Sky Map is a free, open-source application for Android that transforms your phone into a personal planetarium. Originally developed by Google, this app provides users with the ability to explore the universe by simply pointing their smartphone upwards. It allows you to identify stars, planets, nebulae, constellations, and more.
Stargazing Made Easy
Sky Map offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface where you simply point your phone towards the sky to view stars, planets, and constellations. The app uses your phone's built-in sensors to align the map with the real-world sky, giving you a true-to-life stargazing experience. The constellations appear on your screen, and you can learn their names and other details in real-time.
Locate Planets & Constellations
Sky Map lets you search for specific celestial objects. For example, if you want to find Mars, just enter its name into the search bar, and the app will show you the precise location in the sky with an arrow guiding you towards it. This feature enhances your ability to explore the night sky and makes it easier to find planets and other celestial objects.
Educational & Fun
Not only does Sky Map provide an entertaining way to explore the universe, but it’s also educational. You can learn about the positions and names of stars, planets, and constellations, which makes it a great tool for both beginners and astronomy enthusiasts.
No Internet Connection Required
Sky Map works offline, making it the perfect companion when you're away from Wi-Fi or data networks. The app uses your phone's sensors to map out the sky, and while some functions like manually entering location details require an internet connection, the core features work without it.
Open Source & Community Driven
Sky Map is an open-source project, meaning that anyone can contribute to its development. This ensures continuous updates and improvements, along with a strong community of developers and astronomy enthusiasts. You can also join the beta testing program to get early access to new features.
FAQ
1. Why isn’t the map moving or pointing correctly?
Ensure that you haven’t switched to manual mode. Check if your phone has a compass, as this is essential for orientation. If necessary, calibrate your compass or try turning off "magnetic correction" in settings.
2. Why does my map jitter?
If your phone lacks a gyro sensor, some jitter may occur. You can adjust the sensor speed and damping settings in the app to reduce this effect and improve the experience.
3. Can I use Sky Map without an internet connection?
Yes, Sky Map can function offline, though some features like manually entering your location require an internet connection. GPS or latitude/longitude entry can be used instead.
4. Why is autolocation not working on my phone?
In Android 6 and newer, permissions changed. To use autolocation, make sure you’ve enabled the location permission for Sky Map in your phone’s settings.
Version History
v1.10.9—12 Jan, 2025
* Improved night mode so that it respects system defaults
* Variable font size
* Updated translations
* Bug fixes
v 1.10.6—18 Jan, 2025
Minor bug fixes and improvements. Install or update to the newest version to check it out!
v1.10.5—18 Jan, 2025
Minor bug fixes and improvements. Install or update to the newest version to check it out!
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