The Nights of the Stars is an event set up by several French and European entities with astronomy as their common center of interest. Two editions take place each year, one in summer, the other in winter. And soon, the summer edition awaits you (from August 9 to 11, 2024). If the weather cooperates, you can observe the stars and witness a magnificent natural spectacle.
But it is of course possible to observe the sky every evening of the year. Here again, the iPhone proves to be a real assistant in finding the best apps in the depths of the galaxy that is the App Store. So here it isa selection of applications on the theme of this star partywithin the framework ofour weekly app files to find all listed here.
Most of the applications presented here are free, paid ones are mentioned as such.
Star Walk
If you only have to have one, this is it. Moreover, Star Walk has more than 4.5 stars on the App Store. The app does not require an internet connection. Thanks to the iPhone's GPS chip and depending on the day and time, the application allows us to discover what is hidden above our heads. It is also possible to zoom in on a particular star, search for a star, a planet, a satellite and navigate the depths of the universe with just one finger. I really like the music that accompanies the observation and also the possibility of using the iPhone camera by superimposing the image of the sky generated by the app (in augmented reality).
Cherry on the cake,Star Walk offers an image to discover every day. In short, an application that should satisfy beginners as well as the most erudite.
Otherwise consider the very good Sky Guide alternative, free to download, with in-app purchases. It is availablehere on the App Store.
Night Sky
The app prides itself in its App Store description on putting a planetarium in the palm of your hand. And the least we can say is that the application keeps its promise. With the iPhone compass, you'll immediately know what's happening above you. Many stars are referenced, including 8,300 with complete physical characteristics. To take advantage of the entire catalog, however, you must upgrade to the Pro version via in-app purchase.
I really like the “to see this evening” section which offers you a sort of sky program. Very well seen for those who do not necessarily have a developed celestial culture. Zoom, star search, color adjustment for better visual comfort, this application is complete and well done.
SkySafari
Very complete application. Thanks to it, you will be able to observe the stars, but also the planets of the solar system, the comets and also the moon. A night mode ensures that your observation is not interfered with. Like previous apps, it includes geolocation: point the iPhone or iPad at the sky and the app indicates what you're looking at. It also offers detailed information on many celestial elements.
Astronomy Picture of the day
Lovers of beautiful images of celestial objects will be delighted, because that is exactly what this application offers. Every day a new image is added in addition to the previous ones which can be easily navigated. Some images are truly impressive and spectacular. A description accompanies each image, in sometimes approximate French, without however posing any problem of understanding. And it's free!
See also, in the same genre:
Other apps
Other apps exist on the App Store, here are a few in bulk, for observing the sky, or related to space and sometimes even a little more:
- Cosmic Zoom (paid): allows us to understand the dimension of the universe by offering a zoom from our planet to the confines of space. Always stunning! Existsin Lite version (free) here
- Redshift Sky Pro (paid): one of the reference apps for astronomy enthusiasts on iPhone
- Sky Map: an app that allows you to know the star you are looking at just by pointing the iPhone towards it
- Go Sky Watch Planetarium (payante): a very complete planetarium
- SkyORB: a sky map in augmented reality
And finally, let us remember that this type of file cannot be exhaustive. You will inevitably have other applications to recommend because you appreciate them and use them on a daily basis. Do not hesitate to do so via the comments by indicating their strengths and your preferences!
