Stargazing apps can not only help you identify constellations, stars, and planets in real time, they can also alert you of upcoming astronomy events, whether its a lunar eclipse or a meteor shower. Here are a few of our favorite free and paid options to download, plus tips and tricks for getting the most out of each app. Tips and tricks: Set up notifications for upcoming sighting opportunities (visible passes for the International Space Station), and use the Sky View feature to pinpoint your favorite stars or planets. Available for free on both iOS or Android devices. Users love the beauty of the app as well as its sounds, music, ease of use, and accuracy. Tips and tricks: Check the calendar feature to find out what lunar and other planetary events are upcoming, as well as “Tonight’s Best,” the planets, stars, and constellations that are within view on a given night. For instance, you might find that Mercury is visible until 7:10 p.m. and the Big Dipper until 11:02 p.m. Available on iOS devices; basic version is free and offers in-app purchases. Tips and tricks: The latest version allows you to pull your settings into multiple devices as well as on the app’s accompanying website LiveSky.com. And if you’re a fan of talking versus typing or swiping, use the app’s basic voice control to command it to do something like “select Jupiter” or “center on Polaris.” Available on iOS devices for $2.99 and Android devices for free with in-app purchases. Tips and tricks: Use the “Time Machine” feature to plug in any date of your choosing, and travel to see what the universe looked like in the past—or what it’ll look like in the future. Or zero in on a particular celestial body—planets, dwarfs, comets, asteroids—and explore their terrain as well as the view of the sky from its surface. Available on iOS devices for $4.99 and Android devices for free. Tips and tricks: Use the search feature to look up any planet, star, or other feature in the sky you’d like to pinpoint. For example, if you type in “Mars,” it’ll help you find its precise location. Available on Android devices for free. RELATED: Moon Gardens Are the Dreamiest Plant Trend of 2021—Here’s How to Create One Tips and tricks: Use the app’s graphics feature to check out beautiful illustrations of the 12 zodiac signs and deep-sky objects. And the paid, “pro” version comes ad-free with even more deep-sky objects to check out. Available on both iOS and Android devices for free.
