Astronomy and photography are two fields that, when intertwined, create a fascinating dance of art and science. Capturing the celestial wonders of the night sky, from the soft glow of the Moon to the distant sparkles of the Milky Way, is an endeavor that transcends ordinary photography. It requires not only skill and patience but also a deep understanding of the cosmic ballet unfolding above us.
This is where technology comes in, bridging the gap between our creative aspirations and the vast expanse of the universe. In this digital age, our smartphones have become indispensable tools, capable of guiding us through the complexities of astronomical photography.
With a large number of applications designed specifically for this purpose, they become powerful instruments that help us not only locate and track celestial bodies but also capture their majestic essence. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of astronomical photography apps, exploring how they can enhance our stargazing experiences and help us photograph the night sky accurately and beautifully.
Related: Best astronomy apps for iPhone
Stargazing apps
Here are our top picks for stargazing apps:
1. NIGHT SKY (iOS)
Night Sky enhances your stargazing experience by turning your Mac into a personal planetarium. It is specially designed for Apple Silicon and offers a perfect way to identify stars, planets, constellations and satellites. The app syncs seamlessly with your iOS/iPadOS devices and brings features like Sky Tours, Notifications, and Moon Tours to your Mac's big screen.
Its unique features include Sky Tags for personalization, Connected Stargazing for shared experiences, and Sky Timestamps for celestial time travel. Whether you're an amateur astronomer or simply curious about the night sky, Night Sky offers an immersive and educational look at the cosmos.
2. View of the sky (iOS & Android)
SkyView® makes stargazing accessible to everyone. Point your iPhone, iPad, or iPod toward the sky and the app will help you identify stars, constellations, planets, satellites, and more. With more than 3.2 million downloads and recognition as the Best Educational App in 2011, it is widely praised for its simplicity and effectiveness.
SkyView® uses augmented reality to detect celestial objects and offers features such as sighting events, an Apple Watch app, and a night mode filter. Its easy-to-use interface, combined with the ability to work without WiFi or a data signal, makes it a great companion for outdoor adventures, offering a window to the universe in the palm of your hand.
3. Walk of the stars 2 (iOS)
Star Walk 2 is a spectacular stargazing tool that puts the universe at your fingertips. Winner of the Apple Design Award and used by more than 10 million people, it is a sequel to the acclaimed original Star Walk app. With Star Walk 2, you embark on an effortless journey through the night sky, exploring thousands of stars, comets, constellations, and other celestial bodies.
Simply point your device towards the sky and let the app do the rest. It uses your device's sensors and GPS to pinpoint the exact positions of various objects in the sky. Notable features include stunning 3D constellation models, a time machine to view the sky in different periods, exploration of deep sky objects, and an augmented reality mode. Whether you're a serious stargazer or simply curious about the cosmos, Star Walk 2 offers a visually stunning and educational skygazing experience.
4. Star mobile (iOS & Android)
Stellarium Mobile is a comprehensive planetarium app that accurately replicates the night sky seen with the naked eye. Ideal for both adults and children interested in astronomy, it helps identify stars, constellations, planets, comets, satellites (such as the ISS), and other deep sky objects in real time. The app has a simple and minimalist interface and includes features such as a wide collection of stars and deep sky objects, realistic images of the Milky Way and galaxies, and various sky culture constellations.
Users can track artificial satellites, simulate different landscapes and atmospheres, and use night mode for comfortable dark sky observations. Stellarium Mobile also offers in-app purchases for the Stellarium Plus upgrade, enhancing its capabilities with a more extensive collection of stars, deep sky objects, and advanced observing features.
5. GoSkyWatch Planetarium (iOS)
GoSkyWatch Planetarium is an easy-to-use application designed to identify and explore celestial objects. It is packed with features to suit both amateur and experienced astronomers. The app provides detailed on-screen information about stars, planets, comets and constellations, including their names, brightness and distance. Key features include an intuitive finder for locating celestial bodies, a complete calendar of moon phases, and sunrise and sunset times. Users can enjoy daytime and sidereal animations, view more than 200 images of planets and deep sky objects, and explore historic celestial views through the “birthday star hunt.” The app also offers learning resources such as constellation images and patterns, solar system information, and interactive ephemeris. GoSkyWatch Planetarium works perfectly without an internet connection, making it the ideal companion for remote stargazing adventures.
6. Photopills (Android)
PhotoPills is a comprehensive photography app designed to elevate the art of capturing celestial bodies like the Sun, Moon, and Milky Way. Designed for landscape and night sky photographers, it offers a set of tools for precise planning and execution. Features include a 2D map-centric planner, augmented reality capabilities for precise framing of shots, and comprehensive calculators for various photography techniques. The app also helps in planning photos, finding locations and provides a platform for community engagement and competitions. Praised by renowned photographers, PhotoPills not only helps visualize and plan photography projects, but also capture those once-in-a-lifetime celestial scenes with unmatched precision, making it an essential tool for photographers of all levels.
Final thoughts
In this post I shared a collection of some of the best stargazing apps for Android and iPhone. These applications not only simplify the complexities of astronomical photography but also enrich our understanding and appreciation of the night sky. For educators, hobbyists, and professional photographers alike, these tools offer a gateway not only to capturing images, but also to creating visual narratives that bridge the gap between Earth and the ethereal beauty of celestial bodies.
