Start-Ups

Explore space with these 14 apps

By // November 11, 2014, 4:00 AM PST // lyndseygilpin

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  • Space Images

    The NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory app gives users a look into the solar system with images of planets and stars, taken by satellites around space. It's updated as NASA uploads more photos, too. Available for free on iTunes and Google Play.

    Image: NASA

  • Exoplanet

    Exoplanet is a catalog of all known exoplanets, which are stars orbiting outside our solar system. The app has 3D models, photos, maps, and background information on the planets. Available for free on iTunes and Google Play.

    Image: Hanno Rein

  • Space Trivia

    This app will test all your space knowledge of basic astronomy and the history of space exploration. It's available for $0.99 on iTunes.

    Image: TOMSOFT

  • GoSatWatch

    This app is $9.99, but it allows for real-time tracking of satellites on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. It can also sync to your GPS location and orient where the satellites are in relation to you.

    Image: GoSoftWorks

  • Pocket Universe

    This astronomy app has a built-in compass that shows you the constellations and planets above your head when you hold it up to the sky. It also has quizzes, detailed information, and links for you to learn more information about space. Available on iTunes.

    Image: John Kennedy

  • Solar Walk

    Solar Walk is a 3D solar system, modeled after those science projects we all had to make in elementary school. You can zoom to study the planets and satellites close-up, and there's historical information as well. Available for $2.99 on iTunes.

    Image: Vito Technology

  • AstroApp: Space Shuttle Crew

    This app was designed after NASA ended its space shuttle program in 2011 to make sure people knew about the brave astronauts. Use this to sort by astronaut name and mission to discover more about the people who made space exploration possible. Available for free on iTunes.

    Image: NASA

  • Satellite Flybys

    This app tells you when satellites are about to appear overhead if you're curious to see. It has a countdown clock, and even tells you which direction to face. Available for $2.99 on iTunes and Google Play.

    Image: Finch Consulting

  • NASA Space Weather

    With this app, you can learn about the weather processes and explosions in space and how they affect space environments. Available for free on iTunes and Google Play.

    Image: NASA

  • Luna Solaria

    This app has real-time images of the moon phases and data about upcoming ones. It also has information about sunsets and sunrises. It's free on iTunes and Google Play.

    Image: BlueMarmot Inc.

  • Astronomy Picture of the Day

    Each day, NASA uploads an image that you can download to your phone or computer. You can read interesting facts about each picture, as well. Available for free on iTunes and Google Play.

    Image: NASA

  • Sky Map

    Google's Sky Map is open sourced and works with most Android phones. You can use your phone to identify things in the night sky. It's available in more than a dozen languages and allows you to search for specific constellations and stars. Available for free.

    Image: Google

  • Hubble Top 100

    This app, made by the European Space Agency, brings Hubble's top images to your fingertips. Available for free on iTunes.

    Image: ESA

  • Mars Globe

    Explore the Red Planet with Mars Globe, which uses satellites and other data to show you what Mars looks like from above. Available for free on iTunes and Google Play.

    Image: Midnight Martian

Space Images

The NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory app gives users a look into the solar system with images of planets and stars, taken by satellites around space. It's updated as NASA uploads more photos, too. Available for free on iTunes and Google Play.

Image: NASA

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By Lyndsey Gilpin

Lyndsey Gilpin is a former Staff Writer for TechRepublic, covering sustainability and entrepreneurship. She's co-author of the book Follow the Geeks.