Stargazing needs a clear night for the best viewing experience. This may not be the case always. Also, owing to pollution, a clear night is no promise of a clear sky. There is help through technology though. Here’s a look at a few iPhone stargazing apps, to assist you in such scenarios.
Time Travel
Light takes time to travel, and hence, we see the stars which are many light years away from us, as they were a few years ago. Some of them may not even exist today, yet, we are able to see them.
A stargazer is a person who is an astronomical or astrological enthusiast, and loves to study the stars and sky. People who nurture this interest, find themselves literally and figuratively exposed to a new world and many of the astronomical delights that it has to offer.
Most of the stargazing apps recreate the sky above you, based on the location provided by the GPS coordinates of your phone. These apps provide you detailed information about the celestial bodies which are above you. Since the apps use your GPS coordinates, the sky displayed on your mobile screen will change when there is a change in your location. You can also zoom in for a more detailed view, and choose a particular celestial body to get more details about it. A list of a few of the good stargazing apps for iPhones follows.
NASA App
This is a NASA developed app. It provides users with access to a collection of some of the latest content NASA has to offer.
COST: Free
APP STORE
Star Chart
This app has been developed by Escapist Games Ltd. It provides an option to view the sky from other locations as well.
COST: Free
APP STORE
GoSkyWatch Planetarium
This app has been developed by GoSoftWorks. It displays the correct sky view, irrespective of the orientation of your phone.
COST: Free
APP STORE
Star & Planet Finder
This app has been developed by Planet Finder App. The app will direct you to the star or planet that you want to see.
COST: Free
APP STORE
SkyView
This app has been developed by Terminal Eleven LLC. It will help you with the path of the celestial body of your interest.
COST: Free
APP STORE
Pocket Universe: Virtual Sky Astronomy
Craic Design has developed this app. It provides a huge database of celestial objects.
COST: $2.99
APP STORE
Star Walk HD-5 Stars Astronomy Guide
Vito Technology Inc. has developed this app. The app provides details and various daily stats related to astronomy.
COST: $2.99
APP STORE
SkySafari
Sky Safari has been developed by Simulation Curriculum Corp. This app can connect your device to your electron telescope.
COST: $2.99
APP STORE
Starmap HD
This app has been developed by Starmap Media. it is ideal for those who are looking for superior graphics and user experience.
COST: $16.99
One of the best stargazing app for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 is Star Tracker. All these apps mentioned above provide extensive and instant information of celestial bodies to the users. Armed with them, a cloudy night does not come in the way of a stargazer and his starry sky.