Stargazing is a popular pastime enjoyed by many individuals around the world. With the ever-increasing advancements in technology, stargazing has become even more accessible and easier to enjoy. One of the most convenient ways to enjoy the wonders of the night sky is with the use of a mobile application. There are numerous stargazing apps available on the market, each with their own unique features and capabilities. In this article, we will explore the best android stargazing app, highlighting its features, user interface and overall performance.
First and foremost, the best android stargazing app boasts a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The app is designed to provide users with a seamless experience, allowing them to quickly and easily locate celestial objects in the night sky. It offers a range of features, including a star map, in-depth information on celestial bodies and constellations, and the ability to track satellites and other space debris.
We have compiled a list of 8 Best Android Stargazing App for your consideration, which have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation by our team of experts.
Table of Contents
8 Best Android Stargazing App
1. SkySafari 6 Pro
SkySafari 6 Pro is an astronomy app that offers the largest database of any astronomy app, including every solar system object ever discovered. It provides unparalleled accuracy, telescope control, and viewing experience under the stars. The app has been recommended for serious amateur astronomers since 2009.
The new version 6 includes features such as cloud storage for observing data, updated star and galaxy catalogs, sessions that collect observations spanning a few hours or nights, a graph tool showing an object’s altitude above the horizon, a planner to create a list of targets for observing sessions, and a tilt to slew optional mode for telescope control. The app also has a system to organize and share observing experiences through a free web portal and affordable premium memberships.
Users can find stars, constellations, planets, and more by holding their device up, and the star chart updates automatically with movements. The app can simulate the night sky up to 10,000 years in the past or future, control telescopes, offer night vision, and provide a Galaxy View that shows the position of deep sky objects in our Milky Way.
2. SkySafari – Astronomy App
SkySafari is a mobile planetarium application that provides a user-friendly and interactive stargazing experience. Users can point their device towards the sky to locate millions of stars, planets, constellations, and satellites. Notably, the application allows users to simulate the night sky from any location on Earth, past or future. SkySafari also features rich graphics, including constellation illustrations and detailed views of galaxies and deep sky objects. Additionally, the application offers educational information on the history, mythology, and science of celestial bodies. Optional features include the Cosmos Collection, offering audio guided tours of the heavens and 3D visualizations of deep sky objects. SkySafari 6 includes a redesigned toolbar, improved database, and configurable font sizes.
3. Star Walk 2 Ads+ Sky Map View
Star Walk 2 Ads+ – Identify Stars in the Night Sky is an astronomy app that allows users to identify stars, constellations, planets, satellites, asteroids, comets, ISS, Hubble Space Telescope, and other celestial bodies in the sky above them. The app can be used day or night, and all users need to do is point their device at the sky.
The app contains information about stars and constellations, solar system bodies, deep space objects, and astronomical events like meteor showers, equinoxes, and conjunctions. Star Walk 2 Ads+ is a popular choice for both space amateurs and serious stargazers who want to learn astronomy on their own.
In addition to personal use, the app has also been adopted by the travel and tourism industry. For example, the ‘Rapa Nui Stargazing’ on Easter Island and ‘Nakai Resorts Group’ in the Maldives use the app for astronomical tours and meetings with guests.
Star Walk 2 Ads+ is available as a free version with ads or a paid version with in-app purchases to remove ads. The app features a real-time map of the sky that shows stars and planets, a clock-face icon to select any date and time to see the night sky in fast motion, and an augmented reality feature to view objects in the night sky superimposed on live sky objects.
4. SkyView® Explore the Universe
SkyView® is an Android stargazing app that enables users to identify celestial objects in the sky. It uses the device’s camera to spot and locate galaxies, stars, constellations, planets, and satellites, including the ISS and Hubble, passing overhead. The app displays 88 constellations that fade in and out as users scan the sky. It also offers night mode filters to preserve night vision, and users can use their camera to spot objects in the sky, day or night, through augmented reality.
SkyView® offers a comprehensive view of the sky, including thousands of stars, planets, and satellites with interesting facts. Users can follow the sky track for any object to see its exact location in the sky on any date and time. The app also offers time travel, enabling users to jump to the future or the past and see the sky on different dates and times.
SkyView® is mobile and does not require a data signal or GPS to function, making it an ideal companion for camping, boating, or flying. Users can also capture and share beautiful images with friends and family on social networks. The app is an excellent way to learn about our universe in a fun and engaging way, making it suitable for self-learning, teaching, or sharing with others.
