In this guide 7 sections
Updated October 10, 2026 · U.S. English
A stargazing app should help you spend more time looking at the sky. Start by deciding whether you need to identify a bright object, plan a telescope session, or learn about a mission. Those jobs are not interchangeable, and paying for a larger object database will not necessarily improve a casual evening outside.
These four tools cover distinct needs. Features and prices can differ by platform and edition, so follow the official publisher links below and check the listing for your own device. This is a feature-based selection, not a laboratory test of pointing accuracy.
Choose the tool for the job
| Tool | Best starting use | Check before installing or upgrading |
|---|---|---|
| Stellarium Mobile / Plus | A sky map on a phone | Which features belong to the standard or Plus edition |
| Stellarium desktop | Planning at a computer | The build for your operating system |
| SkySafari | Detailed observing plans and supported telescope workflows | The exact edition, operating system and mount compatibility |
| NASA app | Mission news, imagery and NASA+ | It is a science companion, not a substitute for a planetarium sky map |
Swipe or scroll to see all columns
Stellarium Mobile: identify what you are seeing
Stellarium Labs publishes the mobile app and its Plus option. A phone-based sky map is a useful starting point for learning constellations and checking the identity of a bright object. Set the observing location and time deliberately; an attractive display is not useful if it is showing a different place or date.
If you are considering telescope control, read the Plus compatibility documentation first. A supported protocol does not mean every mount connects with no additional setup. Check the connection method and device requirements before buying an upgrade or adapter.
Stellarium desktop: plan without using up the night
The desktop Stellarium project is a free, open-source planetarium for Windows, macOS and Linux. It is a good option for preparing a short target list at home, when a large screen makes it easier to understand how objects move across your local sky.
Choose two or three targets and note when they clear nearby trees or buildings. A software horizon is only a model; your actual observing spot may have obstructions that the application does not know about. Preparing a small list is usually more useful than saving dozens of objects that are too low or too faint for your equipment.
SkySafari: match the edition to the equipment
SkySafari offers different editions and platform versions. Its official product page now refers to both version 7 and version 8 products, so an old review’s menu names or feature list may not match the version offered to you. Confirm the current store listing instead of assuming that the same version is available on every operating system.
For telescope use, check your mount, connection method and edition together. For visual observing without a computerized mount, consider whether the planning and chart features alone meet your needs. More advanced controls are useful only when they fit the way you observe.
NASA app: add context to an observing session
NASA’s app brings together mission information, imagery, news and access to NASA+. It is useful for connecting a view of the Moon or a planet to current science. It should not be presented as a direct replacement for a dedicated constellation-identification app.
Make the phone less distracting outside
- Set the correct location, date and local time before identifying an object.
- Start at low brightness and use a suitable night-display option.
- Compare the chart with familiar landmarks and constellations; compass orientation can be imperfect.
- Check offline behavior before traveling somewhere with weak service.
- Put the phone away between checks and give your eyes time to adjust.
For meteor watching you need a broad view of the sky, not continuous screen use. Our 2026 meteor-shower guide helps you select an observing window.
Sources and review notes
Reviewed October 10, 2026. Stellarium Mobile; Stellarium desktop; SkySafari official editions; NASA app.