Are you fascinated by the stars and planets? Do you have an Android device? If so, you’re in luck because there are numerous free astronomy apps available to help you explore the night sky. But which one is the best? In this article, we will discuss the top free Android app for astronomy and why it’s worth downloading. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced stargazer, this app is sure to enhance your viewing experience. So, let’s dive in and discover the wonders of the universe!
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10 Best Free Android App For Astronomy
Below is a compiled list of 10 Best Free Android App For Astronomy for your consideration, which have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation by our team of experts.
1. ISS Detector Satellite Tracker
The International Space Station can be seen with the naked eye and ISS Detector app can notify when and where to look for it. The weather conditions are also checked to ensure a clear sky for optimal spotting. The app offers extensions for an in-app purchase, such as tracking famous satellites and amateur radio satellites, Starlink satellite trains, Hubble space telescope, comets, planets, and more. The app also offers Radio Amateur Satellites for tracking ham and weather satellites with transmitter information and real-time Doppler frequencies. The app’s other available extensions include Starlink and Famous Objects for tracking SpaceX Starlink satellite trains, Hubble Space Telescope, rocket bodies, bright satellites, and Comets and Planets for tracking all planets and comets as they become bright enough to see.
2. NASA
The latest images, videos, mission information, news, feature stories, tweets, NASA TV and featured content are all available with the NASA app. Over 16,000 images can be viewed, and 14,000 NASA videos can be watched. Users can discover the latest NASA mission information and view upcoming sighting opportunities for the International Space Station, as well as watch live streaming video from the High Definition Earth Viewing experiment. Satellite tracking 2D maps and 3D earth models can be displayed, and users can get updates on the latest tweets from around the agency. Images can be rated, and favorite images or missions can be selected for quick access. The app also includes maps, information, and links to all of the NASA visitor centers, 3D planet models and information in the featured content section, and an Earth as Art image collection and interactive map. Third Rock Radio is available to listen to, and everything can be easily shared on social media.
3. SkEye | Astronomy
SkEye is an app that serves as a planetarium and a PUSHTO guide for telescopes. Stars, planets, and constellations can be identified using the app. In addition, meteor showers, bright comets, and deep sky objects from the Messier and NGC catalogs are available for dedicated sky gazers. If a telescope is available, the phone can be strapped onto the OTA to obtain a PUSHTO guide. Features include a time machine, real-time coordinates, Messier objects, mini-NGC catalog, solar system objects, meteor showers, night mode, search with a guiding arrow, and aligned mode for PUSHTO guidance. To improve accuracy, the magnetic sensors can be calibrated by waving the phone in a figure-8 motion of the hands. Email hi.skeye@gmail.com for queries. Location permission is needed to determine the accurate position of celestial objects, and Bluetooth permission is needed to support remote sensors.
4. Sky Map
Sky Map, a planetarium app for Android devices, can be used to identify stars, planets, and more. Originally developed as Google Sky Map, it has now been donated and open sourced. If the map doesn’t move or points in the wrong direction, the user should check if they are in manual mode and if their phone has a compass. They can calibrate their compass by moving it in a figure of 8 motion or try switching off magnetic correction if there are any nearby magnets or metal objects. Autolocation may not be supported for some phones and users need to enable the location permission setting for Sky Map. The app may be jittery if the phone lacks a gyro but the sensor speed and damping can be adjusted in settings. No internet connection is required but some functions won’t work without one. Users can join the beta testing program to try out the latest features and can find Sky Map on GitHub, Facebook, and Twitter.
5. SkySafari 6 Pro
It has been noted that SkySafari 7 Pro is now available for devices running Android 10 and higher, and users are advised to search for that app instead as this one is now an older version that will be removed from sale in the future. SkySafari 6 Pro is a recommended astronomy app for serious amateur astronomers since 2009. The app offers the largest database, includes every solar system object ever discovered, provides unparalleled accuracy, flawless telescope control and offers a unique astronomy experience. Among the features of SkySafari 6 Pro, it offers cloud storage, the best stars, the best galaxies, a redesigned tool and a graph tool that gives a quick visual representation of an object’s altitude above the horizon. The app also allows you to control your telescope and log and plan your observations, simulate the night sky up to 10,000 years in the past or future, and fly through our solar system.
6. SkySafari 7 Pro
Stargazing is made simple and enjoyable by SkySafari, which is the #1 recommended astronomy app for serious amateur astronomers since 2009. The app has the largest database of any astronomy app and offers unparalleled accuracy, advanced planning and logging tools, flawless telescope control, and the very best experience under the stars. Version 7 brings new features like complete support for Android 10 and up, an events finder, notifications customization, improved observation tools, and more. Two new social stargazing features, OneSky and SkyCast, allow users to connect with other stargazers. SkySafari 7 Pro allows users to find stars, constellations, planets, and more, simulate the night sky, control telescopes, and backup observing data. Night Mode, Orbit Mode, and Galaxy View are additional features that enhance the stargazing experience.
7. SkyView® Explore the Universe
Stars and constellations in the sky can be found with the use of SkyView® app. The app guides users to their location and identifies them by using the camera. It is an easy-to-use app that can spot and identify celestial objects in the sky, day or night. Every planet in the solar system, 88 constellations, distant galaxies, and satellite fly-bys can be discovered with the app. SkyView® has features like night mode, augmented reality, sky paths, comprehensive information, time travel, and social sharing. The app is mobile and does not require WiFi, data signal, or GPS. It is a fun tool for learning about our universe for individuals, children, students, or friends.
8. SkyView® Lite
Stars and constellations in the sky can be easily located and identified using SkyView® Free app, which is a beautiful and intuitive stargazing app. Celestial objects can be precisely spotted and identified in the sky, day or night, by pointing the device at them. The app features night mode filters for preserving night vision, augmented reality for spotting objects in the sky, sky paths to see the exact location of objects in the sky on any date and time, time travel to see the sky on different dates and times, and social sharing of beautiful images. The app does not require WiFi, data signal, or GPS to function and supports Space Navigator™ binoculars, spotting scope, and telescopes. It can be used to teach about the universe.
9. Star Rover – Stargazing Guide
The fantastic planetarium app called Star Rover can be used on your smartphone to explore the night sky. It determines your location automatically and displays the stars, moon, planets, and constellations in their proper place from your current location. The app is user-friendly, with features such as quick find and the ability to set your location and time manually. You can even travel to the future or the past to see the sky on different dates and times. With over 120,000 stars, stunning graphics, and real images of Messier objects, Star Rover is the perfect app for anyone fascinated by the night sky.
10. Star Tracker – Mobile Sky Map
StarTracker can guide you in exploring the universe with your friends while enjoying the great outdoors. By pointing your device to the sky, you can see stars, constellations, and deep sky objects in real-time. To ensure accurate orientation, remove any metal case or magnetic cover. The app features offline data, fits all screen sizes, and has 88 constellations and 8000+ stars visible to the naked eye. The location can be set manually or automatically through GPS. The app has a smooth motion flow and quick response and provides high-quality graphic display with full-screen anti-aliasing technology. The Pro version, which costs $2.99 to unlock, has no ads, full menu access, search and guidance to stars and deep sky objects, a 3D compass in AR mode, a time machine menu, a location menu, and a night mode switch.