The fascination for the starry sky and the universe is deeply rooted in all of us. But there are also dangers from the depths of space: On June 30, 1908, an asteroid hit Siberia, the largest in modern history. To ensure that this event is not forgotten, the United Nations have declared today, June 30th, World Asteroid Day. On this occasion, if you want to get your bearings in the sky and learn more about our interstellar neighbors, you should check out these four free apps.
Star Chart (Android/iOS) is a free app that allows exploring the night sky in real time. All you have to do is point your smartphone in the direction of the sky and the app will display the names of the stars, planets and constellations. You can also select specific objects to get more information and interesting facts about that celestial body. Star Chart is an easy-to-use application suitable for both beginners and experienced astronomy enthusiasts.
“Sky Map” (Android) is a popular free app developed by Google and is one of the first Augmented Reality apps ever. It uses the smartphone’s built-in compass and motion sensors to display the exact sky overhead. Whether you’re looking for constellations, planets, or other celestial objects, “Sky Map” will help identify them. Like “Star Chart”, “Sky Map” also makes sense in daylight to follow the course of the sun or moon or to “see” celestial bodies that are otherwise invisible due to sunlight. “Sky Map” is a simple yet powerful app for budding astronomers.
ISS Detector (Android/iOS) is an exciting free app that allows users to track the International Space Station (ISS) in the sky. You will receive notifications of visible ISS overflights near you and the app will show you the exact time when the ISS will be visible and its trajectory in the sky. With “ISS Detector” you can take a regular look at the ISS and connect with space travel without having to pay for it.
The official NASA app (Android/iOS) is an absolute highlight among the free apps for astronomy enthusiasts. With this application, fans get a comprehensive insight into the work of NASA and stay up to date with the latest developments in space travel. Users can browse stunning images of space, watch videos from space missions and even track the current location of the International Space Station (ISS). The NASA App offers a wealth of information about the universe and is an exciting toy for anyone excited by the wonders of space.
