the night sky in their location in real-time.
This is particularly helpful when you want to track down, for example, where the conjunction of the moon and planets are located instead of struggling to search the night sky and missing out on the phenomenon.
This astronomy app helps users navigate the night sky and keeps up-to-date news on what celestial objects are visible in the sky tonight or in the coming days.
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3. Sky Guide
Download: Apple App Store
Next up, we have Sky Guide. True to its name, Sky Guide offers a comprehensive guide to studying the stars and constellations.
Other than the common customization feature present across various astronomy apps, Sky Guide lets users press a single celestial object to learn more about it in a more detailed and comprehensive manner than most.
The app provides weather forecasts, makes users aware of how light pollution affects their area, and offers astronomy news and updates. What makes this astronomy app popular among beginners and enthusiasts alike is its visually appealing interface (even without using AR mode.)
Since Sky Guide is exclusive to Apple devices, its AR mode uses Apple’s built-in Lidar chip so you can aim the phone’s lens at a ceiling, and it would automatically transform into the night sky.
With its aesthetic looks and easy navigation, Sky Guide is definitely one of the apps to consider for professionals and those starting out in their stargazing journey.
4. Skyview Lite
Download: Apple App Store | Google Play Store
If you are not really into technology that much, and even apps like Sky Guide or Star Walk 2 still complicate your learning about the vast cosmos, Skyview Lite is the easiest astronomy app to go to.
Despite its simple and intuitive interface, Skyview Lite offers the essential features mentioned in the previous apps on this list without overwhelming users.
It’s as comfortable as pointing your phone in a direction, and the screen will follow through with a view of what celestial phenomenon or objects can be currently seen there.
Users may also add their favorite celestial objects to a list so they can return to it later if needed.
5. Sky Live: Heavens Above Viewer
Download: Apple App Store
Sky Live is a sister app to Sky Walk 2, and what makes it a unique one on this list is that it’s not really a ‘stargazing’ app.
Instead, Sky Live is more like a weather forecast program stargazers turn to before they go stargazing. This is the app that provides you with information on the condition of your desired location you want to go to for stargazing.
Sky Lives provides a percentage of the availability of the viewing conditions at a given time—on whether skies are clear for the activity, for example, so that it could prepare astronomers and enthusiasts on what to expect.
This is an especially great app to pair with any of the astronomy apps mentioned that offer stargazing guides and studies. It allows you to prepare ahead and serves as an actual weather forecast that tells you the condition of the skies today.
6. SkySafari
Download: Apple App Store | Google Play Store
Just like how safaris encourage telescopes to view animals from afar, SkySafari takes that idea onto the observation of the cosmos on your phone.
That’s right, if you are willing to spend a few dollars to have an emulation of a telescope that could help stargaze right in the palm of your hand, SkySafari should do the work. With that said, the app lets you study the solar system in detail through your phone and wireless telescope controllers if you have one.
This, combined with the other astronomy app features already discussed in the previous software, allows SkySafari an avenue for learning and the observation of the skies with a mixture of fun.
Different apps, various learning experiences
It doesn’t matter if you choose to install one of these apps or perhaps a couple of them! What is common among these astronomy softwares is that they provide the possibilities for even the regular space enthusiast to learn about space.
These apps offer the opportunity to explore the night sky (perhaps even during the daytime) without purchasing objects, such as a real telescope used specifically for stargazing.
Whether you are already an expert astronomer or a budding beginner, these are just some of the astronomy apps that one may need during their journey to discover the unknown out there.