Stars and Planets - Astronomy

Name: Stars and Planets - Astronomy
Rating: 4.7 (1017 reviews)
Author: Andrei Nistorescu

3D Universe simulator

Free · In‑App Purchases · Designed for iPad

1K Ratings
Ages

4+
Years
Category

Education
Developer

Andrei Nistorescu
Language

EN
+ 102 More
Size

775.8
MB

Experience the captivating wonders of the cosmos with Stars and Planets, an interactive 3D planetarium powered by precise data obtained from NASA and ESA space missions. Delve into a profound expedition through the infinite expanse of space, where an abundance of knowledge is readily available, directly sourced from the forefront of groundbreaking space research. Traverse the vast expanse of the galaxy, soaring through the stardust as you journey to millions of stars. Land on alien planets and exomoons, where breathtaking landscapes and untold wonders await your arrival. Embrace the thrill of plunging into the turbulent atmospheres of gas giants to reach their elusive cores. Push the boundaries of exploration as you venture closer to black holes, pulsars and magnetars, where the laws of physics are stretched to their limits. With Stars and Planets, the entire universe becomes your playground, providing an unmatched platform for discovery and enlightenment. Features ▶ Immersive spacecraft simulation allowing users to fly to different planets and moons and explore the depths of gas giants ▶ Land on exoplanets and take command of a character, exploring the unique surfaces of these distant worlds ▶ Daily updated information on exoplanets from multiple sources, eliminating the need for manual application updates ▶ Extensive online database encompassing approximately 7.85 million stars, over 7400 exoplanets, 205 circumstellar disks, 32868 black holes, 3344 pulsars and over 150 moons in our Solar System ▶ Comprehensive search system for efficient data retrieval of stellar and substellar objects ▶ Global accessibility with support for over 100 languages Data imported from various sources including: SIMBAD, The Extrasolar Planets Encyclopedia, NASA Exoplanet Archive, Planet Habitability Laboratory Join my discord server so you can see what new features are planned in the future or if you simply want to talk about space related stuff: https://discord.gg/dyeu3BR If you have a PC/Mac you can also access Stars and Planets from your browser here: https://galaxymap.net/webgl/index.html

Ratings & Reviews

4.7

out of 5

1K Ratings

Close up look at distant stars
09/11/2017

Teanjel
One caveat: the app only lets you view a 10-parsec cube at a time; no giant overview to give a clear idea of how far from the sun the area you're looking at is. However, this is only the second 3D map I've found of our corner of the galaxy that's not stuck centered on the sun! If you'd like a closer view of the area around a particular star, from any angle (what do the Pleiades look like from the back?), this is excellent. Selecting any star gives some basic information: other names, type, magnitude, temperature, a diagram comparing its size to the sun, and a map showing its position in the night sky. There's also a Wikipedia link, though some star pages don't exist yet. Ads generally stay out of the way at the top of the screen, though sometimes they get in way of the back button on star pages (just rotate your phone). Search function hasn't failed to find the stars I'm interested in, but I don't know enough to look for anything really obscure, so I don't know how thorough it is. Very pleased with the app overall!

Developer Response
Thanks for the great review!I've split the map into 10-parsec cubes so that it works on older models with no significant lag. It is possible to view more than that, I was thinking of adding a "zoom out" feature that shows the adjacent sectors, so instead of viewing a 10 parsec cubes, you will be viewing 30 parsec cubes. I will have to test how much more can be zoomed.But my first major update to this app will be a highlights section with a list of famous stars, weird stars, multiple star systems.
Close up look at distant stars
09/11/2017

Teanjel

One caveat: the app only lets you view a 10-parsec cube at a time; no giant overview to give a clear idea of how far from the sun the area you're looking at is. However, this is only the second 3D map I've found of our corner of the galaxy that's not stuck centered on the sun! If you'd like a closer view of the area around a particular star, from any angle (what do the Pleiades look like from the back?), this is excellent. Selecting any star gives some basic information: other names, type, magnitude, temperature, a diagram comparing its size to the sun, and a map showing its position in the night sky. There's also a Wikipedia link, though some star pages don't exist yet. Ads generally stay out of the way at the top of the screen, though sometimes they get in way of the back button on star pages (just rotate your phone). Search function hasn't failed to find the stars I'm interested in, but I don't know enough to look for anything really obscure, so I don't know how thorough it is. Very pleased with the app overall!
Developer Response 09/12/2017
Thanks for the great review!I've split the map into 10-parsec cubes so that it works on older models with no significant lag. It is possible to view more than that, I was thinking of adding a "zoom out" feature that shows the adjacent sectors, so instead of viewing a 10 parsec cubes, you will be viewing 30 parsec cubes. I will have to test how much more can be zoomed.But my first major update to this app will be a highlights section with a list of famous stars, weird stars, multiple star systems.
Explore the Stellar Neighborhood
10/15/2019

