SkyMap
SkyMap is a free stargazing app that allows users to explore and identify stars, constellations, planets, satellites, and other celestial objects visible in the night sky. It uses augmented reality and GPS to display accurate maps of the sky aligned to the user's precise loc
astronomy
stargazing
stars
constellations
planets
satellites
night-sky
augmented-reality
gps
maps
SkyMap: Free Stargazing App
Explore and identify stars, constellations, planets, satellites, and other celestial objects with SkyMap, a free stargazing app that uses augmented reality and GPS for accurate maps of the sky aligned to your precise location and direction.
What is SkyMap?
SkyMap is a popular, free stargazing application for Android and iOS devices. It allows users to explore the night sky in real-time and identify stars, constellations, planets, satellites, and other celestial objects visible above them.
When opened, SkyMap uses the device's orientation sensors and GPS to display an augmented reality view of the sky, accurately mapped to the user's precise latitude, longitude, altitude, compass bearing, date, and time. As the user moves their phone around, the app updates to reflect the sky visible in that direction.
Tapping any star, planet or other object labels it with useful information like celestial coordinates, magnitude, and constellation membership. Users can search for specific objects to track down, or browse different catalogs like Messier objects, planets, Caldwell objects, meteor showers, man-made satellites, and more.
SkyMap has modes for both exploring and identifying. The Explore mode shows beautiful artistic renderings of the constellations and mythology behind them, making it easier to visualize the stories written in the stars. The Identify mode labels more objects to assist learning and navigation.
With a large database of over 200,000 stars down to magnitude 10 and all 88 official constellations, SkyMap is one of the most comprehensive astronomical guides available. Its intuitive and user-friendly interface makes it accessible for beginners getting started in amateur astronomy, while still powerful enough for experienced stargazers.
SkyMap Features
Features
- Augmented reality overlay on camera view
- Database of 120,000 stars
- Database of Messier objects, planets, satellites
- Night mode to preserve night vision
- Sky tracking based on GPS location
- Notifications for celestial events
- 3D compass showing cardinal directions
- Search function
- Settings for time, location, dark mode
Pricing
- Free
Pros
Free to download and use
No ads or in-app purchases
Clean and intuitive interface
Very accurate sky mapping
Helpful tutorials and tips
Works offline
Constantly updated database
Supports many languages
Cons
Limited features compared to paid apps
Requires location access
Drains battery quickly
Occasional bugs
Not designed for professional astronomy
Official Links
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