10 Best Stargazing Apps in 2024
Point your phone skyward to see a live 3D map of the stars.
October 8, 2024
The Best Stargazing Apps for iPhone & Android
When cruising off the grid, the night sky is incredibly dark since there is no light pollution, making it an ideal environment for stargazing. Stargazing offers a wonderful opportunity to contemplate the vastness of the universe and where we sit among 2 trillion galaxies.
Once you have learned the basics of stargazing, use our Stargazing Six Key Star Patterns In 30 Minutes. Snap at the sky and marvel at the cosmos. Do you wish that you could recognize constellations but do not want to fumble around with paper star charts? Now you can. Stargazing apps allow you to discover the wonders of space wherever you go. Day or night, aim your device skyward to see a live 3D map.
See a real-time interactive sky map on the screen of your phone. Find out what sky objects are visible from your location and determine the best time for observation. Keep abreast of spectacular astronomy events and get notified about them on time. Whether it is day or night, just point your device skyward to see a live 3D map of the stars and explore satellites, star clusters, nebulae, nebulae, galaxies, asteroids, comets, and meteors.
Above: A lady stargazing on a boat. Image via Vita Technology.
1. Star Walk 2
If you new to stargazing this app is an ideal choice. It provides extended information and curious facts about sky objects, allowing you to view their photos and elaborate 3D models. Star Walk 2 has added features. It is an inexpensive stargazing app at $5.99 for the whole Star Walk 2 package, including the app's add-on content.
Available in the Google Play store.
For more information visit Vito Technology.
2. SkySafari 7 Pro
If you already have a good foundation of stargazing knowledge SkySafari 7 Pro will take you to the next level and is used by serious astronomers. The flip side is that takes time to learn how to use it. It features a vast database, telescope control, and a planetarium. It also lets you schedule your stargazing trips and share your results with your friends. The only thing to be aware of is that this app takes up a large amount of storage space on your device and can get expensive. It's also worth noting that migration from the earlier version can cause issues, with non-functioning links in the help section, so DO LOAD the extra files when prompted at startup, or you will have issues. Prices start from $21.99.
Available in the Google Play store.
3. Star Chart
This free app provides an accurate 3D universe, attractive AR visuals, and pinpoint GPS functionality. It incorporates all 88 constellations, with constellation imagery based on the beautiful artwork by 17th-century astronomer Johannes Hevelius.
Available in the Google Play store.
For more information visit Escapist Games.
4. Stellarium Mobile - Star Map
This is an easy app to use to identify stars, and its simple interface is user-friendly. If you are just beginning to get into stargazing, this is a great place to start, as it's free. It also allows for location tracking and the possibility of connecting with your telescope.
Available in the Google Play store.
5. Night Sky
The night sky app is excellent for anyone interested in stargazing or astronomy. The Search Ticker function suggests celestial objects to search for based on what's visible in the sky now. Share the night sky through the app's 'connected stargazing' feature. There is a free lite version, or you can sign up for the Night Sky Premium subscription and host or take part in a virtual shared stargazing session where members can add stars, planets, constellations, and satellites to the session in real-time. (£4.99 per month or £29.99 per year).
Available in the Google Play store.
6. SkyView
Ideal for those at the beginning of their stargazing journey, the app is intuitive and fun for beginners and kids who want to explore the night sky without spending a lot of money. It is great value and costs between $2 and $3.
Available in the Google Play store.
7. Sky Tonight
This is a useful real-time stargazing app suitable for all stargazing levels. This impressive free app is limited to three events unless you take out the small Premium subscription. While a free version of the app is available, you must upgrade to the premium version to use many of the additional features.
Available in the Google Play store.
8. Sky Guide
The app helps you learn the constellations by overlaying figures, such as a bear over Ursa Major, known as the Great Bear constellation. Sky Guide is perfect for cruising since it works without Wi-Fi, cellular service, or GPS. It also suggests location-specific nightscape events, such as solar or lunar eclipses.
Available in the Google Play store.
10. SkySafari 7 Plus
A new and immersive stargazing experience. Stay current with location-filtered events like solar and lunar eclipses with Sky Guide's personalized Calendar. Simply hold your phone to the sky to identify planets, constellations, stars, and satellites.
There is a time machine function that enables you to see what the sky might have looked like thousands of years ago, or what it will look like in the future. The AR feature simulates past meteor showers, approaching comets, and celestial events like eclipses. SkySafari also has a constellation illustration overlay feature to make identifying the Fox or bear figures easier. The app also offers history, mythology, and scientific information to the images for a richer user experience.
Available in the Google Play store.
