Sky Safari and Star Chart are two of the best.
Sky Safari is an excellent option for those new to stargazing. Available for free on Android and for $2.99 on iOS, SkySafari offers a detailed star map with AR overlays to help you identify constellations and other celestial bodies. It features a database of over 120,000 stars and hundreds of other objects.
One of the app’s standout features is its Compass option, which enables automatic real-time tracking of celestial objects, making it easier to follow their movements in the sky. Users can also tap on any object to view detailed information about its mythology, history, and physical characteristics.
SkySafari also offers a unique “time travel” feature, allowing you to view the sky as it appeared in the past or will appear in the future. The app’s night mode feature reduces screen brightness to help maintain your eyes’ dark adaptation, enhancing your stargazing experience.
Star Chart
Star Chart is another highly popular app, offering a free and easy-to-use platform for beginner astronomers. It features a database of over 120,000 stars, all 88 constellations, and the complete Messier catalog of deep sky objects. Simply point your phone at the sky, and the app will tell you what you’re looking at, even during the daytime.
