Stargazing Apps

Today, your phone or tablet can help you explore the night sky. Stargazing apps show you a map of the stars above you. You just point your device at the sky, and the app labels the stars, planets, and constellations. These apps make it easy for anyone to learn the night sky.

How They Work

Stargazing apps use sensors inside your phone to figure out which way you are pointing. They know your location and the time. With that information, they show you exactly what is in the sky above you. As you move your phone around, the star map moves too. It feels like having X-ray vision for the sky.

What You Can Find

These apps can help you find planets, bright stars, and constellations. Many also show satellites, the International Space Station, and even galaxies. Some apps let you travel through time to see what the sky looked like in the past or will look like in the future. They are a great way to learn about space.

Fun Facts

• Some stargazing apps can send you alerts when the International Space Station is flying over your house.
• Many stargazing apps have a red-light mode that protects your night vision.
• You can use stargazing apps even during the day to see what stars are hiding behind the blue sky.

Did You Know?

Some of the most popular stargazing apps have been downloaded over 50 million times. That is a lot of people looking up at the sky!