Want to learn more about the night sky, but don't know where to start? There are tons of apps that can help you identify constellations, planets, and even meteor showers! These apps use your phone's GPS and compass to show you what's above you in real-time, no matter where you are. You can even use them to plan your next stargazing trip, figuring out where to find the best views of certain celestial objects.
Three of the top-rated apps are Sky Map, Star Walk 2 Ads+ Sky Map View, and Stellarium Mobile. These apps offer a range of features from basic star identification to augmented reality views of the cosmos. You can even use them to learn about the history of astronomy and explore the latest discoveries. So ditch the bulky telescope and download one of these apps today!
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Sky Map |  | Android | 4.1/5 | 69M+ | Identify stars and planets, Explore nebulae and galaxies |
| 2. Star Walk 2 Ads+ Sky Map View |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 33M+ | Real-time sky map, Identify celestial objects, Explore the deep sky |
| 3. Stellarium Mobile |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 23M+ | Accurate night sky simulation, Realistic Milky Way images |
| 4. SkyView® Lite |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 20M+ | Augmented Reality View, Night Mode Filters, Celestial Object Identification |
| 5. NASA |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 15M+ | Unlimited NASA+ video streaming, Interactive experiences |
| 6. SkySafari Legacy |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 4M+ | Accurate star chart, Easy to use, Rich graphics |
| 7. Sky Tonight |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 3M+ | Real-time sky map, Time Machine, Fully customizable |
1. Sky Map
Identifies celestial objects, Displays night sky view, Allows time travel
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 68 million downloads |
| Features | Sky Map lets you identify stars, planets, constellations, and other celestial objects by pointing your Android device at the sky. |
| Who It’s For | Stargazers, astronomy enthusiasts, anyone interested in learning about the night sky. |
- Tags:
- Real-time star chart
- Identify celestial objects
- Explore the night sky
Sky Map, once a beloved app for stargazing, has unfortunately fallen short in recent updates. While its initial design boasts a charming simplicity, its core functionality – pinpointing celestial bodies – has become unreliable. Many users, including myself, have experienced persistent calibration issues, rendering the app frustratingly inaccurate. While manual adjustments can be made, the lack of dependable location services diminishes the app's ability to accurately guide stargazers. This, coupled with a sparse feature set compared to other stargazing apps, leaves a feeling of missed potential. The app's lack of in-depth information about celestial objects, its inability to forecast object positions, and even its omission of basic celestial objects like comets and asteroids, contribute to a sense of disappointment. Though Sky Map may still offer a visually appealing view of the night sky, its core functionality has become unreliable, making it a far cry from the dependable stargazing tool it once was.
Pros & Cons
- Visualizes constellations accurately
- Provides a star map view
- Easy to use interface
- Free and readily available
- Inaccurate location calibration
- Lacks advanced features
- Limited object information
Why we chose it?
Sky Map is my go-to app for stargazing because it's incredibly simple and user-friendly. I love that it's completely free and doesn't require any internet connection to use, so it's perfect for taking out under the stars. Plus, the intuitive design makes it easy to find any constellation or planet you're looking for, even if you're a beginner.
✨ Read more: app for learning science
2. Star Walk 2 Ads+ Sky Map View
Real-time sky map, Identify celestial objects, Explore deep space
Cost:
Free (Free), Star Walk 2 Plus ($2.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Education |
| Downloads | Over 32 million |
| Features | This app allows users to identify stars, constellations, planets, and other celestial bodies in real time, providing a comprehensive guide to exploring the night sky. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone interested in stargazing, astronomy enthusiasts, and those looking for a fun and educational app for learning about the universe. |
- Tags:
- Real-time stargazing
- Identify celestial bodies
- Explore deep sky objects
Star Walk 2 Ads+ Sky Map View is a highly detailed and customizable app for stargazing that lets you explore the night sky in real time, identifying stars, constellations, planets, and more. Users rave about its wealth of information, but some have noted that the compass calibration can be finicky, leading to inaccurate overlay placement. While the app offers a wealth of information about the European constellations, some users feel its focus on this one culture comes at the expense of other rich celestial traditions.
Pros & Cons
- Detailed and informative stargazing
- Offers customizable features for users
- Great for exploring the solar system
- Provides comprehensive information about stars
- Compass calibration issues and inaccuracy
- Frequent and intrusive ads in the app
- Lacks information on constellations beyond European
Why we chose it?
