The 20 best stargazing apps for mobile.

1. Stellarium Mobile

Download: Android iOS

Cost: Stellarium Mobile Free (Free), Stellarium Mobile Plus ($13.99)

Stellarium Mobile is the ultimate stargazing app for anyone who wants to explore the night sky. Forget about those basic star charts, this app boasts an incredibly accurate and realistic sky simulation that puts you right there under the stars. With over 23 million downloads, it's clear that this app has something special to offer. The detailed information on stars, planets, and constellations, along with the ability to zoom in on stunning images of galaxies, makes it a top pick for both casual stargazers and seasoned astronomers.

Key Features:

• Accurate night sky simulation for any date, time, and location.
• Identifies stars, constellations, planets, and more in real-time.
• Provides realistic Milky Way and deep sky object images.

✨ Read more: app for learning science

2. Star Walk 2

Download: Android iOS

Cost: Star Walk 2 Free (Free), Star Walk 2 Paid ($2.99)

Star Walk 2 is a popular stargazing app that offers a real-time sky map, allowing you to explore stars, constellations, planets, and satellites with ease. While some users have found its deep sky object database less extensive than others, they praise its accuracy in locating planets and the Sun/Moon, making it ideal for celestial photography. Although initial location tracking issues were reported, the developers have since addressed these concerns with an update. Despite its minor flaws, Star Walk 2 remains a valuable tool for quick stargazing, providing a convenient and accessible way to learn about the night sky.

Key Features:

• Real-time sky map with constellations
• Identify stars, planets, and satellites
• Augmented reality for immersive sky exploration

3. Sky Tonight

Download: Android iOS

Cost: Free Plan (Free), Premium Monthly Subscription ($0.99)

Looking to dive into the wonders of the night sky? Look no further than Sky Tonight, the ultimate mobile stargazing app. This app goes beyond simply identifying stars and planets - it's your personalized celestial guide. Unlike other apps that overwhelm you with information, Sky Tonight lets you customize your experience. Set reminders for upcoming celestial events, track the movement of planets, and even adjust the visibility of constellations to focus on what you want to see. With Sky Tonight, your phone transforms into a powerful tool for unlocking the mysteries of the universe, all with the ease of a few taps.

Key Features:

• Interactive sky map with real-time positions
• Time Machine for exploring past and future sky
• Customizable settings for personalized stargazing

4. SkyView® Lite

Download: Android iOS

SkyView® Lite is a stargazing app that promises to bring the cosmos to your fingertips, but its accuracy can be frustratingly inconsistent. While the concept is fantastic and the interface is visually appealing, some users report issues with the compass calibration, resulting in inaccurate star placements. Additionally, the font choices may be too stylized for those with less-than-perfect vision, hindering readability. Despite its flaws, the app's ability to identify celestial objects and provide information about them is a great way to learn about the night sky.

Key Features:

• Identifies celestial objects in the sky
• Uses your camera to pinpoint locations
• Preserves night vision with red or green filters

5. Star Walk 2 Ads+ Sky Map View

Download: Android iOS

Cost: Free Version ($0.00), Monthly Premium ($1.49)

Star Walk 2 Ads+ Sky Map View is a captivating stargazing app that immerses you in the wonders of the night sky. Its detailed information and customizable features are truly impressive, allowing you to explore stars, constellations, planets, and more with ease. However, while it boasts a treasure trove of astronomical knowledge, the app's compass calibration issues and frequent ads can be frustrating. While other astronomy apps offer more accurate positioning and less intrusive advertising, Star Walk 2 Ads+ stands out with its depth of information. Nevertheless, the app's omission of constellations from cultures beyond the "classical" European tradition is a missed opportunity to celebrate the rich tapestry of celestial knowledge across the globe.

Key Features:

• Identifies stars, constellations, planets in real-time
• Provides information on celestial bodies and events
• Allows exploration of the night sky with ease