Observing the sky has always been fascinating to humanity. Since time immemorial, planets, stars and other celestial bodies have aroused curiosity, inspired myths and guided scientific studies. However, when looking at the starry sky, questions often arise: what is that bright spot? Is it a star or a planet? And, if it is a planet, which one?

Fortunately, with the advancement of technology, it is no longer necessary to resort to complicated sky maps or perform astronomical calculations to identify planets. Now, anyone can easily find out what they are seeing in the sky using just a smartphone. Thanks to innovative apps like SkyView and Sky Map, astronomical exploration has become much more accessible and engaging.

So, if you’ve ever asked yourself “What planet is that?” when looking at the sky, there are tools that can answer this question in a simple and interactive way. So, keep reading to learn about the best apps that help you identify planets and make your astronomical experience even more fascinating.

Why use an app to identify planets?

Before we talk about the applications themselves, it is important to understand the advantages of using this type of technology. After all, unlike traditional methods, which required prior knowledge and the interpretation of printed celestial maps, astronomy applications use sensors and augmented reality to provide information in real time.

In addition, these tools offer several benefits that make observing the planets much more practical and interactive. The main ones include:

• Practicality and ease of use: Just point your phone at the sky and the app will instantly identify the planets and other stars around you.
• Accuracy and richness of information: The apps provide detailed data about the planets, including their name, distance from Earth, and specific characteristics.
• Immersive and interactive experience: Augmented reality technology allows you to view the planets directly on the screen, making the experience even more immersive.
• Availability in any environment: Whether in the city or in a remote location, the apps work anywhere as long as the sky is visible.
• Continuous learning: For those who want to delve deeper into astronomy, the apps also function as educational tools, teaching about the planets and their orbits.

So, if you want to identify planets in an easy and fun way, it’s worth getting to know the apps that make it possible. Now, let’s explore the features of the two best apps available at the moment.

SkyView: A Window to the Universe

O SkyView is one of the most impressive apps when it comes to exploring the night sky. It allows anyone, even without advanced astronomy knowledge, to identify planets and other celestial bodies with just a few taps on the screen.

What makes SkyView so special?

• Augmented reality mode: With this feature, simply point your phone at the sky to see the planets identified on the screen, along with detailed information.
• Automatic and accurate identification: The app uses your smartphone's sensors to provide accurate measurements and ensure you know exactly which planet you're observing.
• Adjustable night mode: To avoid glare and provide a more comfortable experience, the app features a special night vision mode.
• Real-time tracking: With this option, you can see the movement of the planets over time and better understand their orbits.
• Offline use: Even without an internet connection, SkyView continues to work, making it ideal for remote locations and observations in rural areas.

If you want an intuitive, educational, and highly interactive app to explore the sky, SkyView is an excellent choice. After all, it transforms any starry night into a true journey through the universe.

Sky Map: A Complete Map of the Sky at Your Fingertips

Another option that deserves to be highlighted is the Sky Map. Initially created by Google and later maintained by independent developers, this application offers a detailed map of the sky, allowing you to locate planets, stars and constellations in a simple and objective way.

Sky Map differences:

• Interactive astronomical map: Displays a complete panorama of the sky, helping to visualize the exact position of the planets and other celestial bodies.
• Motion detection: Using the cell phone's sensors, the application automatically adjusts the map as the user moves the device.
• Customizable filters: If you want to focus only on the planets or a specific type of star, you can configure the application to your preference.
• Manual mode: If you want to explore the sky without relying on your phone's sensors, Sky Map also allows manual adjustments.
• Free and ad-free: Unlike many apps of its kind, Sky Map is completely free, with no invasive ads or paid versions.

With these features, the Sky Map stands out as one of the most complete options for those who want an efficient and straight-to-the-point application for identifying planets.

Which app to choose to identify planets?

Now that we know the main features of the SkyView and of the Sky Map, the question arises: which one is the best? The answer depends on the type of experience you want.

If your goal is to have an immersive experience, with augmented reality and a more visual and interactive approach, SkyView is the best choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more technical application, with a detailed astronomical map and without the need to use your cell phone camera, Sky Map may be the ideal option.

Regardless of which app you choose, both offer incredible features for identifying planets and deepening your knowledge of the universe. Whether you’re a casual observer or a true astronomy enthusiast, these tools will transform the way you see the sky.

Conclusion

Exploring the sky and identifying planets has never been easier. Thanks to technology, apps like SkyView and Sky Map made astronomy accessible to anyone, allowing everyone to discover the secrets of the universe in a practical and engaging way.

Whether for occasional observation or for a more in-depth study of planets, these apps are indispensable. So now that you know the best options for identifying planets, choose the app that best suits you, point your phone at the sky and start your journey through the cosmos. After all, the universe is waiting to be explored, and with these fantastic tools, the experience will be even more incredible!