Free Astronomy Mobile Apps #1

Mobile smart devices have become commonplace in today's society.  Many applications are available on these devices to make life more convenient and fun.  I would like to spend some time to discuss seven of my favourite free astronomy applications that I use on a frequent basis.  I use an android device so I know these apps are available at the Google store.  I'm assuming most will be available for iOS as well.

1. Sky Map (Sky Map Devs) - This application is a handheld planetarium you can use to hold your phone up to the sky and identify the objects that you can see.  A convenient search tool allows you to find your favourite stars, planets and deep-sky objects.


2. Moon Phase Calendar Zodiac (BHMEDIA) - This is the application I use frequently to determine the exact phase of the Moon and the Sun/Moon Rise/Set times.  The application conveniently displays your current GPS coordinates.  There are fancier apps out there but this one is simple with no problems.


3. Moons of Jupiter (qSoftDotApk) - This is a great application for determining the current orientation of Jupiter's Moons.  It allows you to invert the view to match the type of telescope you are using.  It maps out the Moons for any date and shows when they eclipse Jupiter.  This is a must have app for anyone interested in viewing Jupiter.


4. Moons of Saturn (qSoftDotApk) - This application works the same way as the previous one except it is for Saturn.  It also shows you the tilt of the rings at the given time.  


5. Astro Panel (Astronomy) (Shibby Developments) - I really like this application a lot.  It provides an up to date forecast of the cloud cover, seeing, transparency, humidity, wind and temperature.  This information is displayed graphically for your current coordinates for the next 48 hours.  If you are wondering if you should make the trek out to your favourite dark site, this will help you make your decision.


6. Heavens-Above (Heavens-Above) - This is a must have application if you are a serious observer or someone who looks at the sky when they take their dog for a walk.  A live sky chart is provided along with nightly satellite flyovers, International Space Station passes, and my favourite -- Iridium Flares.  You can even set it to notify you to go outside to see a station pass or an iridium flare.


7. PolarisView (David J Watkins (WatWare)) - If you have a goto telescope this will help you quickly achieve polar alignment.  If you have a polar scope for your telescope you have to point it directly at the North Celestial Pole.  The North Star (Polaris) is not exactly on the pole, it is slightly offset.  This app shows you the offset and allows you to correctly position your telescope.

Astronomy Applications