Looking at the stars, our moon, and nearby planets is a fascinating experience, and with the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, we now have the opportunity to learn even more about the universe. Simply searching for “astronomy” on the App Store or Google Play will present you with dozens of apps that can take time to sift through. We’ve thus narrowed it down to the six best astronomy apps below.
Star Walk 2
Using the built-in gyroscope and accelerometer in your device, the Star Walk 2 app from Vito Technology allows you to hold up your phone to match the screen against the backdrop of the sky. The app is designed to give you an augmented reality experience and help you identify and learn about celestial bodies. Included are 3D models that allow you to get a close-up look at distant objects in a way you wouldn’t otherwise be able to with a traditional consumer-grade telescope. You can download Star Walk 2 on iOS for $2.99 and on Android for $2.59.
Brian Cox’s Wonders of the Universe
British physicist Brian Cox walks through some fascinating aspects of our universe and now we can see it anywhere with this app, which features 3D models, hours of video content, and hundreds of interactive articles. Priced at $1.99 for iOS and $1.53 for Android, Wonders of the Universe is a satisfying bang for your buck.
Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey
Cosmos is an original TV series hosted by Carl Sagan that explores how we discovered the laws of nature and coordinates in space, which was then rebooted on FOX by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Free for both Android iOS, the app serves as a companion piece with additional content and an interactive version of the “cosmic calendar.”
NASA
Around the world, NASA is synonymous with the concept of space exploration and an outstanding resource for knowledge and inspiration. With NASA’s free app for both iOS and Android, you can enjoy photos, videos, and news updates from America’s space agency wherever you may be.
Astronomy Picture of the Day
While astronomy has a large foundation for research and engineering, the universe is also extremely aesthetically pleasing. If you’d enjoy a daily photo of space-based art, then the Astronomy Picture of the Day app from Concentric Sky is for you. The app itself is ad-supported and free for both iOS and Android, but a single in-app purchase of $1.99 removes advertisements completely.
Astronomy Learning
If you’re searching for a more in-depth guided experience, turn to Astronomy Learning from Udemy, which is free for Android. The app contains over 23 hours of lectures from a University of Arizona professor and will give you a comprehensive understanding of modern astronomy.
Source: ExtremeTech
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