Take a trip through the stars with the best stargazing apps out there right now. These new apps make it easier than ever to explore the wonders of the night sky, no matter how much experience you have or how new you are to astronomy. These apps can turn your phone or tablet into a portable observatory by giving you real-time sky maps and detailed databases of the stars.
There are a lot of stargazing apps, but a few stand out because they are easy to use, give accurate information, and have a lot of features. These apps are great for stargazers of all ages and skill levels because they combine educational content with useful tools. As you explore the universe, features like augmented reality overlays, notifications for celestial events, and detailed sky charts make stargazing more immersive. Below, we have mentioned the best stargazing apps.
What is Stargazing App?
A Stargazing App is a mobile app that helps people look at the night sky and figure out what things they see. Usually, these apps use GPS and augmented reality to show users information about stars, planets, constellations, and other astronomical events that are happening right now on their device screen. For amateur astronomers and sky lovers, stargazing apps often have features like sky maps, stargazing tips, educational content, and alerts about upcoming events in the sky.
Best Stargazing Apps Comparison Table
Smartphone stargazing apps transform celestial exploration. Using real-time sky maps, they identify stars, planets, and constellations, teaching users astronomy. Augmented reality overlays and detailed celestial catalogues make stargazing easy and educational, connecting humans to the cosmos.
| Feature | PhotoPills | Stellarium Mobile | Celestron SkyPortal | NASA app | Sky Tonight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Astronomical Data | Extensive | Extensive | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Augmented Reality | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Telescope Control | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| User Interface | Advanced | Advanced | User-friendly | User-friendly | User-friendly |
| Learning Curve | Steeper | Moderate | Low | Low | Low |
PhotoPills
Features:
- Advanced planning tool for photographers.
- Provides information on sun, moon, and Milky Way positions.
- Offers augmented reality features for visualizing shots.
- Includes tools for calculating exposure settings and depth of field.
PhotoPills is a high-tech app that lets you look at the stars. It also works as a calculator, a map, and a daily guide to the stars. It got the best review in our PhotoPills app review, and astrophotographers will love it because it helps you figure out the best time, date, and place to shoot your chosen celestial event. Currently, this is one of the best stargazing apps.
Pros
- Powerful planning tools for photographers, including sun, moon, and Milky Way position predictions.
- Augmented Reality (AR) features for visualizing celestial events in real-world locations.
- Comprehensive database of astronomical information.
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for beginners.
- Paid app, not free.
Stellarium Mobile
Features:
- Interactive planetarium app for astronomy enthusiasts.
- Displays a realistic sky map based on location and time.
- Offers detailed information about stars, planets, and constellations.
- Features a user-friendly interface with customizable settings.
The Stellarium Mobile is easy for kids to use because it has a simple interface that lets you quickly identify objects in the sky. The search function in the app lets users look through its database of more than 600,000 stars, planets, constellations, satellites, and other objects in the deep sky. When you zoom in on the Milky Way, get ready to get lost. Overall, this is one of the best stargazing apps.
Pros
- Stunning and realistic sky simulations with detailed celestial objects.
- User-friendly interface with easy navigation.
- No ads and available for free with additional features in the paid version.
Cons
- Limited advanced planning features compared to some other apps.
- May not have as extensive a database as specialized astronomy apps.
Celestron SkyPortal
Features:
- Companion app for Celestron telescopes.
- Enables telescope control through a smartphone or tablet.
- Provides a database of celestial objects and guided tours of the night sky.
- Includes features for learning about astronomy and observing tips.
When paired with a SkyPortal Wi-Fi module, Celestron’s NextStar Evolution Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes can be controlled wirelessly through the SkyPortal. Any computerised Celestron telescope can also be controlled wirelessly through the app. After a simple process of pairing and aligning, the app turns your phone into a wireless hand controller. This is the best stargazing apps that you can consider.
Pros
- Telescope control and alignment for compatible Celestron telescopes.
- Night vision mode for preserving dark adaptation.
- Interactive sky map with detailed object information.
Cons
- Limited functionality without a compatible Celestron telescope.
