In the past when we wanted to find things in the night sky, we turned to books, maps, charts, and planispheres. However, today, technology has taken over, particularly with astronomy apps that run on your smart phone or tablet. Many of these have “augmented reality” that will show you the sky in the direction you’re looking. There are many available and it is impossible to list them all. Here are a few that you might try out (some are free, others cost a few dollars).
Don’t forget that Stellarium Web is an option for your computer. Also, you might find Planispheres interesting.
FAS does not officially recommend any specific app or apps. These are just some suggestions that we are familiar with.
Apple (iOS)
Google (Android)
A few resources
- Stuart Atkinson. “Best astronomy apps for stargazing in 2025.” Astronomy Magazine. January 1, 2025. Updated February 25, 2025.
- Jamie Carter. “14 best astronomy and stargazing apps for smartphones.” BBC Sky At Night Magazine. September 18, 2024.
- Trevor Jones. “The 20 Best Astronomy Apps for Stargazing.” AstroBackyard. June 10, 2024.
- Jase Parnell-Brookes. “Best stargazing apps: AR apps and virtual star maps to help you navigate the night sky.” space.com. Updated November 20, 2023.
- Rizwana Zafer. “The best astronomy apps for stargazing this summer.” Mashable. July 23, 2022.
- Chandra Steele. “The Best Apps for Stargazing and Astronomy.” PC Magazine. July 3, 2022.
- “The 20 Best Astronomy Apps for Stargazing.” AstroBackyard. December 1, 2021.
- Jackie Dove. “The best astronomy apps for iOS and Android.” Digital Trends. March 20, 2021.
- Carolyn Collins Petersen. “The Best Astronomy Apps for Smartphones, Tablets, and Computers.” ThoughtCo. August 27, 2020.
- Marisa Lascala. “15 Best Stargazing Apps for iPhones and Androids to Try Now.” Good Housekeeping. Updated April 23, 2020.
If you’re old fashioned, you might try a Planisphere. A planisphere is an adjustable “Star Wheel” that allows you to dial in the day of the year and the time of night to see a map of the sky as it appears on the selected day and time. Below are three offered by Ken Graun (Guide to the Stars/Amazon).
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