SkySafari
SkySafari is a mobile planetarium that identifies objects in the sky and provides information about them.
What SkySafari is
SkySafari is a mobile planetarium that identifies objects in the sky and provides information about them. It can simulate the sky over time, including eclipses, conjunctions, and other celestial motion. SkySafari 8 Basic includes an image gallery and AstroBin integration; Plus and Pro also allow image imports from a device photo library, local files, and remote files. The comparison chart lists wired and wireless telescope control, as well as support for INDI and Alpaca. SkySafari 8 Plus and Pro support SmartEye integration. Premium features include observing conditions, remote image solving, special event coverage, and a light pollution map. LiveSky Premium provides browser access and syncs changes to the mobile app, while Premium also includes real-time OneSky observing and SkyCast broadcasts to multiple viewers. The app is available for Android, iOS, macOS, and web, and includes offline access, an AR sky view, mission tracking, and learning content. A free trial is available in any V7 or V8 app.
Good
- Identifies sky objects and provides information about them.
- Simulates eclipses, conjunctions, and celestial motion.
- Offers offline access and an AR sky view.
- Lists wired and wireless telescope control.
Watch out
- No free plan.
- SkySafari 8 Pro costs $49.99, paid once.
- Some image import options are limited to Plus and Pro.
Who it suits
SkySafari suits beginners and longtime astronomy enthusiasts who want to identify objects and explore simulated sky motion. Its telescope controls and image features may also suit users who want those functions in a planetarium app.
Verdict
SkySafari pairs sky identification with simulations and features that vary by edition. Compare the listed Basic, Plus, and Pro capabilities before choosing, and note that a free trial is available through a V7 or V8 app.
Plans and prices
From SkySafari's own pricing page, checked 3 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| SkySafari 8 Basic | $2.99, paid once | 120,357 stars · 222 deep sky objects · AstroBin image import |
| SkySafari 8 Plus | $12.99, paid once | 2,554,770 stars · 32,537 deep sky objects |
| SkySafari 8 Pro | $49.99, paid once | 29,042,794 stars · 784,248 deep sky objects · 109,446,575-star GAIA extension |
The facts
Each one read from SkySafari's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Cloud sync
- The maker says LiveSky Premium provides browser access to SkySafari and syncs changes to the mobile app.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Image features
- SkySafari 8 Basic includes an image gallery and AstroBin integration, while Plus and Pro add image imports from a device photo library, local files, and remote files.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes SkySafari as suitable for beginners and longtime astronomy enthusiasts.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Premium features
- SkySafari Premium includes observing conditions, remote image solving, special event coverage, and a light pollution map.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker links a privacy policy for Simulation Curriculum Corp.; the policy says the company does not disclose personal customer information to third parties.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- SkySafari is a mobile planetarium that identifies objects in the sky and provides information about them.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Sky simulation
- The app simulates the sky over time, including eclipses, conjunctions, and other celestial motion.checked 3 Oct 2026
- SmartEye integration
- The comparison chart lists SmartEye integration support for SkySafari 8 Plus and Pro.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Social observing
- Premium includes real-time OneSky observing and SkyCast broadcasting to multiple viewers.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The product site links to a SkySafari 8 user guide and community forums.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Telescope control
- The comparison chart lists wired and wireless telescope control and support for INDI and Alpaca.checked 3 Oct 2026
Money
- Trial
- The maker’s SkySafari 8 page says users can sign up for a free trial in any V7 or V8 app.checked 3 Oct 2026
Alternatives to SkySafari
- 1
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SkyORB
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ISS Detector
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Cosmic Watch
Free planAndroidiOSmacOS7.2From $4.99 a year - 6
Gaia Sky
Free planOpen sourceAPILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted7.2Free plan