- Some users report occasional connectivity issues.
NASA app
Features:
- Official app of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
- Offers news, images, videos, and updates on NASA missions.
- Provides access to live streams from the International Space Station (ISS).
- Features educational content about space exploration and scientific discoveries.
There isn’t a traditional stargazing feature in the NASA app, but the iOS version does have a basic planetarium feature called SkyView. In fact, it’s a treasure trove of information about everything NASA, from press releases and images of the day to current missions. We also think you should download the app and check it out for yourself since it’s completely free and doesn’t have any paywalls. Overall, it is one of the best stargazing apps that you can consider.
Pros
- Rich content including news, images, and videos from NASA missions.
- Live streaming of NASA TV.
- Educational resources and information on upcoming events.
Cons
- Primarily focused on NASA-related content, not as specialized for astronomy enthusiasts.
- Limited interactive sky maps or planning tools.
Sky Tonight
Features:
- Astronomy app for stargazing and sky observation.
- Offers real-time sky maps and celestial event notifications.
- Provides information on planets, stars, and constellations visible from your location.
- Includes a night mode for preserving night vision during observation.
Sky Tonight, another Vito Technology app like Star Walk 2, is great for gathering interesting information in one place with visually appealing AR effects. The map homepage lets you move your phone to identify bright sky objects. Zipping in and tapping on stars and planets brings up their history, lore, and next month’s horizon visibility. Still, it is one of the best stargazing apps that you can consider.
Pros
- Simple and intuitive interface for identifying celestial objects.
- Daily updates on celestial events visible from your location.
- Moon phases and rise/set times for the sun and moon.
Cons
- Limited advanced features for astrophotography planning.
- May lack some of the in-depth data available in other apps.
Tips for Using Stargazing Apps Effectively
Stargazing apps can be very helpful for amateur astronomers and anyone else who wants to learn more about the night sky. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of stargazing apps:
Pick a Good App: There are many stargazing apps for both iOS and Android operating systems. Pick an app that has good reviews, is updated often, and has the features you need.
Learn How to Navigate the App: Figure out how to get around in the app by spending some time getting to know its features and layout. Find out how to look for objects in the sky, change settings, and use extra tools like augmented reality.
Learn the Basics of Astronomy: Stargazing apps can help you figure out what the stars are, but it will be more fun if you know the basics of astronomy. Find out about constellations, planets, stars, and other things that happen in space.
Use Night Mode: A lot of apps for stargazing have a feature called “night mode” that dims the screen to red or dark colours at night. This keeps your night vision strong and makes it easier to see things in the sky that aren’t very bright.
Enable Location Services: This lets the app use your device’s location services to figure out exactly where you are in the world. In this way, the app can show you the night sky as it looks from where you are.
Finding the Best Stargazing App for You
There are a lot of things that affect which stargazing app is best for you, such as your skill level, your interests, the features you want, and the device you’re using. To help you find the best app for stargazing, follow these steps:
Find Out What Level You Are: Are you a beginner, an intermediate, or an advanced stargazer? Some apps are easy for beginners to use because they have simple interfaces and basic information. Other apps are more advanced and have features like telescope control and databases of deep-sky objects.
Check for Compatibility: Make sure the app works with the operating system on your device (iOS, Android, etc.). Some apps can be used on more than one platform, while others can only be used on certain devices.
Review and Rate: In app stores and online forums, you can read reviews and rates of different stargazing apps. To help you make a good choice, pay attention to what other people like and dislike about each app.
Trial and Free Versions: A lot of stargazing apps let you try them out before you buy them by giving them away for free or letting you use them for a certain amount of time. Take advantage of these chances to find out if the app meets your needs.
Consider Your Interests: Are you interested in finding constellations, planets, satellites, or deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae? These apps focus on various aspects of astronomy, so pick one that fits your interests.
FAQs
The night sky app is great for stargazers and astronomers. This app makes night sky objects easy to identify and learn about with its intuitive interface and extensive database.
The NASA app is free. Available for iOS, Android, Apple TV, and Roku. NASA Apple TV app image section.
