I’m often asked about what astronomy related apps I like to use on my  cell phone and tablet.  Here are a list of apps in no particular order that I have either used at one time and found to be helpful and/or continue to use on a regular basis. I own Apple devices but most of these apps are available both on Google Play (Android) and via the Apple App Store.  Note that some of the app’s listed here are only available on one OS i.e. the Heavens-Above app is only available for Android, etc. Additionally, most of the apps listed below  are free to download and install or have free versions available but some do have to be purchased. Those that must be purchased are typically modestly priced at $3 to $5.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Clear Outside

Reliable weather forecasts for astronomers with an emphasis on cloud cover. Features include: Seven day hourly forecasts, updated hourly. Low, medium, high and total cloud cover. Moon rise/set times and phase. Sun rise/set and transit. Civil/nautical/astronomical darkness. ISS pass-over information. Automatically provides a forecast for your current location. Save favorite locations for easy access. Daytime forecasts for solar observers/imagers.

The Moon: Calendar Moon Phases (iOS Only)

Moon Phases Calendar – universal lunar calendar for any Location from 0001 to 2100 years. Features: Moonrise, Moonset, Moon phases, Lunar Days, Illumination, Distance, Position.

Meteor Shower Calendar

Would you like to know when the next meteor shower happens? This app will display a list of upcoming meteor showers and the approximate date in which they will peak with specific details on each.

Polar Scope Align Pro (iOS Only)

Polar Scope Align will calculate the position of Polaris or σ Octantis in your Polar Scope reticle for your location (using your phone’s GPS or manually), allowing a quick and accurate polar alignment. It will even allow you to measure and correct a centering error of the reticle. In the settings you can select from a vast collection of reticles, one that matches your own. Pretty much every reticle in the market is supported.

Sky Map

Google’s free open source planetarium software.

ISS Detector Satellite Tracker

ISS Detector will tell you when and where to look for the International Space Station or Iridium flares. You get an alarm a few minutes before a pass. You will never miss a pass of the International Space Station and you will never miss the bright flashes of the iridium communication satellites. ISS Detector will also check if the weather conditions are right. A clear sky is perfect for spotting.

Heavens-Above (Android Only)

When can I see the ISS? What’s that light in the sky? The official Heavens-Above app provides you with precise pass predictions for the ISS, visible satellites, Iridium flares and radio satellites.

NASA App

Come explore with NASA and discover the latest images, videos, mission information, news, feature stories, tweets, NASA TV and featured content with the NASA App for Android.

Next Spaceflight – Rocket Launch Schedule

Stay up to date with the latest in spaceflight. This app features all the key players including SpaceX, NASA, ROSCOSMOS, ULA, Blue Origin, and more. Features include a schedule for upcoming rocket launches, links to livestreams of upcoming launches and videos of past launches, descriptions for each mission, live International Space Station telemetry including a map with its current location, notifications and reminders for upcoming launches and much more.

SkEye | Astronomy

SkEye is an advanced Planetarium that can also be used as a PUSHTO guide for telescopes. Ever wondered what objects are up in the sky? Now you can get familiar with Astronomy by identifying stars, planets, and constellations. Also look up deep sky objects from the Messier and NGC catalogs.

Cosmic-Watch

Visually stunning! Easy to use with a host of features all within simple sliding menus. Discover the fascinating relation between time and the cosmos. Use this interactive learning tool to understand the concept of the celestial sphere and the apparent movement of the sky.  COSMIC WATCH is the worlds first and most advanced interactive 3D astronomical time device in the digital age!

Simple Moon Phase Widget

It is a simple widget that displays the moon phase and age of the moon.

Sundroid Free Sunrise Sunset

The most popular sunrise and sunset times calculator for Android! Handy for photography, hunting, outdoor activites and holiday planning. Also calculates length of daylight, moonrise and moonset times, and lunar phase with illuminated fraction.

Stellarium Mobile Sky Map

Stellarium Mobile Sky Map is a fully-featured planetarium for your phone. It shows a realistic and accurate night sky map, just like what you see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope. The sensor control will also enable you to identify a star in just a few seconds, just by pointing the phone at the sky!

Google Earth

Google Earth for Android enables you to explore the globe with a swipe of your finger. Fly through 3D cities like London, Tokyo and Rome.  Dive in to view the world at street level with integrated Street View. Use the Tour Guide to discover exciting new places to explore. Browse layers like Wikipedia or Photos to learn more about a place.

Jupiter Simulator

Jupiter Simulator is an astronomy app that shows the location of the four largest Jupiter moons, and the Great Red Spot. All positions can be shown in real time, or in faster animation. You can set the clock to other times in the future or past. You can navigate in three dimensions, and zoom in and out. The orbits of the moons can be made visible. Information on the nature of the satellites is given.

Moons of Saturn

Moons of Saturn is an android app designed to predict positions of eight Saturn’s moons: Mimas, Enceladus, Tethys, Dione, Rhea, Titan, Hyperion and Iapetus. This application allows to:
-Show positions of moons (three different view modes are available)
-Display all eight moon tracks
-Show Saturn’s rings tilt

SkySafari

SkySafari is a powerful planetarium that fits in your pocket, puts the universe at your fingertips, and is incredibly easy to use! Simply hold your device to the sky and quickly locate planets, constellations, satellites, and millions of stars and deep sky objects.

Know of an app you think should  be listed here?

If so please feel free to contact me and let me know.