Interactive astronomy app for mobile
Sky Map (formerly known as Google Sky Map) is a free reference application that was developed by Sky Map Devs for mobile devices. It serves as an interactive astronomy app that enables users to learn more about heavenly bodies, such as stars, constellations, and other subjects.
Just like with Mobile Observatory or SkyPortal, Sky Map lets users freely explore an open map of the sky, free to do as they wish and learn various facts and information as they go along. Using GPS and a compass, it can also set map views in the correct orientation.
What is it?
Sky Map is essentially a planetarium app that was initially developed and released by a group of Google engineers back in 2009. It has since been donated is now being maintained by an independent development group as an open-source reference and education solution. The source code is freely available to anyone who wishes to use it for their own needs and purposes.
The data and images that it uses come from various sources, such as NASA's satellite images, the Hubble Space Telescope captures, and other information that has been made available to the public. It also integrates with the Maps API to create multiple map versions of the night sky. It is able to display a map of the sky where you point your device.
The is able to do this by taking advantage of your device's GPS, compass, and gyro sensor. These help it determine the direction and orientation of the part of the sky that you're looking at. All of this is being done in real-time, so the view on your smartphone will dynamically change and adjust as you move or adjust the direction you're facing.
How do I use it?
As mentioned earlier, Sky Map relies on your device's hardware and sensors for its functions. As such, one of the first that you need to make sure that everything is working properly, especially your GPS and gyro sensors. It will even help you calibrate your compass with a figure-eight motion before you start doing anything.
How you will use will depend on what you need it for. It can be used primarily as a reference tool for stargazers and enthusiasts. Alternatively, it can also be used to teach kids more about the stars and constellations in the night sky to encourage their curiosity and interest in the field of science and astronomy.
Sky Map is optimized for touch input and makes it easy for you to explore and navigate using swipes and gestures. As for downsides, there are a few aspects where it falls a bit short. The first is with its limited scope of information to stars, constellations, and planets. The other has to do with design that feels quite outdated at this point.
Stop and look at the stars
Overall, Sky Map is a nice astronomy app that can be enjoyed by just about anyone. Whether you use it for your hobby or for learning. While it could use a larger scope and a redesigner, it works well and reliably. If all you need is a simple tool to help you appreciate the view from the night sky, give this one a try.
User reviews about Sky Map
by Anonymous
Mounted on Goto Telescope:Works!.
Ok, not really mounted, but held in position on the flat backside of my SCT telescope, shows very close to where the actual objects are. Tried Polaris, the Moon, Saturn, and some well know galaxies and it was dead on!
GPS has to be enabled of course.Droid X2 Pros:
Red text and icon shift in colors helps for night mode.
Cons:
Not perfect, but what is these days! More
by Anonymous
Does not work correctly on DroidX with Gingerbread.
Used to work fine on Froyo but is 180 degrees rotated on Gingerbread. Problem is most obvious when in portrait mode. This problem existed in all pre-release Gingerbread drops so not sure why it's getting no fix.
Cons:
Orientation is incorrect on Droid X using Gingerbread. Totally unusable. More
by Anonymous
A Fun Way To View The Sky.
This is a fun way to view the sky and the constellations. You can find the big dipper as well as astrology signs like Aries or Leo. This really is just a fun app and doesn't truly serve a purpose for most users. But if your interested in the stars, this is a nice little app to have.The only downsides are the fact movement and response time can be slow. It can also drain your battery if you turn on your GPS location.This is a great fun app for those interested in the sky but should not be looked at as though your looking through a telescope or used for astronomers for true research it is solely for fun and in which I would recommend anyone who likes to view the starts to try it and see for yourself how fun knowing what the stars in the sky look like from about the planet right from your Android phone.
Pros:
Allows You To View The Stars And Constellations
When Moving Your Phone The Stars Move As Well
Free
Cons:
Not For Research
Enabling GPS Can Drain Battery
Sometimes Movement And Response Lag More
by Anonymous
best app.
IMHO this is the best app on my phone. Of course I'm a sky nut. Hubby was impressed when I searched for Mars and the big red circle/arrow pointed us right to it. Very usable even on my small screen (2.8").
Cons:
Too jittery when I move the device around - smooth moves would be better. I cannot get the vertical menu to appear long enough. Need a manual. Can't use the ratings below in Firefox More