Star Walk 2 is my go-to app for stargazing because it's incredibly user-friendly and packed with cool features. I love how it accurately identifies stars, planets, and constellations in real-time, just by pointing my phone at the sky. Plus, the app's time travel feature lets me see what the night sky looked like in the past or will look like in the future, which is super fascinating!
3. Stellarium Mobile
Realistic sky simulation for any time, Identify celestial objects with ease
Cost:
Free (Free), Stellarium Plus ($14.99 / year)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Education |
| Downloads | Over 23 million downloads |
| Features | Stellarium Mobile offers a realistic sky map that lets you identify stars, planets, constellations, comets, satellites, and other celestial objects in real-time, just by pointing your phone at the sky. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone interested in stargazing, astronomy enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a user-friendly app to explore the night sky. |
- Tags:
- Real-time star chart
- Accurate sky simulation
- Deep sky object exploration
Stellarium Mobile is an exceptional app for stargazing that transports you to the wonders of the night sky. Its beautiful displays of constellations, with their classical image overlays, are a delight to explore. This app makes it incredibly easy to navigate the celestial canvas, allowing you to see what's coming up next with a simple drag of the screen. The app's user-friendly interface and intuitive design make it a great learning tool, whether you're a seasoned stargazer or just starting out. While some users wish for more detailed 3D models and edited photographs, Stellarium Mobile provides a captivating and accurate glimpse into the universe, leaving you wanting to explore the cosmos further.
Pros & Cons
- Great for learning constellations
- Beautiful displays of constellations
- Easy to navigate night sky
- Intuitive and easy to use
- Limited classical image graphics
- Occasional impurities in sky photos
- Lack of 3D models for stars
Why we chose it?
Stellarium Mobile is a must-have for any stargazer! Its realistic sky map and extensive database of celestial objects make it super easy to identify constellations, planets, and even satellites. Plus, the user-friendly interface makes exploring the night sky a breeze, whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just starting out.
4. SkyView® Lite
Identifies celestial objects, Augmented reality experience, Night mode for vision
Download:
Application information
| Category | Education |
| Downloads | Over 19 million downloads |
| Features | SkyView® Lite lets you point your device at the sky to identify stars, constellations, planets, galaxies, and satellites, including the International Space Station and the Hubble Telescope. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone interested in learning about the stars and constellations. |
SkyView® Lite is a popular app for stargazing that promises to bring the cosmos to your fingertips. Using your device's camera, the app identifies stars, constellations, planets, and even satellites passing overhead. While many users enjoy the app's ease of use and beautiful interface, some have expressed concerns about its accuracy and user interface. Several reviewers have noted that the app's compass calibration can be unreliable, leading to misaligned star positions. Additionally, the app's font choice has been criticized for being difficult to read, particularly for users with less-than-perfect vision. Despite these shortcomings, SkyView® Lite remains a compelling app for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the night sky.
Pros & Cons
- Augmented reality stargazing
- Identifies stars, planets, constellations
- Easy to use interface
- Works without internet connection
- Inaccurate compass calibration
- Font size not adjustable
- Horizon line angle issue
Why we chose it?
SkyView® Lite is my go-to app for stargazing because it's incredibly user-friendly and visually stunning. The augmented reality feature is amazing, letting me point my phone at the sky and instantly identify constellations, planets, and even satellites! It's perfect for beginners and seasoned stargazers alike, making it a must-have app for anyone who wants to explore the wonders of the night sky.
5. NASA
Identify stars and constellations, Interactive 3D solar system view
Download:
Application information
| Category | Education |
| Downloads | Over 15 million downloads |
| Features | The app offers live feeds, mission updates, videos, photos, podcasts, augmented reality experiences, and a new NASA+ streaming service. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone interested in space exploration, from casual stargazers to serious astronomy enthusiasts. |
- Tags:
- Unlimited NASA+ streaming
- Interactive space experiences
- Mission alerts and updates
The NASA app is a treasure trove for stargazers, offering a gateway to the wonders of the universe right on your mobile device. It boasts a stunning array of high-resolution images, captivating videos, and engaging articles about space exploration. While some users have encountered glitches with image cycling and saving, the app's overall experience is captivating, providing a constant stream of awe-inspiring content. Whether you're looking for breathtaking wallpapers or in-depth information about the latest missions, this app is a must-have for anyone with a passion for the cosmos.
