Top 5 Free Astronomy Apps for Your iPhone

By Carlos Wilson Thu, 10/10/2013

The iTunes app store has amazing astronomy applications which show you the wonders of the universe. Check out these five apps that let you dive into the universe and explore the stars, planets, and other celestial objects in the space while standing on your rooftop with your iPhone in your hand.

1. Planets (free)

This app lets you explore planets in 2D as well as 3D orientation. Moreover, its size doesn't occupy much of your iPhone memory space. The Globe option allows you to see the 3D view of the planets, giving an impressive view of the Saturn rings and freezing Pluto. The Visibility option lets you view various phases of the moon and their names. Move your fingers over the screen to have a look around.

Size: 12.8 MB
Languages: English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later

2. Astronomy Picture of the Day (free)

Discover your iPhone's hidden features

Get a daily tip (with screenshots and clear instructions) so you can master your iPhone in just one minute a day.

Here comes the application that everyone would love, whether they are an astro freak or a new fan of astronomy. As the name suggests, the app has a collection of the most beautiful pictures of universe. You can browse through the database and save the ones you like the most to show to your friends. This app shows you those amazing parts of space that you would never have imagined.

Size: 28.3 MB
Language: English
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Requires iOS 6.0 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.

3. Exoplanet (free)

Most of us are unaware of the planets and moons that are outside the Milky Way. Exoplanet lets you explore the planets outside our solar system. Professional astronomers update the app every time a new planet is discovered and confirmed. Exoplanet has a huge database which provides information about the planets—name, photos, distance from other planets in our solar system, and other useful information. In addition, it provides a 3D model of the Milky Way which you can use to zoom in to explore the planets and explore how the sky looks at night from the surface of all the planets.

Size: 43.8 MB
Languages: English, French, German, Japanese, Simplified Chinese
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone5.

4. Night Sky 2 Lite (free)

Night Sky 2 Lite has been updated with remarkable features like Search Filter, which allows you to find and locate the star or planet you want to know about easily. Moreover, it has created a Night Sky Community where you can share different stargazing locations that you have explored through out the world. The app also gives you information about temperature and wind speeds. The icons on the app let you know if the weather is good, fair, or poor for stargazing. Additionally, it provides the information like sun rise and sun set times and phases of the moon.

Size: 141 MB
Language: English
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone5.

5. Star Chart (free)

If you look at the sky and want to know the name of that bright star or you want to know how the night sky looks from the other side of the earth, Star Chart has the answers. It can also show the sun, moon, stars, and planets in 3D with different effects. You can also see how the sky looked decades ago and how it will look decades from now just by tapping on the time button. You can tap on an any object to know everything about it, including its brightness and distance.

Size: 19.5 MB
Languages: English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.

All of these apps let you explore the universe by taking you on a beautiful journey among the stars, planets, and other celestial objects. All you have to do to get ready is take your iPhone and go up to the roof or balcony. So download these and have fun, astro-freaks!

Master your iPhone in one minute a day: Sign up here to get our FREE Tip of the Day delivered right to your inbox.