SkyView® Lite icon
SkyView® Lite: Comprehensive Review of the Astronomy App for iOS

by Terminal Eleven LLC

4.5
IOSEducation
SkyView® Lite offers accessible stargazing through augmented reality, identifying celestial objects by pointing iOS devices skyward. The free version provides core functionality for casual astronomers and educational users seeking astronomical discovery.

Detailed Review

SkyView® Lite represents a significant entry in the astronomy app category, leveraging augmented reality technology to make celestial navigation accessible to mainstream users. Developed by Terminal Eleven LLC, this iOS application has achieved notable recognition including App Store Best of 2012 and App Store Rewind 2011, establishing its position in the market through sustained development and widespread adoption exceeding 40 million downloads. The application's core functionality centers on real-time object identification using the device's camera and sensors. When pointed toward the sky, the app overlays precise astronomical information including stars, constellations, satellites, and major planets. The interface provides trajectory tracking for moving objects like the International Space Station and Hubble Telescope, with users noting particular appreciation for the one-tap access to orbital paths. While the lite version contains thousands of objects, the full premium version expands this database significantly alongside additional features like Apple Watch integration and Today Widget functionality. User experience demonstrates thoughtful design prioritizing accessibility over technical complexity. The interface maintains minimalistic controls with intuitive gesture-based navigation, allowing users to tap identified objects for detailed information. Real-world usage patterns show particular strength in educational contexts and casual stargazing scenarios, though professional astronomers might find the database limitations constraining. The augmented reality overlay performs reliably in various lighting conditions, though urban environments with significant light pollution may reduce accuracy for fainter celestial objects. User feedback trends consistently highlight satisfaction with the app's educational value and reliability, though recent updates have introduced occasional stability issues. Reviewer BBH lp (2025-07-06) noted appreciation for developers addressing crash issues promptly, while Dissatisfied777z (2025-07-05) specifically praised the simplified tracking of major satellites compared to competing applications. Multiple reviews mention multi-year usage patterns, though ashess15 (2025-07-04) reported regional functionality issues in Aruba following recent updates, suggesting possible geolocation dependencies in the current version. The application demonstrates strongest utility for introductory astronomical education and casual stargazing, with particular strength in satellite tracking and major celestial object identification. Limitations include database restrictions in the lite version and occasional stability concerns following updates. The free model provides substantial value without mandatory subscriptions, though the premium version offers significantly expanded content for dedicated enthusiasts seeking comprehensive astronomical data.

Key Features

  • Augmented reality overlay identifies stars, constellations and planets in real-time through device camera alignment
  • Satellite tracking functionality displays orbital paths for ISS and Hubble Telescope with single-tap access
  • Educational information cards provide detailed astronomical data including distance, magnitude and mythology
  • Night mode preserves dark adaptation with red-tinted interface suitable for astronomical observation
  • Time travel feature allows viewing celestial movements through past and future date simulations
  • Social sharing capabilities enable users to capture and distribute annotated sky views with friends

Why Users Love It

Intuitive augmented reality interface
Reliable satellite tracking

Perfect for: Casual stargazers and educational users seeking accessible astronomy

Screenshots

SkyView® Lite screenshot 1SkyView® Lite screenshot 2SkyView® Lite screenshot 3SkyView® Lite screenshot 4

Ranking History

Track SkyView® Lite's performance in Education over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#43

21 from last week

Best Rank

#18

All-time high

Average Rank

#32

30-day average

User Reviews

Explorer:)
Sep 18, 2025

For a beginner it works great for me. I tried a different app and it had way to much going on. I can look up at the stars and point this app in the same direction. Always saw the 3 stars that line up, now I know it’s Orion’s Belt. Loving it so far. Will probably get the paid version. It Works For a beginner it works great for me. I tried a different app and it had way to much going on. I can look up at the stars and point this app in the same direction. Always saw the 3 stars that line up, now I know it’s Orion’s Belt. Loving it so far. Will probably get the paid version.

S&DEicher
Jul 31, 2025

I love the SkyView app! I have stargazed successfully every time with this app. It helps me see stars, planets, galaxies, and SO much more! I recommend SkyViewlite strongly! So awesome! I love the SkyView app! I have stargazed successfully every time with this app. It helps me see stars, planets, galaxies, and SO much more! I recommend SkyViewlite strongly!

Ab-20170120
Aug 1, 2025

My son loves it (and so do I). Massive shout out to the devs for making a free lite version. I upgraded just because my son loved it so much and I wanted to support the devs. Very grateful they didn’t go the SaaS route too. Great app My son loves it (and so do I).Massive shout out to the devs for making a free lite version. I upgraded just because my son loved it so much and I wanted to support the devs.Very grateful they didn’t go the SaaS route too.

DrawingIsSoFun!!!!!!!
Sep 8, 2025

I kinda don’t like the thing where you gotta put ur location because i have a fear of giving it out lol.. anyway its a great game either way!! Jus…. The location scares me.. lolz!!! Pretty good game!!! But.. I kinda don’t like the thing where you gotta put ur location because i have a fear of giving it out lol.. anyway its a great game either way!! Jus…. The location scares me.. lolz!!!

Marquena
Oct 8, 2025

This is such a well done and truly beautiful app. I have been using it for years and it provides much joy. Thank you for such a great product and service. Beautiful This is such a well done and truly beautiful app. I have been using it for years and it provides much joy. Thank you for such a great product and service.

App Details

Developer

Terminal Eleven LLC

Platform

ios

Rating

4.5

Last Updated

10/7/2025