Pros & Cons
- Beautiful space imagery
- Automatic wallpaper cycling
- Image saving feature
- Informative articles and videos
- Wallpaper cycling bug
- Saved image issue
- Awkward article scrolling
Why we chose it?
The NASA app is a fantastic choice for stargazing because it gives you direct access to NASA's incredible resources. You'll find stunning images, videos, and even live feeds from telescopes around the world, giving you a front-row seat to the wonders of space. And if you're looking for in-depth information on specific celestial objects, NASA has you covered with their vast collection of articles and podcasts.
6. SkySafari Legacy
Identifies celestial objects in real-time, Offers detailed information on objects
Cost:
Free (Free), Plus ($14.99)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Education |
| Downloads | Over 3.5 million downloads |
| Features | SkySafari Legacy offers a comprehensive stargazing experience, featuring a detailed star catalog, planetarium view, and interactive information about celestial objects. |
| Who It’s For | Amateur astronomers, stargazers, anyone interested in exploring the night sky. |
- Tags:
- Accurate Star Chart
- Easy-to-use interface
- Rich Database of Objects
SkySafari Legacy is a stellar app for stargazing, offering a crisp, colorful, and user-friendly guide to the night sky. It's a favorite among many astronomy enthusiasts, praised for its informative descriptions and ability to toggle the compass for precise navigation. This app goes beyond just showing you the stars; it lets you set notifications for events like satellite or planetary risings, adding an element of anticipation to your celestial explorations. While the app is a joy to use, some users have expressed a desire for more customization options like a choice between vibration or silent notifications, and the ability to visualize light pollution based on location. Regardless, SkySafari Legacy is a truly captivating app for anyone looking to delve deeper into the wonders of the cosmos.
Pros & Cons
- Great for stargazing
- Informative object descriptions
- Customizable with add-ons
- User-friendly interface
- Notification sound issue
- Limited landscape backgrounds
- Free version lacks features
Why we chose it?
SkySafari Legacy is a fantastic app for stargazing, and it's the one I always recommend. It's packed with features like a huge database of celestial objects, accurate sky simulations, and even the ability to control your telescope. Plus, it's incredibly user-friendly, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned astronomers. I love how it seamlessly blends powerful tools with a fun and engaging experience, making exploring the night sky a joy.
7. Sky Tonight
Interactive sky map, real-time view, Time machine, explore past & future
Cost:
Free (Free), Sky Tonight Premium ($2.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Books & Reference |
| Downloads | Over 2.7 Million Downloads |
| Features | Sky Tonight offers interactive sky maps, time travel capabilities, notifications for astronomical events, and a customizable experience to find stars, constellations, and planets. |
| Who It’s For | Sky Tonight is an app for stargazing, perfect for anyone interested in exploring the night sky and learning about celestial objects. |
- Tags:
- Real-time sky map
- Time Machine feature
- Customizable Settings
Sky Tonight is a stellar app for stargazing, offering an immersive experience that rivals even the most established apps. This mobile tool provides detailed information about celestial bodies, allowing you to explore the night sky with ease. Users rave about its customizable features like cloud cover and light pollution indicators, which enhance the stargazing experience. Additionally, the app's ability to track celestial bodies' movements and provide detailed information on demand makes it an indispensable tool for both seasoned and novice stargazers alike.
Pros & Cons
- Excellent for stargazing
- Provides cloud cover info
- Customizable reminders available
- Affordable premium access
- Difficult to unsubscribe
- Subscription continues after uninstall
- Hard to locate celestial bodies
Why we chose it?
I absolutely love Sky Tonight! It's so easy to use and packed with features that make stargazing a breeze. I can point my phone at the sky and instantly identify constellations, planets, and even satellites. Plus, it has a Time Machine feature that lets me see what the sky looked like in the past or will look like in the future. It's the perfect app for anyone interested in learning more about the universe!
8. Star Roam Sky Map Planet
Real-time sky view, Identify celestial objects, Time travel for stars
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($2.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Education |
| Downloads | Over 1.6 million downloads |
| Features | Star Roam lets you identify stars, constellations, planets, nebulae, satellites, and deep space objects in real time, all while learning about astronomy in an engaging way. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone interested in stargazing, from beginners to experienced astronomers |
- Tags:
- Real-time sky view
- Identify celestial objects
- Time travel to any date
Star Roam Sky Map Planet is a captivating app for stargazing that brings the wonders of the universe to your fingertips. While some users have expressed frustration with the star alarms, the app's ability to vividly display the stars moving across the universe is undeniably captivating. It's a truly immersive experience that allows you to explore the night sky in real-time, offering a detailed view of constellations, planets, and even satellites. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just starting your celestial journey, Star Roam provides an engaging and accessible way to discover the beauty of the stars.
