Stargazing transforms into a captivating experience with today’s advanced apps. I’ll guide you through the best tools to elevate your night sky explorations.
Many stargazing apps are available for iPhone and Android. Some are free, others cost money. I’ve rounded up the best stargazing apps, so you can choose the right one for your needs!
1. Sky Tonight
Price: Free / Premium: $0.99/month
Get it on: Google Play | App Store (Apple)
Get it on: Google Play | App Store (Apple)
Sky Tonight is the latest, easiest tool for stargazing, offering only the essential features. The free version isn’t limited by features or the number of space objects. However, only the top three items in each tab are fully visible, with the rest slightly blurred. This setup, while not perfect, doesn’t significantly impact the experience.
2. SkyView Lite
Price: Free
This app is available on both the App Store and Google Play. If you want a free way to study the stars, Sky Tonight is the best program for all experience levels.
Get it on: Google Play | App Store (Apple)
SkyView Lite stands out from other star-gazing apps with its simple design, ensuring no distractions while you observe the sky. Plus, the stars align with your movement, and the map remains fixed, enhancing your experience.
3. Sky Guide
If you’re curious about observing a specific object in the sky, SkyView Lite helps you identify it quickly. While other apps might focus on stargazing news or offer a calendar, this one zeroes in on visible objects. Download it on the App Store and Google Play.
Price: Free / Subscription $1.99/month
Get it on: Google Play | App Store (Apple)
Recently, Sky Guide made its basic version free, though some constellations and many functions still need to be bought. Different membership options exist to upgrade the app. The cheapest option grants access to select space objects, complete constellations, full magnification zoom, stargazing predictions, and more.
4. NASA App
Price: Free
Sky Guide is a fantastic app with clean design, though you’ll need to pay for some basic features. Android and iOS users can find it in their app stores.
Get it on: Google Play | App Store (Apple)
See the latest NASA images, videos, and reports and get a unique view of Earth from the International Space Station. The NASA app is essential for anyone interested in space. Available for free on iOS and Android!
5. Star Chart
Price: Free
The NASA app, created by expert astronomers, offers a rich collection of images, videos, and details on both current and past missions. If you want a thorough guide to stargazing and much more, this app is a must-have.
Get it on: Google Play | App Store (Apple)
Like the others, point this upward to see above you. After that, aim it at the ground to view the skies on the other side of the planet. A virtual planetarium can now fit into your phone! Check out the entire visible cosmos through your Android or iOS device.
6. Star Walk 2
This free app offers a wealth of content at no cost. Star Chart helps you explore the night sky, whether you’re interested in specific planets or just want to take a journey.
Price: Free for Android, $3/month for iOS
Get it on: Google Play | App Store (Apple)
This app uses your GPS to help you find and identify constellations in the night sky. Just point your device at the stars, and it handles the rest. There’s also a kids version for iOS and Android called Star Walk Kids.
7. Good to Stargaze
Price: Free
The best part about the app is you can use it without an internet connection. Additionally, Star Walk has a night mode perfect for stargazing.
Get it on: Google Play | App Store (Apple)
Final Thoughts
The weather often decides if you can go stargazing. Good to Stargaze gives you all the necessary info. Adjust sliders for temp, humidity, precipitation chances, and more. The app quickly shows if it’s a good night to stargaze and offers detailed info through widgets.