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Exploring the unknown is a true passion of humanity. Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences and dates back thousands of years, when our ancestors began observing the night sky. Sumerians, Babylonians, Greeks and Egyptians developed systems to understand the movement of celestial bodies.
It's a fascinating universe, with millions of enthusiasts all over the world. There are many content producers exclusively dedicated to astronomy: there are some subscription channels that talk only about science!
If you are part of this group of people who are passionate about understanding the nuances of the universe, you have just landed in the right place: these apps will make your journey towards knowledge even more enjoyable!
Is studying astronomy on a smartphone expensive?
Absolutely not! In fact, most apps are completely free. Many are supported directly by public or private funds, whether from taxes or even donations.
There are many cases in which people volunteer to work in astronomy. And it's no wonder: it's a truly fascinating field of study!
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Are the apps too heavy?
It depends on the purpose. In general, they are relatively lightweight and run well on basic mobile devices. However, some of them may be a bit slow on more modest hardware: it is always a good idea to check user reviews in their respective app stores before downloading the programs!
Time to hop on board with the hottest recommendations for you!
Stellarium
Android [DOWNLOAD] ● iOS [DOWNLOAD]
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Image: Google Play
Stellarium is a free and open-source astronomy app that is very popular among astronomy enthusiasts. With it, you can enjoy a very realistic presentation of the sky and all its enchanting elements: stars, planets, galaxies and nebulae.
You can also explore the sky in a completely personalized way: how about observing it from different places and times to understand the behavior of the stars more accurately? Configure the observation position and the type of view you want.
If you have a planetarium or telescope, Stellarium is compatible with most of them. It's important to consult the user manual to avoid any headaches, of course.
Google Earth
Android [DOWNLOAD] ● iOS [DOWNLOAD]
Image: Google Play
Everyone knows that there is a lot to learn out there, but planet Earth continues to be the subject of study in astronomy! Google Earth is an incredible software that allows users to explore every corner of humanity's home.
Check out the Earth in a 3D reproduction made in high definition. Everything was done using high-resolution satellite images, aerial photos and geographic data to create a virtually perfect model.
Even rural and more remote areas have been included in Google Earth. For legal reasons, some regions may appear erased or censored during navigation: so don't be alarmed, as this is not a bug or anything like that.
You can also check out various geographic data specific to the region you are visiting. Try visiting France using the app and receive recommendations for various points of interest!
As you explore the Earth, you’ll learn about the many cultures that inhabit it. It’s not a lightweight app, so expect some lag on low-end smartphones. Plus, it may take a while for the app to initially process the data on your device.
NASA
Android [DOWNLOAD] ● iOS [DOWNLOAD]
Image: Google Play
How about learning even more about astronomy with one of the largest space agencies in the world? NASA has a very fun and interesting app for mobile devices, and the best part is: it's free.
In addition to being able to see high-resolution images taken by satellites, space enthusiasts will also have access to data from telescopes such as Hubble and James Webb. These two pieces of equipment have made some truly impressive discoveries – it’s worth following them closely!
As you might expect, NASA records all of its steps outside of Earth, and you can check them out through exclusive recordings. Watch rocket launches, moon landings, and so much more incredible content at any time.
SkyView
Android [DOWNLOAD] ● iOS [DOWNLOAD]
Image: space.com
Have you ever thought about using your smartphone's camera to explore the skies? That's what SkyView is all about, a mobile app available for all platforms. It identifies celestial objects that are visible in the sky and provides valuable information about them.
Learn about the history or even mythology of stars, planets and moons with SkyView. Gamification technologies certainly make the whole experience even more enjoyable for all ages!
The software has an astronomical calendar: through it, you can follow upcoming astronomical events and not miss any – especially those that take (literally) a lifetime to happen.
It is important to note that the accuracy of the reading may depend greatly on the quality of your smartphone's camera. Devices that have a lot of difficulty recording at night may have low accuracy.
Star Walk 2
Android [DOWNLOAD] ● iOS [DOWNLOAD]
Image: Google Play
This powerful astronomy app lets you study celestial bodies known to researchers in a fun way. Like SkyView, Star Walk 2 uses your smartphone's camera to detect them and provide complete information about them.
Using augmented reality technology, Star Walk 2 provides dynamic and enjoyable navigation. Access the celestial map to search for what you want and discover other planets, galaxies and nebulae.
A really cool feature of the app is the option to take celestial tours: take an incredible journey through the night sky and discover more and more about the universe!
Children can also get a lot out of Star Walk 2: there is an area dedicated to little ones, with various games and educational activities.
Conclusion
Choosing the right app seems so difficult, doesn’t it? After all, they are all powerful, free, and incredibly accessible tools. Tell us in the comments which are your favorite astronomy apps!