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IT CAN BE very difficult to identify planets, stars, and clusters at home from your backyard, especially if you are a beginner.
(Unless you are Dave Grennan from Raheny in Dublin – check out his telescope-in-the-garden-shed, which helped him identify TWO supernovas.)
But hey, if you’re not Dave Grennan, you can find an app to help. Astronomy apps are making it possible for anyone to be astronomer — you don’t even need a telescope.
The apps use the GPS and compass in your phone to pinpoint your location and show you where all the surrounding celestial bodies are, even if your view is blocked. Most of the apps don’t even need an Internet connection to function so you can take them on camping trips.
Just open the app, point your smartphone at the sky, and the app will identify the planets and stars around you.
We’ve browsed through some of the top-rated astronomy apps and put together a list of the ones that look the most awesome. Whether you are an aspiring astronomer or just a casual backyard stargazer, these 11 apps can help you locate planets, stars, and galaxies — no telescope required.
SkySafari (Android or iOS) €2.99
SkySafari can display a map of the sky from any location and shows how positions of celestial bodies change up to one million years into the past or future. It uses images collected from NASA spacecraft and the Hubble Space Telescope to show you the major planets and moons in the solar system. The app also gets you a subscription to SkyWeek: a magazine that tells you about upcoming eclipses and meteor showers.
Starmap (iOS) €4.49 or a ‘lite’ version for free
Starmap has about 350,000 stars, 150 galaxies and clusters, and 50 asteroids and dwarf planets. The app gives you the “night’s best selection” so you know what you should be looking for on any given night and it identifies shooting star zones.
This app is also a point and locate that uses the iPhone’s compass to identify the planets and stars right in front of you. You can zoom in on a particular object and the app has a night vision mode — the backlight on your phone dims and the images on the screen glow red so your night vision isn’t ruined.
Pocket Universe (iOS) €2.69 or a beginner version for free
Pocket Universe is an especially great app for beginners. You can point your phone up at the sky to identify planets and stars near you, but the app also provides a list of suggested objects to observe based on the date. It even gives you a list of observation tips. Pocket Universe also has quizzes you can take on the planets, stars, and constellations so you can see how much you’re learning.
Solar Walk (iOS) €2.69
The Solar Walk app includes an interactive model of the galaxy. You can tap on planets and stars to learn about their trajectories, structural make up, and the history of their exploration. The app also lets you plug in a specific date, past or present, and it will display how the planets were aligned. Solar Walk also has 3D models of some of the man made satellites orbiting in space.
Deluxe Moon HD (iOS) US$2.99
Deluxe Moon lets you keep track of the moon phases, what zodiac sign the moon is in, daily moonrise and moonset times, and what distance the moon is from the Earth. You’ll never miss another full moon or lunar eclipse.
Star Walk (iOS) €0.89
All you have to do is point your phone at the night sky, and Star Walk locates and pinpoints the exact location of the celestial object you want to see. You can use the precise location to find the object in your telescope. You can access information about every celestial body that shows up in the app. It also includes a calendar of upcoming celestial events so you can plan your next stargaze.
Star Chart (iOS or Android) Free (There is a Star Chart app in Windows, it costs 99 cent)
Star Chart is similar to Star Walk, but it’s free. You can also manually set the location to see what the sky looks like from the other side of the planet. It displays stars and planets in real time and it includes a time shift feature that lets you see what the sky will look like 10,000 years into the past or future.
Distant Suns (iOS or Android) €3.59/€3.76 respectively, or a ‘lite’ version is free
Distant Suns is also a point and locate app and has information on over 300,000 stars. It uses images from the Hubble Space Telescope and includes data and information on everything you observe. It also provides you with weather updates so you know when your view might be blocked by clouds.
You can keep up with the latest space news from Astronomy Magazine using the app. This app has gotten some pretty impressive reviews: its average is five out of five stars.
NASA app (iOS or Android or Windows) Free
The NASA app is a great resource for details on the latest space exploration missions. It also provides tons of breathtaking NASA images and information about celestial bodies.
Sky View (iOS) €1.79
Use Sky View if you want to explore more than just our solar system. The app helps you find all 88 constellations, all planets in the solar system, and even the International Space Station. You can even capture and share images on social media through the app. It also has a time machine feature so you can observe what past and future skies will look like.
Night Sky Lite (Android) Free
The Night Sky Lite is another point and locate app, but this one is free for Android phones. It uses the GPS and compass in your phone or tablet and pulls up an overlay map of the planets, stars, and galaxies in your location.
- Kelly Dickerson
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Google sky is pretty neat also…
Review tilted heavily on the iOS side of things…
‘Sky Map’ is free on Android and does the job nicely.
Well the title does say “The Best” apps. :p
Ah Jaysus! How could any list of “best astronomy apps” not include Stellarium? Available on all formats, iOS, Android, Mac and PC. Amazing app and free on most formats as far as I remember.
€1.79 no thanks
There’s only 178 chances for it to be cheaper! It’s not breaking the bank for years of combined knowledge and effort from scientists around the world!
Well Apple can stick the app up their arse if they think their getting another cent from me !! I’m with apple years and think its time I met mr android !!
Frank, the apps are from independent software writers, some of whom (like Distant Suns) have been producing quality astronomical software for decades.
If you can’t afford a couple of quid for an app of this type how can you buy a new phone?
Who said I have a new phone ? Anyway tell me why the apps are free on play store & not with App Store ?
You did….you said it’s time to meet Mr.Android….
Your not making sense my friend !
Firstly – ‘you’re’.
Secondly – I’m with Apple years and I think it’s time I met mr android’. I assume this means you think it’s time to buy a new phone.
Firstly – Grammar Nazi
Secondly – when You’re quoting a person don’t add you’re own words in. Best you look again for the word NEW phone in my comment !!!
Yeah, I noticed that too after I hit enter, I was wondering would you pick up on it haha. I wrote it on my phone from memory and wasn`t bothered double posting to correct it ;-)
If “Grammar Nazi” means educated in the English language, then I am proud to be one!
Bad cop out !
I’d also recommend Space Brains – a brilliant app for kids on iOS – produced in Ireland by Discover Science & Engineering, Blackrock Observatory and Armagh Planetarium:
https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/space-brains/id382603803?mt=8
Sky view is pretty cool also and there’s a free version
Another wonderful app for young astronomers is their eyes and /or a pair of binoculars – and get to know the night sky
I think that’s the idea Jim. The app teaches them the names of constellations etc. Now get back to your gramophone by the candle light ;)
and plenty of books in the library too Jim, no need for expensive ipads, smartphones AND phone credit, AND expensive credit card bills for playing addictive games while their books are left idol. “The best apps…” which one is the best? cos there will be time when only one will be good enough, theres too many damn apps! and people don’t have time to waste playing games, sitting on their hole all day, downloading and surfing.
Planet Finder app for iOS is pretty good and free, although basic.
Heavens-above.com is a great site.
Skeye….. free and brilliant
Whose bright idea (no pun intended) was it to let that 1970s kid look at a solar eclipse through an optical viewfinder? Piece of film sellotaped on his face notwithstanding, that’s a stupid thing to do, and hilariously ironic to post on an article about astronomy software.
Oh. It’s from Business Insider. I understand now. :)
he`s got a solar filter on it
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