Sky Map

Sky Map turns your Android device into a window on the night sky.

Sky Map: Explore the Night Sky

"Sky Map" is a hand-held planetarium app for Android that allows users to identify celestial objects like stars, planets, and nebulae. Initially developed as Google Sky Map, it has been open-sourced and offers features such as manual location entry, compass calibration, and beta testing for new features. Ideal for stargazers, it provides an interactive experience of the night sky, making astronomy accessible to everyone.
Install from Google Play Store

App stats

Version: VARY (Last updated: 2024-11-08)
Permissions
Location: precise location (GPS and network-based)
Phone: read phone status and identity
Photos/Media/Files: read the contents of your USB storage, modify or delete the contents of your USB storage
Storage: read the contents of your USB storage, modify or delete the contents of your USB storage
Device ID & call information: read phone status and identity
Other:
  • view network connections
  • full network access
  • prevent device from sleeping
  • modify system settings

Other platforms

Sky map (v4.70)
3.40 (35) 20,000
Not available on Firefox
Not available on Edge
Want to check extension ranking and stats more quickly for other Android apps? Install Chrome-Stats extension to view Android-Stats data as you browse the Google Play Store.

App summary

Sky Map is a hand-held planetarium for your Android device. Use it to identify stars, planets, nebulae and more. Originally developed as Google Sky Map, it has now been donated and open sourced.

Troubleshooting/FAQ


The Map doesn't move/points in the wrong place

Make sure you haven't switched into manual mode. Does your phone have a compass? If not, Sky Map cannot tell your orientation. Look it up here: http://www.gsmarena.com/

Try calibrating your compass by moving it in a figure of 8 motion or as described here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1EPbAapaeI.

Are there any magnets or metal nearby that might interfere with the compass?

Try switching off "magnetic correction" (in settings) and see if that is more accurate.

Why is autolocation not supported for my phone?

In Android 6 the way permissions work has changed. You need to enable the location permission setting for Sky Map as described here: https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/6270602?p=app_permissons_m

The Map is jittery

If you have a phone that lacks a gyro then some jitter is to be expected. Try adjusting the sensor speed and damping (in settings).

Do I need an internet connection?

No, but some functions (like entering your location manually) won't work without one. You'll have to use the GPS or enter a latitude and longitude instead.

Can I help test the latest features?

Sure! Join our beta testing program and get the latest version. https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.google.android.stardroid

Find us elsewhere:

GitHub: https://github.com/sky-map-team/stardroid
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113507592330/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/skymapdevs

User reviews

These summaries are automatically generated weekly using AI based on recent user reviews. Google Play Store does not verify user reviews, so some user reviews may be inaccurate, spammy, or outdated.
Pros
  • User-friendly interface for locating celestial objects.
  • Lightweight app, does not consume much storage.
  • Works well on devices with good sensors.
  • Has been reliable and enjoyable for many users over the years.
Cons
  • Frequent calibration issues leading to inaccurate positioning.
  • Recent updates have degraded functionality and performance.
  • Many users report freezing and locking up of the app.
  • Compass inaccuracies make it difficult to navigate the sky.
Most mentioned
  • Calibration problems.
  • Inaccurate tracking of celestial objects.
  • User interface issues after updates.
  • General decline in app reliability over time.
User reviews
***APP WORKS NOW!!! ***I was not happy with the app and Uninstalled the app but then install it again then i go in the settings and start play around a bit. Mine work after disabling gyroscope in the app settings. I also uncheck the send usage statistics (this one shouldn't have any effect of the app performance but i still have this uncheck. App start to works again. Try and if it works please share.
by harneet samra, 2024-12-13

Used to be my favorite. Constantly having to recalibrate the compass gets frustrating and now when you turn on night mode it looks as it should for about half a second then goes so dim you can't see. Increasing phone brightness has no effect. Tried clearing cache and app data and reinstalling but still no joy. Anybody know if this app is being supported for bug fixes?
by Lawrence Smallwood, 2024-11-19

This app always worked great for me. Still does. Today I thought I should check and see if it needed an update. I found a lot of dissatified users. It is up to date with ver. 1.10.3-RC1, install size 17.92 MB. on my new S24 in June, 24. I persume latest version downloaded when new phone set up because auto update is not enabled otherwise, (my preference).
by Ken Chasny, 2024-11-03
View all user reviews

Similar apps

Here are some Android apps that are similar to Sky Map: