5 APPS SCAN THE SKIES

EXPLORE THE NIGHT SKY LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH THESE ASTRONOMY APPS

STAR WALK 2
The original StarWalk was widely regarded as one of the best astronomy apps available on the star-gazing scene, and StarWalk 2 bringswith it a muchmore modern-looking interface. The augmented-reality star gazer is still themain feature of this awesome app, but there’s also plenty of extra information available for users to explore as well as the fantastic ability to tour different parts of space in amazing 3D. One of the best choices for intrepidly exploring the galaxy in 3D from the comfort of your own home.

POCKET UNIVERSE: VIRTUAL SKY ASTRONOMY
Packed with features and with a slew of awards to its name, Pocket Universe uses your device’s camera to identify or find anything in the night sky. Explore the solar systemwith a few taps aswell as takewalks on the surface of the Moon or Mars. Plus there’s quizzes, news and astronomy tips. An exhaustive set of advanced futures but still accessible enough complete inners to use.

MOBILE OBSERVATORY ASTRONOMY
The interface could use a fresh lick of paint but nevertheless Mobile Observatory is hugely impressive: there’s a pile of different screens to work through and many different options on each one. Aswell as the night sky viewer there’s a wealth of information on planets, asteroids, stars and upcoming celestial events. One of the most comprehensive astronomy apps we’ve come across, with plenty to explore.

STAR CHART
Very well designed and free to boot (with in-app upgrades available), Star Chart follows the same augmented-reality approach to astronomy with extra information and features arranged on the side. Take off for a virtual journey through the stars, pull up info on different planets and constellations quickly, and go forwards or backwards through time. Nicely presented and information-packed astronomy app, plus it’s free to get started.

SKYSAFARI 4
If you’re ready to get serious about your astronomy then SkySafari 4 provides an in-depth look at the universe around us. Packed with historical and scientific data — as well as images from the Hubble telescope — the app lets you see the sky from any point and go forwards or backwards in time. More expensive editions of the app are also available. An authoritative and intuitive astronomy app with different editions to match interests.