

View the various shapes and their names, and match it up to the constellations you can see above you.Ĭustomize what the app shows you by configuring which objects you’d like to see. If you wanted to name a constellation you saw in the sky, Stellarium can help you. Stellarium offers you the chance to display constellation contours. Learn the basic information behind planets in our solar system, including their properties and distance from the Earth.Įnter your location and time zone for a more personalized view of the sky. It’s a stargazing app that brings the solar system closer to you. Lose yourself in the stunning galaxy far, far away with Stellarium. You can download the free version from Google Play here.Take the first steps on your astronomical journey, as Stellarium offers a range of features that appeal to non-specialists.

Point your phone towards the sky to see what is viewable in that frame. The Android-based app offers you the same features as the web-based platform, with a fun twist. But Stellarium also offers apps in both the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. You can use the web-based version for free by heading here. Simply create an account under Observe to keep track of your observations and simulate other features.

You can keep track of your favorite sights through an account with NocturaSky. Once you do, the platform will lock it into place so you can view it. If you want to focus on one constellation or planet, search for it. Simply click on the time controls and move the pointer ahead or backward based on what time you want to view. If you are curious about what you can see later in the evening, use Stellarium’s fast-forward feature. Since planets and constellations move through the sky throughout the night, certain things are only viewable at specific times. Whether it’s for a class or a hobby, Stellarium has the most up-to-date information on everything the sky has to offer. Outside of personal use, the app and website can be used to beef up your astronomy knowledge. If you are out in nature, free of the distractions of the city and want to get a better view of what’s in front of you, Stellarium will show what constellations are in your night’s sky. If you are curious where a specific constellation or planet is, as the big dipper, for example, you can use the convenient search feature at the top of the screen. Educators use Stellarium, but it has many personal uses.