5. NASA
The NASA app offers a variety of features for users to explore the latest content from NASA. Users can access over 16,000 images, with the collection growing daily. Additionally, users can watch live NASA TV and read the latest news and feature stories. The app also provides access to over 14,000 NASA videos from around the agency, as well as the latest mission information.
Users can view upcoming sighting opportunities for the International Space Station, and receive notifications before they happen. The app also allows users to watch live streaming video from the High Definition Earth Viewing (HDEV) experiment on the International Space Station. Users can display satellite tracking 2D maps and 3D earth models with the International Space Station and other Earth orbiting satellites, as well as receive the latest tweets from around the agency.
The app includes the ability for users to rate images and check out which ones make the top rated list. Users can also select their own favorite images or missions for quick access. The app provides a map, information, and links to all of the NASA visitor centers. Users can explore the featured content section with 3D planet models and information, as well as view the Earth as Art image collection and interactive map.
In addition, users can listen to Third Rock Radio, an alternative rock radio station, and easily share content with friends on social media.
6. Astrospheric – Astronomy Weather Forecasting
Astrospheric is a weather forecasting tool designed specifically for North American astronomers, astrophotographers, and explorers. The tool utilizes data from sources like the Canadian Meteorological Center and NOAA to produce a highly accurate 48-hour forecast for any location within the continental United States or Canada.
The tool offers a range of features including an 84-hour, hour-by-hour forecast, an extended 8-day cloud forecast, updates every 6 hours, and an infrared satellite data update every 30 minutes. The forecast also includes sky data such as cloud, sky transparency, smoke, and seeing, as well as ground data like wind, temperature, and humidity. Users can also access precise rise and set times for both the sun and moon, ISS (International Space Station) path information, and custom notifications for favorite locations.
Astrospheric also offers a map feature that overlays cloud, transparency, smoke, and seeing map layers for most of North America, as well as satellite data, jetstream, Aerosol Optical Depth, ground layers, and worldwide light pollution data. Users can easily scrub through the 48-hour forecast with each layer.
The moon feature provides precise altitude and illumination information, as well as a list of upcoming moon phases with dates. Users can also easily save favorite locations for easy access, and favorites roam between devices and browsers through the Astrospheric website.
7. Star Walk 2 Ads+ Night Sky Map
Star Walk 2 Ads+ – Identify Stars in the Night Sky is an astronomy app that can be used to explore the night sky, identify celestial bodies, and learn about astronomical events. The app allows users to point their device at the sky to see stars, constellations, planets, satellites, asteroids, comets, the ISS, and the Hubble Space Telescope in real time. It also provides information on solar system bodies, deep space objects, and meteor showers. The app is available for free with in-app purchases and contains ads.
Star Walk 2 Ads+ can be used by both space amateurs and serious stargazers to learn astronomy by themselves. It is also a useful educational tool for teachers to use during astronomy classes. The app has been used in the travel and tourism industry, with companies like ‘Rapa Nui Stargazing’ on Easter Island and ‘Nakai Resorts Group’ in the Maldives using it for their astronomical tours and meetings.
The app has several features, including a real-time map of the sky that shows stars and planets, a clock-face icon that allows users to select any date and time to watch the night sky map in fast motion, and an AR stargazing feature that allows users to view charted objects superimposed on live sky objects.
8. SkyView® Lite
SkyView Free is a stargazing app that allows users to easily identify celestial objects in the sky using their camera. It is designed for both day and night use and can help locate popular constellations, planets, galaxies, and satellites. The app was named Google Editor’s Choice in 2017.
Some of the features of SkyView Free include a simple interface that allows users to point their device at the sky to identify celestial objects. It also has a night mode that preserves night vision with red or green night mode filters. The app also includes an augmented reality (AR) feature that uses the camera to spot objects in the sky, day or night.
SkyView Free also offers sky paths, which allows users to follow the sky track of any object to see its exact location in the sky on any date and time. Additionally, the app offers a time travel feature that lets users jump to the future or the past to see the sky on different dates and times.
Social features are also included in the app, allowing users to capture and share beautiful images with friends and family on social networks. SkyView Free also does not require a data signal or GPS to function, making it a great option for camping, boating, or even flying. Finally, the app supports Space Navigator™ binoculars, spotting scope, and telescopes. Overall, SkyView Free is a great way for anyone to explore and learn about the universe.