Model the Solar System and explore the night sky, with object facts and past or future skies.
Best Astronomy Apps in 2026
Astronomy apps help you explore the sky, identify objects, follow missions and learn about space. The choice mainly depends on Android support and the features you need, such as AR sky views, telescope control or offline access. Check whether an app has an Android version before comparing its web, Windows, iPhone and iPad, Mac or Linux options. Compare free-plan limits, paid pricing, catalogue size and learning…
Free Android and web suite visualizes NASA missions and imagery in interactive 3D.
Android astronomy app offers live sky maps, satellite passes, location alerts and AR views.
- 4
ISS Detector
ISS Detector helps people find visible International Space Station passes and satellite pass predictions for their location.
Free planAndroidiOSWebmacOS7.3$17.99 one-time - 5

Cosmic Watch
Android planetarium and sky guide identifies stars, planets and constellations in augmented reality.
Free planAndroidiOSmacOS7.2From $4.99 a year - 6
Gaia Sky
Free 3D astronomy platform explores the universe using scientific datasets, including billions of objects.
Free planOpen sourceAPILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted7.2Free plan - 7
Heavens-Above
Heavens-Above provides predictions and sky information for observing satellites and other objects.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb7.2$4.99 one-time - 8
Star Walk 2
Android app labels objects in the sky and marks planets on its interactive map.
Free planAndroidiOS7.0From $5.99 a year - 9
SkySafari
Android, iOS, Mac and web planetarium with object details, sky changes over time and telescope support.
AndroidiOSWebmacOS6.8$2.99 one-time - 10

Celestia
Free 3D space simulator shows planets, moons, star clusters and galaxies across time.
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux6.7Free plan - 11

Night Sky
Android app identifies objects overhead and gives local stargazing conditions and event information.
Free planAndroidiOSmacOS6.6Free plan - 12
Star Chart
Star Chart is an astronomy app that uses GPS and a 3D universe model to identify what is visible when you point a device at the sky.
Free planAndroidiOSmacOSWindows6.6Free plan - 13
Star Chart
Android app maps the night sky in real time and offers VR solar system exploration.
Free planAndroidiOSmacOSWindows6.5Free plan - 14
Luminos Pro
iOS and Mac app for telescope control, plus tools to manage and calculate astronomy equipment.
iOSmacOS6.4From $3 a month - 15
Seestar App
Seestar App is a companion app for controlling Seestar telescopes and planning astronomical observation.
AndroidiOSmacOSWindows6.4 - 16
Stellarium
Free desktop planetarium renders the sky in 3D, with extensive star and deep-sky catalogues.
Free planWebLinuxmacOSWindows6.4Free plan - 17
DWARFLAB App
DWARFLAB App wirelessly connects to and controls DWARFLAB smart telescopes from Android and iOS devices.
Free planAndroidiOS6.3Free plan - 18
Singularity
Android app aims Vaonis telescopes at selected sky objects and stacks images as they arrive.
Free planAndroidiOS6.3Free plan - 19
SkyPortal
Android planetarium app catalogs stars, planets, galaxies and other objects in the sky.
Free planAndroidiOS6.3Free plan - 20
SkyView
Android and iOS app using the camera and AR to identify constellations, planets, stars and satellites.
AndroidiOS6.3$2.99 one-time - 21
Spacecraft AR
Android and iOS AR app for viewing and learning about spacecraft on a flat surface.
Free planAndroidiOS6.3Free plan - 22
Spot the Station
Spot the Station is NASA’s free mobile app for tracking International Space Station viewing opportunities.
Free planAndroidiOS6.2Free plan - 23
Starmap
Starmap is a free astronomy reference app for visual observers and field use on iOS and macOS.
Free planiOSmacOS6.2Free plan - 24
Aladin Desktop
Free desktop software views astronomical images and overlays catalogue data from online archives.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.1Free plan - 25

KStars
Free desktop planetarium simulates the sky and includes observation planning and astrophotography tools.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.1Free plan
Choosing well
Which platforms does it need to run on?
Start by checking Android support, then look for the web, Windows, iPhone or iPad, Mac and Linux versions you need.
Platform coverage differs between apps, so confirm that the version you want is available for your phone, tablet or computer.
Can you use it on a free plan?
A free plan is available from the pricing details shown for an app; check what it includes before paying.
Compare the stated paid starting price and whether the app is free or freemium. A free trial is a separate option from a free plan.
Does it work without an internet connection?
Check the offline-access detail if you need sky information away from a connection.
Offline access can matter for travel, observing locations or places with weak mobile service.
Which astronomy features should you compare?
Compare AR sky view, telescope control and mission tracking against the way you plan to use the app.
An AR view can help identify objects in the sky, while telescope control and mission tracking serve different observing tasks.
How much space information does it include?
Compare catalogue size and learning content to match the depth you want.
A larger catalogue can support object searches, while learning material may suit beginners who want explanations alongside sky views.
Questions people ask
Which astronomy apps work on Android?
Check the platform details for an Android version before choosing. Android support varies by app, with other options including web, Windows, iPhone or iPad, Mac and Linux.
Are there free astronomy apps?
Yes. The list includes apps with free plans, plus free and freemium pricing models. Check the listed plan details and paid starting price.
Which astronomy apps work offline?
Compare the offline-access field for each app. It shows whether the tool can be used without an internet connection.
Can astronomy apps control a telescope?
Some apps include telescope control. Compare that feature directly in the chart before choosing an app for telescope use.
Do astronomy apps show satellites or missions?
Mission tracking is a comparison field in the chart. Check an app's details if following missions is important to you.