Best Apps for iPhone to Know the Night Sky and the Stars Better

Best Apps for iPhone to Know the Night Sky and the Stars Better

The App Store is a tremendous source of applications, but it is also a source of information that can be used for a multitude of uses. In this post we want to talk to you about astronomy and offer you this compilation of applications with which you can obtain more information about the world that surrounds us and with which you can enjoy wonderful nights of research and observation.

Apps to view maps of the night sky

Star Walk 2 Ads +: Star Map

Star Walk 2 Ads

This application is a wonderful guide with which you can explore the starry sky. Designed for all lovers of astronomy and the night sky, since with it you can observe and explore stars, constellations, planets, satellites and, of course, other celestial bodies, being able to observe even the finest details.

Some of its main features are the Star Spotter, which is used to observe the starry sky day and night, it will allow you to easily find and identify the stars in real time, although for this you will need your device to have a digital compass. You can also use the time machine to follow the movement of celestial objects or even enjoy incredible models of celestial bodies in three dimensions.

Star map

Mapa Estelar

This application is used by more than 14 million people who are lovers of astronomy and who want to enjoy it. With Star Map, as its name suggests, you can have a virtual star map in your pocket, having the opportunity to look through the eyes of the iPhone and discover a virtual window to the entire visible universe.

The operation of this application is really simple, you just have to point your device towards the sky and the star map will tell you exactly what you are seeing. It employs modern GPS technology, an accurate 3D universe, and all the high-tech capabilities of the iPhone. This application even calculates the current position of each star and planet visible from Earth to show you its position as accurately as possible.

Classic Sky Map 2

Classic Sky Map 2

Classic Sky Map is an app that stands out for how simple and intuitive it is, since it has been created so that all users, regardless of their level of training or knowledge about astronomy, can easily use it. The user interface is simple and attractive, the controls are easy to use, and most adjustments only require a click or two.

This application shows you the brightest stars, the Moon, planets, constellations, even meteor showers and other wonderful and incredible phenomena to see. Live tracking is one of the star functions of this app, since just by pointing your device towards the stars, the celestial map is automatically aligned, showing you the portion of the sky that you are observing right at that moment.

Star Walk – Sky Map

Star Walk

Star Walk is the application that will bring you closer to the beauties of the universe and astronomy, all through turning your iPhone into an astronomical telescope. Regardless of where you are, with this application you can see the stars from any point, and you can even change it whenever you want.

Some of its main features are the virtual telescope to observe the sky, an astronomical calendar with celestial events so that you are aware of everything, augmented reality also plays a fundamental role in this application, the time machine is also a very interesting feature since you will be able to keep track of how the state of the sky will advance as time progresses.

All the information about the sky in these applications

Sky Live: Clear Night Sky

Sky Live

This application is created and designed by the developers of the popular worldwide guide to stargazing, Star Walk, who are also winners of the Apple Award for App Design. Within this app you will be able to find impressive space photographs along with everything you need to know and know about the stargazing conditions in your location.

Regardless of whether you are an observer or not, this application will be able to arouse your curiosity about this fantastic and interesting world. You will have at your fingertips information about the hourly conditions to be able to observe the most precise stars, these conditions are estimated based on up to seven criteria and are summarized in an index for stargazing that will give you all the information you need to plan.

Lunar Calendar Pro

Calendario Lunar Pro

One of the most important aspects when it comes to enjoying a good night of observation is the lunar calendar and that is exactly what this fantastic application offers you. With this lunar calendar you will be able to know the phase and the percentage of visibility of the moon for each day of the month, so you can plan perfectly and well in advance the observation nights that interest you or suit you the most.

As for the characteristics of this app, you have the lunar calendar, a simple and clear calendar with the forecast of the phases, so that you do not have any complications. The percentage of visibility of the moon, as well as the possibility of jumping in time and knowing what the state of the moon will be at that moment. You can also configure the application to receive a notification when there is a full moon.

Satellite Tracker By Star Walk

Satellite Tracker

Other of the most attractive elements to observe in the sky are the satellites, therefore this application, Satellite Tracker By Star Walk, will provide you with all the information you need about the satellites that are over our heads, that way you will have the fantastic possibility to observe the International Space Station in the sky, as well as other satellites created by the human being and that are in the universe.

Among the main features of this app, the real-time satellite tracking stands out, to be able to know their position at any time, information about the most prominent satellites as well as a satellite overflight timer and predictions of passes. You also have a flight view with satellite available.

SkyView Lite

SkyView Lite

This application puts astronomy within everyone’s reach, since with it you just have to place the iPhone in the direction of the sky and you can identify the stars, constellations, planets, satellites and practically everything in the sky. It has more than 1 million downloads and was awarded the App Store Rewind Award in 2011 for the best educational app. It has even received mentions such as “The ideal application for the amateur astronomer and anyone who has been curious when looking at the night sky” by CNET.

It is an app that is very easy to use, as we have mentioned before, you just have to focus your device in the direction of the sky to identify galaxies, stars, constellations, planets and the artificial satellites that fly over your location. Augmented reality also plays a fundamental role in this app as well as the Sky Paths that will allow you to follow the daily trajectories of the sun, the moon and the planets.

See the universe in 3D

Solar Walk Lite: 3D Planetarium

Solar Walk Lite

Solar Walk is an astronomical application that will help you explore the Solar System in three dimensions, which will allow you to appreciate each and every detail much better. By using this application you will have the feeling of taking a walk through the Universe, while observing the wonderful views of planets, satellites, moons, comets, asteroids and also, you will learn the most interesting facts about celestial objects.

This application is completely free, that is, you do not have to pay to download and it does not have payments within the app itself. Ease of use is another of the hallmarks of this application. In addition, another advantage is that you will not need to be connected to the internet to be able to use it and enjoy the impressive graphics it offers.

Solar Walk 2 Ads +: 3D Universe

Solar Walk 2 Ads

If you want to see an animated three-dimensional model of the Solar System, without a doubt this application is just what you were looking for. Solar Walk 2 is the perfect application for all those people who want to know in depth the planets, moons, asteroids and comets that accompany us every day in this slow dance that we perform around the sun, as corroborated by the multitude of testimonies that exist about this fantastic app.

Among its main functions we can highlight that it is an incredible space encyclopedia for everyone, regardless of the user’s age, this app will be very useful. It has a 3D model of the solar system, but beware, not only the solar system is represented in that way, since it also has 3D models of spaceships. Other functions that can be very useful are the astronomical calendar or virtual flights through space.