Best apps for stargazing

SkySafari is one of many apps that can educate those who enjoy stargazing but “struggle to tell a planet from a satellite.” If you have a mobile device, point it toward a celestial object—say, the constellation Cassiopeia. This app provides details about the stars within Cassiopeia as well as the constellation’s mythology. ($3, Android and iOS)

Star Walk also offers an interactive map of the sky, plus satellite tracking and a sky event calendar. Another screen shows you sun and moon phases for various planets. ($3 for iPhone; $5 for iPad)

Sky Map has a search function, allowing you to find specific planets, stars, and constellations by name. (Free, Android only)

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SkyWeek provides a daily listing of events in the sky, such as eclipses and meteor showers. ($2 for iOS; free for Android)

Source: Portland Oregonian