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StarMap 3D app review: enjoy the night sky
Introduction
If you're the type who loves the night sky and all the stars, constellations, and planets that you can see, then this
astronomy app is for you. The StarMap 3D app can be used on your iPod touch, iPad, and iPhone, which means you'll be able to take your love of stargazing to a whole other level. The way this app works is that it uses your device's gyroscope and compass to give you a beautiful look at the sky while your device acts as a portable star atlas. This app has been designed to be used by beginner and pro stargazers.
The best stargazing apps for iPhone
Portable Stargazing
The StarMap 3D app makes it possible to transform your mobile device into a portable star atlas using its compass and gyroscope. Check out all the fabulous details in the sky such as the constellations, stars, and planets. There is more than 15,000 stars shown, with in-depth information that you can read. Use this app to further your knowledge or act as that starting point for a brand-new hobby of stargazing. It's not just the stars though; you'll find all 88 modern constellations, and 303 deep sky objects complete with details such as their orientation, size, diameter, morphology, and distance from earth.
The best iPad apps for AstronomyIn its latest update there were a number of bug fixes made in order to offer smoother usability. The app scores very high with users, who have given it 4.5 out of five stars. The customer comments are also very positive.
A Close Look at the Features
While I wouldn't exactly say the StarMap 3D app is filled with features and tools it does have a decent selection. View such information as the classic and MacRobert constellation lines, the ability to adjust the time of day, the app uses your GPS position or you can manually input your latitude and longitude, there is the Planetarium Mode which is great for seeing specific items or the big picture with the celestial sphere, and 3D mode is equally cool to see things in a cool way.
Best iphone and ipad appsI feel like even though the developers claim this app can be used for anyone it is better suited to those who just enjoy stargazing as a passing hobby and really don't get too serious about it. I do appreciate that it is user-friendly so even the kids can enjoy looking at the sky in new and cool ways.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The app is user-friendly
- There is a wide range of information on constellations and planets
- There are a couple of different user modes
- The app is able to automatically find your location using your device's GPS
- You can manually input your latitude and longitude if you'd rather
Cons
- The list of features isn't huge
- The user interface feels very basic
Final Thoughts
The StarMap 3D app for your iPod touch, iPad, and iPhone gives customers a user-friendly and interesting way to view the sky so you can appreciate all there is up there.