Night Sky apps?

[Carolla]

When I was visiting a cottage recently, my friend showed me her cool night sky app on her i-pad - just lift it skyward & see the constellations outlined, stars named etc. So cool! I love looking at the stars when I'm out of the city..

So I was looking at a few apps today for android phone & downloaded the free Sky Map app, but alas have discovered that my basic little phone doesn't have a compass, so these apps won't really work properly. Disappointed. But maybe I can figure out the direction myself? Or maybe I can get a compass app to establish my direction first & then orient myself to the night sky?

Anybody use these apps? Do you have a favourite? Why do you especially like that one? Might get a tablet in future ... so just thinking ahead!

 

[Mendalla]

No phone has an actual compass. There are compass apps out there, but they use the phone's GPS to determine the direction. Do you mean it doesn't have a GPS (Global Positioning System) chip? That would be odd. Even my wife's fairly cheap Chinese Android has a GPS chip for navigation apps like Google Maps. You might want to Google something like your phone's name plus GPS and see how to turn it on. Some phones have it turned it off by default.

 

[Carolla]

Yes, I did google it - it definitely does have a GPS, but not a digital compass ... according to what I read. When I downloaded the app it did indicate that it may not work as it needs compass and accelerometer (which apparently I have) - and one of those 'may' be missing. It's an HTC Desire C phone - a few years old now.

 

[You just never know]

I have one called Sky Guide on my iPhone and iPad. It cost under $5. And is fun when I'm up in the mountains where you can see more like satellites going across the sky and it gives a short article on each star and even each piece of space junk like spent rocket bodies.

 

[Mendalla]

Hm. Googled it myself. Didn't realize there's actually a separate chip for direction. Always thought it was part of the GPS.

 

[Carolla]

Ya - I guess the GPS sets you in a location, but it doesn't respond to a change - ie if I'm facing in one direction - eg East, then turn 180 degrees, the same stuff shows on the screen - I suppose because I'm still standing in the same location. Guess that's where the compass comes in.

 

[Luce NDs]

I don't need it ...

Jae says I'm out there to his vision ... and he doesn't go far ...

 

[Jaebius]

I have an app called Pokemon GO. It lets me see pocket monsters in the night sky amongst other places. #TeamInstinct

 

[Luce NDs]

I have an app called Pokemon GO. It lets me see pocket monsters in the night sky amongst other places. #TeamInstinct

Why Jae appears frightened or scared of things out there in the eternal beyond ... I believe it funny!

 

[Mendalla]

I have an app called Pokemon GO. It lets me see pocket monsters in the night sky amongst other places. #TeamInstinct

I see monsters in the sky without using an app.

I've said too much, haven't I?

 

[Luce NDs]

I see monsters in the sky without using an app.

I've said too much, haven't I?

Tis grand out there ... or gross depending on state of mind which some believe is non existent ... thus love as nothing is there if intelligent ... intelligence is not acceptable Eire and now!

 

[Jaebius]

I see monsters in the sky without using an app.

I've said too much, haven't I?

I caught a Drowzee last night. What did you catch? #TeamInstinct

 

[Mendalla]

What did I catch? More like what caught me?