Jonathx
I’ve greatly enjoyed using this app to traipse across the local area of the galaxy and see where stars are near each other in 3D space. The ads in the free version are unobtrusive and I’m considering upgrading to the full version just because I like enjoy it so much, even though the free version fulfills my needs without issue. The 10-parsec sectors would be perfect for making a map in a sci-fi roleplaying game.One feature I would like to see, however, is a setting to change from xyz equatorial coordinates to uvw galactic coordinates so I could know whether I was getting closer to the galactic core or farther away, above or below the galactic plane, or in the direction of spin without having to do calculations in my head. Maybe an option to rotate the +Z into the vertical position instead of the +Y too, since I instinctively associate the North star with “up” when working in equatorial coordinates.

Developer Response
I hope you like this new version, I've completely redesigned the app, and new planets are added daily without needing an update (if new ones have been confirmed). Thanks for the review!
Explore the Stellar Neighborhood
10/15/2019

Jonathx

I’ve greatly enjoyed using this app to traipse across the local area of the galaxy and see where stars are near each other in 3D space. The ads in the free version are unobtrusive and I’m considering upgrading to the full version just because I like enjoy it so much, even though the free version fulfills my needs without issue. The 10-parsec sectors would be perfect for making a map in a sci-fi roleplaying game.One feature I would like to see, however, is a setting to change from xyz equatorial coordinates to uvw galactic coordinates so I could know whether I was getting closer to the galactic core or farther away, above or below the galactic plane, or in the direction of spin without having to do calculations in my head. Maybe an option to rotate the +Z into the vertical position instead of the +Y too, since I instinctively associate the North star with “up” when working in equatorial coordinates.
Developer Response 04/22/2021
I hope you like this new version, I've completely redesigned the app, and new planets are added daily without needing an update (if new ones have been confirmed). Thanks for the review!
Broken
01/03/2022

lilphotoshoppa
I really liked this app, but the last 2 updates have completely broken it. The background has changed to white instead of black, I can’t see the stars anymore. It’s effectively unusable. Really hoping it gets fixed soonEDIT 1/3/22: The white background has been fixed, and this app is now back and better than ever! So glad to see it working again - 5 stars! This is the best 3D star map program I’ve been able to find anywhere, which is why I was so bummed out when it turned into a blank white screen. It looks great again now!

Developer Response
Should be fixed now in 2.4.14, sorry!
Broken
01/03/2022

lilphotoshoppa

I really liked this app, but the last 2 updates have completely broken it. The background has changed to white instead of black, I can’t see the stars anymore. It’s effectively unusable. Really hoping it gets fixed soonEDIT 1/3/22: The white background has been fixed, and this app is now back and better than ever! So glad to see it working again - 5 stars! This is the best 3D star map program I’ve been able to find anywhere, which is why I was so bummed out when it turned into a blank white screen. It looks great again now!
Developer Response 01/03/2022
Should be fixed now in 2.4.14, sorry!
Planets & Stars
08/01/2024

Caligula606
This app is awesome! I really love how much I’ve learned about planets, stars, and our universe from this app. I would’ve given 5 stars but I think there’s some slight improvements that can be made, I feel like a faster ship or an option to travel faster through space would be cool. Also I think more realistic weather would make this app a sold 5/5. I want the controls that allow you to move, to have an option to be invisible! Some more planet details would be cool. Also I think there should be an option where the planets are more interactive when it comes to landing on them. The walking mechanics are wonky and tricky to use. I just think more walking options would be great! Overall great app! 4.5/5
Planets & Stars
08/01/2024

Caligula606

This app is awesome! I really love how much I’ve learned about planets, stars, and our universe from this app. I would’ve given 5 stars but I think there’s some slight improvements that can be made, I feel like a faster ship or an option to travel faster through space would be cool. Also I think more realistic weather would make this app a sold 5/5. I want the controls that allow you to move, to have an option to be invisible! Some more planet details would be cool. Also I think there should be an option where the planets are more interactive when it comes to landing on them. The walking mechanics are wonky and tricky to use. I just think more walking options would be great! Overall great app! 4.5/5

V3.7.10 - fixed Titan atmosphere issue - updated libraries

Version 3.7.10

Sep 20

In-App Purchases

Ultimate bundle

This bundle also includes any future addons

$8.99

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