Pros & Cons
- Detailed star visualization
- Gratifying to see stars move
- Fun for learning about stars
- Potentially helpful for stargazing
- Annoying star alarms
- No way to disable alarms
- Limited planetary and moon features
Why we chose it?
Star Roam Sky Map Planet is a fantastic app for anyone interested in stargazing! I love how it lets me pinpoint stars, constellations, and planets in real-time just by pointing my phone at the sky. It's super easy to use, even for beginners, and I've learned so much about the night sky thanks to its detailed information and beautiful visuals. If you're looking for a fun and educational way to explore the universe, Star Roam is definitely worth checking out!
9. Star Walk 2
Real-time sky map, Augmented Reality view, Comprehensive celestial database
Cost:
Free (Free), Star Walk 2+ ($2.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Education |
| Downloads | Over 700,000 downloads |
| Features | Star Walk 2 features a real-time sky map, constellation identification, planet finding, satellite tracking, augmented reality viewing, and detailed information about celestial objects. |
| Who It’s For | Star Walk 2 is ideal for both amateur and experienced stargazers, as well as anyone interested in learning more about astronomy. |
- Tags:
- Real-time sky map
- AR Stargazing
- Constellation identifier
Star Walk 2 is an app for stargazing that allows you to explore the night sky in real time, identify constellations, planets, and other celestial objects with ease. While some users have noted that the app's deep sky object database is less extensive than other stargazing apps, it still offers a wealth of information and is highly praised for its accuracy in tracking celestial bodies. Many users, like one who specifically tracks the Sun and Moon for celestial photography, have found the app's precision to be exceptional. Despite some initial concerns regarding location tracking, the developers have demonstrated their responsiveness to user feedback, implementing updates that have significantly improved the app's accuracy. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or a curious beginner, Star Walk 2 provides a user-friendly and engaging experience for anyone seeking to explore the wonders of the cosmos.
Pros & Cons
- Accurate planet location tracking
- Excellent for celestial photography
- User-friendly interface for beginners
- Detailed information on celestial objects
- Limited deep sky object coverage
- Poor quality of some deep sky images
- Objects disappear when unselected
Why we chose it?
Star Walk 2 is my go-to app for stargazing because it's incredibly user-friendly and packed with features. I love that it uses augmented reality to show me exactly what's in the sky above me, and the detailed information about stars, planets, and constellations is fascinating. Plus, the app's beautiful design and intuitive interface make it a pleasure to use, whether I'm a beginner or a seasoned stargazer.
10. SkyView® Explore the Universe
Identify celestial objects with camera, Augmented reality for stargazing
Download:
Application information
| Category | Education |
| Downloads | Over half a million downloads |
| Features | SkyView® uses your device camera to identify constellations, planets, satellites, and other celestial objects in the sky, day or night. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone interested in stargazing, regardless of experience level. |
- Tags:
- Real-time stargazing
- Identify celestial bodies
- Night mode vision
SkyView® Explore the Universe is a stellar app for stargazing, offering an immersive experience that's both accurate and user-friendly. This app uses your device's camera to precisely identify celestial objects, whether you're looking at constellations, planets, or even satellites passing overhead. While some users have found themselves drawn to other apps with more advanced features, SkyView® remains a popular choice for its simplicity and ease of use. It allows users to easily identify constellations, navigate the cosmos, and enjoy a visually appealing representation of the night sky. Despite the absence of excessive bells and whistles, SkyView® proves to be a reliable and enjoyable tool for anyone seeking to explore the wonders of the universe.
Pros & Cons
- Accurate star identification
- Easy to use interface
- No invasive permissions
- Good value for the price
- Constellation art overpowers
- Settings lack clear instructions
- Limited customization options
Why we chose it?
SkyView® is a great choice for stargazing because it's incredibly user-friendly and visually stunning. Just point your phone at the sky, and it instantly identifies constellations, planets, and even satellites! The app is also perfect for beginners because it provides a wealth of information on celestial objects, making it easy to learn about the cosmos.
