SkySafari 7 Plus

Rating: 4.4	Downloads: 5,000+
Category: Education	Offer by: Simulation Curriculum Corp.

The SkySafari 7 Plus app is the leading astronomy software for iOS and Android devices, transforming your smartphone or tablet into a powerful stargazing companion. It allows users to identify stars, planets, constellations, galaxies, and more in real-time, providing detailed information and location-based astronomy. Ideal for beginners taking their first steps into the night sky or experienced astronomers seeking precise data and control.

Its key value lies in offering an incredibly accurate, intuitive, and comprehensive sky simulation directly on your mobile device. SkySafari 7 Plus provides a seamless blend of navigation, observation, learning, and planning tools, making complex astronomical concepts accessible and significantly enhancing the practical experience of stargazing or telescope use.

App Features

• Augmented Reality (AR) Stargazing: Point your device’s camera at the sky, and SkySafari 7 Plus overlays object information directly onto the view. This feature eliminates guesswork, allowing immediate identification of celestial objects even in complex constellations or light-polluted areas.
• Detailed Object Information & Deep Space Catalogue: Tap on any celestial body or deep-sky object to access a wealth of data. SkySafari 7 Plus provides detailed descriptions, coordinates, magnitudes, distances, multiple finder charts, and historical information on everything from bright Jupiter to faint deep-sky gems.
• Custom Sky Tours and Observation Planning: Users can create personal tours, saving specific objects or sequences they wish to observe. SkySafari 7 Plus helps plan observing sessions by suggesting optimal times to see specific objects based on your location and date, solving the problem of knowing what’s visible when.
• Advanced Telescope Planning and Alignment Tools: This feature assists in planning telescope observations and even assists with polar axis alignment for equatorial mounts, specifying ideal exposure times and magnifications needed to observe specific details, making long-exposure astrophotography more achievable.
• Favorites, Observation Journal, and Custom Star Lists: Users easily save frequently observed objects, maintain a digital log of past observations with notes, and create custom lists for complex observation plans. SkySafari 7 Plus offers flexibility for various users, from casual snapshot takers to dedicated deep-sky observers, adapting to different levels of complexity and observational goals.
• Advanced Ephemeris Engine & Solar System Visualization: SkySafari 7 Plus offers extremely precise calculations of celestial object positions over extended periods. This supports detailed long-term planning and provides a realistic, interactive model of our solar system, allowing users to explore planetary interactions and movements in detail.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Remarkably accurate celestial navigation and identification
• Comprehensive database of objects and detailed information
• Intuitive and responsive user interface
• Powerful planning and educational tools

Cons:

• Requires an active subscription for full functionality
• Some advanced features may have a slight learning curve
• Optimal performance depends on device processing power
• Some users might prefer offline map caching options

Similar Apps

App Name	Highlights
Star Walk 3	This app offers AR navigation similar to SkySafari 7 Plus, with a focus on beautiful visuals and ease of use. Known for its realistic space backgrounds and iOS-exclusive polish.
Nebulae Live	Designed specifically for deep-sky enthusiasts, this app provides detailed sky atlases, AR identification, and tools focused on finding faint galaxies and nebulae, often considered a premium alternative.
Star Chart	Offers a more minimalist interface but powerful AR capabilities and a vast database. Includes offline maps and is often praised for its speed and battery efficiency on certain devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is SkySafari 7 Plus free to download, and do I need to pay for updates?

A: SkySafari 7 Plus can be downloaded for free. However, full access to its extensive features, databases, and advanced tools requires an active SkySafari subscription, which typically needs renewal.

Q: What devices are compatible with SkySafari 7 Plus?

A: SkySafari 7 Plus is available for both iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices. Compatibility varies by operating system version and device model – check the app page or website for the most up-to-date system requirements specific to your device type.

Q: What happens if my SkySafari subscription expires? Do I still have the app?

A: Yes, the core app will continue to function after your subscription expires, but you will lose access to the full database, advanced features, and premium content (like detailed finder charts and object descriptions) unless you renew your subscription.

Q: Can I use SkySafari 7 Plus offline once I’ve downloaded the data?

A: Yes! A significant benefit of SkySafari 7 Plus is the ability to download sky data for specific regions, allowing you to use the AR and object identification features completely offline during your stargazing adventures, without needing a data connection.

Q: How does the AR feature work, and what do I need to use it effectively?

A: The augmented reality feature uses your device’s camera and sensors to superimpose information onto the real-world view. For best results, ensure your device’s GPS, compass, and accelerometer are enabled, and try to have a stable, clear view of the sky. SkySafari 7 Plus uses your location to pinpoint the observed objects accurately.

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