Top Sky Viewing Apps for iPhone: A Comparison

[Greg Bernhardt]

I've long used GoSkyWatch Planetarium. The augmented reality using GPS is very smooth and it's easy to find objects.

http://www.gosoftworks.com/GoSkyWatch/GoSkyWatch.html

I know there are a few of these out there. Which are you using?

 

[phyzguy]

I've used two. StarryNight is very nice, but it costs $. I usually use Stellarium, which is a free open source application. It is very easy to adjust the sky view for the desired time and location to find objects.

 

[adjacent]

I use Stellarium too.
Celestia is also good.It provides real-time 3D view of the Solar system (Approximately). You can travel to stars,other planets,comets etc.. I love it!

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

GoSkyWatch just updated and the new main feature is 3D view of objects. Love it!

 

[ZapperZ]

When I had an Android phone, I used Google Sky and had no complaints.

For IoS devices, I use Sky Guide, which actually has a lot more info and stuff than Google Sky (at least, the version of Google Sky that I was using back then). The app works on both iPad and iPhone.

Zz.

 

[Sci_Freak]

I have an iPhone and have used NightSky and NightSky2. I found them user-friendly and also liked the graphics part.

 

[PhysicoRaj]

Mine's Stellarium too. It's nice and I like it.

 

[laramman2]

I use Stellarium and Cartes du Ciel :)

 

[Chronicler1701]

I really love SkySafari 4 Pro on my iPad. It let's me set custom FOV using equipment I have. It also let's me control my telescope using my iPad. That, along with more than 20,000,000 stars and hundreds of thousands of Solar System objects, easily makes it one of the best programs on the market.

 

[Jozape]

I used Stellarium on my desktop computer, and now I use Stellarium on my phone. I like it more than Google Sky.

 

[mortimerzilch]

this is important topic to me as I run a planetarium and want something the audience with ipads can interact with as it is projected onto the full dome. going to look at that 3D GoSkyWatch item...ty.

 

[neoteric]

i use celestia and stellarium...love them

 

[mzu]

I used StarryNight back when I was still using Windows. Very nice app. Now on my Mac I use Stellarium which is also a very good app in my opinion. On my Galaxy Tab, Ipad, and Iphone I use Star Chart which I enjoy a lot

 

[PhysicoRaj]

I'm starting to have a sort of dislike for Google Sky..

 

[shrimp3rrant]

I'm using Star Walk on iPhone, looks Okay.

 

[Epyon96r]

I use skeye for android. Not too shabby

 

[astrogal19]

On my android phone i use Night Sky Tools. It's great, has lots of information.

 

[paisiello2]

I'm starting to have a sort of dislike for Google Sky..

Why's that?

 

[PhysicoRaj]

Why's that?

I don't know, but I think it's time they upgraded it. It feels somewhat unrealistic (to me) and especially when many other apps are getting on the list.

 

[Jozape]

I do not think Google Sky is updated. Last time I used it during May, the latest version was from 2012.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Star Walk is also a good option.

 

[Student100]

Starseek pro, it's okay, mainly just use it to control my equipment.

 

[atombuster]

Has to be night sky 2 it's only 99 cents

 

[ThomasTT]

As an astronomy newbie I like using Spyglass app for iPhone. It's accurate and you can not only gaze the stars, but also learn to navigate by them.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spyglass/id332639548?mt=8

 

[Ibrahim Hany]

Stellarium ! The simplest and the most useful.

 

[JDenise]

I'm not sure if this has already been suggested, but starry night is a good tool for finding things that are happening in the night sky in your area. I am not sure on the cost though, the program was given to me by an astronomy professor .

 

[Ritzycat]

I use Stellarium, but maybe because I haven't really used much else. Simple and tells me what I need to know.

 

[scotian280]

I use "Star Rover" on my iphone. Always gives me good results and confirms things I see (Such as Jupiters moons that were visible with the naked eye 2 nights ago)

 

[MrOmar]

Sky Guide is hands down the best app for iPhone that I've tried. It's visually stunning compared to most apps of the same kind, and it's easy to use. It does cost money though, but it's well worth it with all its neat features.