The first difference you'll see when you launch gorgeous GoSkyWatch, than the others listed, is the view is in a sphere shape which gives you a full 180° perspective.

GoSkyWatch Planetarium for iPad by GoSoftWorks, free, 'Easily and quickly identify and locate stars, planets, constellations and more by simply pointing to the sky'. (has: browse (but doesn't stay), search, fly to, tap info) Here you can find a very thorough comparison of many astronomy apps, but very outdated (2009). I just mentioned items that stood out to me. All have more functions than I comment on (or lack of). I made a note () after each of their name heading if capable of those features for the free versions. search for constellations such as the Big Dipper (search Ursa Major) then tap to be taken there. So many different features on each so I list them in order of my favorite, first, based on overall and: I've whittled my list down to my favorite four free apps (I list more under MORE) for sky gazing with compass aware (aim device and it displays that location in real time). PLANETARIUM APPS - SKY GAZING & TRACKING (COMPASS AWARE). PLANETARIUM APPS - SKY GAZING - NO TRACKING (NOT COMPASS AWARE) PLANETARIUM APPS - SKY GAZING & TRACKING (COMPASS AWARE) All screenshots I show are the free versions but with the ads blocked (if there are any). NOTE: You do NOT need to be jailbroken for any of these apps, but you do need to be jailbroken to block the ads. Shown in the image below is GoSkyWatch Planetarium in red night mode. I've spent a lot of time testing and playing loads to be thorough.

So I'm excited to share my extensive list of iOS (some Android and PC) astronomy apps that are free (and under $5.00 for the full versions, most). How fantastic that you can point your device anywhere and know the location of planets, constellations, satellites, etc.

I ♥ love astronomy softwares especially on portable devices.

Stellarium app ios