Well... Because App Lists Are So Cool Right Now!

The March issue of Sky and Telescope has a list of apps that many of their editors like. Well I read over their list and some I agree with some I don’t. So for this bonus blog post for January I thought I would tell you what is on my iPhone 5c as of January 31, 2015.

Sky Safari 4 Basic.... This is my app that I use for when out observing with binoculars or wanting to know where a comet might be before I go out that next morning. I downloaded this to replace Stellarium mostly because this app is way more powerful and frankly I was really miffed that Stellarium started charging money for their app in the App store. Sorry just don’t think it is all that good for the price, though nice if free.

Gas Giants... Basically tells you where the moons of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are. I like it can be done with telescope orientation. The eyepiece view is a little lacking though.

Jupiter Moons... I got this because Sky and Telescope puts it out, does what Gas Giants does, but I like the presentation a little better. Same goes for Saturn Moons too.

Mars Atlas.... A really cool atlas that will show you what Mars looks like in your scope when it is near opposition. I would say this is essential for figuring out what the dark features one is seeing.

Lunar Atlas.... Same as Mars Atlas but with the Moon. Obviously more useful since the Moon is more observable then Mars.

Satellite Safari... Basically like Sky Safari but focuses on satellites. Really cool, though it can be a little limited to due it’s database.

Sky Week Plus... Another S&T app. Nice. Gives a good event or two each night to observe.

SkyGuide.... Beautiful. Was a free download from Pick of The Week. Really glad I went to Starbucks that week. I use it from time to time.

Star Atlas... Meh, it is okay. I am a little disappointed with it. I was expecting more, but when you need an atlas on your iPhone it is okay.

Orion... All it is good for is downloading their current catalog. It is nice time waster at work though!

NASA... Just get it, keep up with the space program.

ESA... Same as NASA, just applies to Europe. Both apps let you watch launches live though which is cool.

APOD... Astronomy Picture Of The Day. Enjoy the pictures. Sometimes videos won’t play though.

Exoplanet.... Really cool to keep up on discoveries, though the push notifications can get a bit annoying.

Moon Map Pro.... What I like with this is the LRO images. This coupled with Lunar Atlas to me should be a staple for every observer.

iCSC... This is the new version and it is really good. It can be a little slow to update and the set up took it a couple of times to remember my favorites. I so prefer this to Scope Nights which I know S&T has talked up so much. I actually liked Scope Nights when I first got it, however when the developer updated it and most of the features became only available if downloaded for a fee. Sorry but that isn’t the way to run an app and well the comments on the Apple site reflect that! The Clear Sky Clock deserves a good app and this is it.

So those are the apps I use. I am glad for all of them and they all serve a purpose. If you have any specific questions leave me a comment and I will be glad to answer you.