Starlight – Explore the Stars

If you’ve felt the itch to go out into your backyard and look up at the stars, but it’s a little too chilly or you have plans for the evening, then get this app. StarMap is a cool app with augmented reality that lets you point your phone or tablet into the sky and see in real time what stars and constellations hover above. You don’t have to wait until you feel like it or can get away with it—it’s right there on your screen!

According to its website, “StarMap is a great way to explore our solar system, constellations, famous space objects and amazing celestial phenomena. Just point your device towards the sky and StarMap will identify all visible stars, planets, constellations and satellites in real time.” This is an excellent app for anyone who loves space and wants to learn more about it—I know I always appreciate having something like this when I’m waiting for a friend at night and have that urge to go outside and look up.

When you point the Star Walk app at the sky, it becomes like a magic lens that shows you exactly what’s in front of your eyes. At night, when all you see is darkness, the app’s interactive 3D model of the sky superimposes thousands of stars, planets and constellations on top of the scenery around you. You don’t even have to know what constellation is which or where to find Polaris—the app guides you, helping you distinguish between stars and constellations.

The stars are all labeled with their names in multiple languages, and when you look through a telescope or binoculars with your phone or tablet plugged in for power, you can dial down the magnification to get a better view of the starry sky without any extra equipment.