11. Night Sky Guide
Augmented reality stargazing experience, Locate any object in the sky
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($2.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Education |
| Downloads | Over 450,000 downloads |
| Features | This app allows users to explore the night sky using augmented reality, identify planets, stars, and constellations, change the time to view the sky at different moments, and search for specific objects with detailed guidance. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone interested in stargazing, astronomy enthusiasts, and those who want to learn more about the night sky. |
- Tags:
- AR Stargazing
- Precise Navigation
- Time Travel Night Sky
Night Sky Guide is an intuitive app for stargazing that lets you explore the celestial wonders right from your phone. While users rave about its user-friendly interface and the ability to pinpoint stars and constellations using augmented reality, some find the lack of an account system frustrating, as it means manually re-entering star information after each phone upgrade. Despite this drawback, the app has a powerful emotional appeal, allowing users to connect with loved ones who have passed on by locating their designated stars in the sky. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or just starting out, Night Sky Guide offers a unique and personal way to experience the beauty of the night sky.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to navigate interface
- Finds stars and constellations
- Provides star certificate feature
- Great for stargazing beginners
- No account to save data
- Requires manual star address input
- Limited information on celestial objects
Why we chose it?
Night Sky Guide is a fantastic choice for stargazing because it blends cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features. I love how it uses augmented reality to pinpoint stars and constellations right in front of me, making the experience incredibly immersive. Plus, the time-travel feature lets me see how the night sky looked in the past or will look in the future, which is truly fascinating!
12. SkyWiki
Interactive sky map visualization, Astronomy event calendar, Detailed object information
Download:
Application information
| Category | Education |
| Downloads | Over 179,000 |
| Features | SkyWiki offers a sky map, event calendar, constellation guide, and a periscope for visualizing celestial objects. |
| Who It’s For | SkyWiki is perfect for anyone interested in stargazing, astronomy, or learning about the night sky. |
- Tags:
- Interactive sky map
- Astronomy Event Calendar
- Detailed Object Information
SkyWiki is an incredible app for stargazing that packs a wealth of information into a user-friendly interface. From tracking lunar phases and planetary positions to pinpointing meteor showers, SkyWiki delivers exactly what amateur astronomers are looking for. The app's ability to time travel through the night sky, adjusting the time to see how celestial objects move, is a standout feature. While the zoom on the star map might need a little tweaking, users consistently praise the app's overall accuracy and ease of use, making it a must-have for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the cosmos.
Pros & Cons
- Provides planet positions
- Includes moon calendar
- Offers meteor shower info
- Versatile and informative
- Zoom function is weird
- East-west directions flipped
- Star map initially confusing
Why we chose it?
SkyWiki is the perfect app for anyone who wants to learn more about the night sky! I love how it combines a beautiful sky map with a calendar of upcoming astronomical events. You can even time travel through the sky to see how it looked in the past or how it will look in the future! It's a must-have for any budding astronomer, and I think you'll find it as fun and educational as I do.
13. Sky Academy
Learn constellations, stars, DSOs, Personalized learning and practice
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Education |
| Downloads | Over 173 thousand |
| Features | Sky Academy teaches you about constellations, stars, and Deep Sky Objects through 123, 180, and 153 levels respectively, providing training and testing modes with customized learning lists, presets, and review options. |
| Who It’s For | App for stargazing enthusiasts who want to learn about constellations, stars, and Deep Sky Objects. |
| Keywords | app for stargazing |
- Tags:
- Constellations Learning
- Stars Recognition
- DSOs Exploration
Sky Academy is an excellent app for stargazing, designed to teach you about constellations, stars, and deep sky objects in a fun and engaging way. This app, praised for its "picture learning style" and "simple and informative" approach, uses a gamified system with 123 levels for constellations, 180 for stars, and 153 for deep sky objects. While users appreciate the app's quality and effectiveness, some have expressed concerns about the paywall for accessing the "medium" and "hard" difficulty levels. However, the app's one-time purchase model and lack of ads have been commended, making it a valuable investment for those serious about learning the night sky.
Pros & Cons
- Picture learning style is good
- Simple and informative learning
- No ads for free content
- One-time purchase for access
- Paid for medium and hard levels
- Constellation lines disappear slowly
- Limited free content for learning
Why we chose it?
Sky Academy is a fantastic app for learning constellations, stars, and even deep sky objects. What makes it stand out is the structured approach to learning, with levels that gradually introduce new celestial objects and test your knowledge. It's like having a personal astronomy tutor right in your pocket! This app isn't just about identifying objects in the sky; it's designed to help you truly understand and appreciate the beauty and wonder of the cosmos.