Today’s smartphones are essentially tricorder-like computers that occasionally - and inconveniently - make a weird noise or vibrate when someone wants to talk to you in real time. Why? Because there are now so many useful apps available for them that they are, I think, an essential a part of the amateur astronomer’s toolbox. In recent years, another item has been added to that list for many (but not all) observers: a smartphone. If you have a pair of binoculars or a telescope to zoom in on those things, well, so much the better, but they’re not essential. You need a clear night, somewhere dark, and at least a basic knowledge of the night sky so you can hop from star to star and constellation to constellation to find interesting things like star clusters, galaxies, and planets. In fact, the list of things you actually need if you want to go skywatching these days is pretty much the same as when I started out in this hobby 40 years ago. All considered, Stellarium is the ideal companion for any first-time astronomer (particularly one that hates extensive planning).ĭownload for Android and Apple devices (free).It’s easy to get the impression that if you want to look at the night sky, you have to live out in the desert and have either a telescope covered with so many wires and leads that it looks like someone has thrown a bowl of spaghetti over it, or a camera powerful enough to photograph Perseverence driving across Mars.

This planetarium software offers an accurate 3D simulation of the sky for any given night on any place on Earth, highlighting the must-see sights and explaining exactly how to find them. That’s because the shifting nature of the night sky means the best objects to spot can vary from evening to evening.įortunately, Stellarium makes this prep a breeze. Plus, the app also comes equipped with red or green night-mode screen filters, allowing you to better preserve your night vision.ĭownload for Android and Apple devices (free). Its augmented reality technology will even show you information about the celestial bodies seen on your camera.

Simply by pointing your device upwards, SkyView can identify galaxies, stars, constellations, planets and even the International Space Station. This highly intelligent app is, without doubt, an absolute gem for stargazers.

Stellarium app does it tell you time