Stellarium Mobile - Star Map icon
Stellarium Mobile - Star Map: Comprehensive Review of the iOS Astronomy Application

by Noctua Software Ltd

4.8
IOSEducation
Stellarium Mobile delivers a high-precision augmented reality star map for iOS devices. The app identifies celestial objects in real-time by aligning with device orientation, serving both amateur astronomers and educational users with scientific accuracy.

Detailed Review

Stellarium Mobile - Star Map represents a sophisticated planetarium application developed by Noctua Software Ltd, positioning itself as a premium mobile astronomy tool within the iOS ecosystem. The application transforms iOS devices into dynamic celestial guides by leveraging precise location data and gyroscopic sensors to deliver an augmented reality view of the night sky, effectively bridging digital astronomy software with real-world stargazing experiences. The application's core functionality centers on real-time celestial object identification, encompassing stars, planets, constellations, deep-sky objects, and artificial satellites like the International Space Station. Advanced features include telescope control integration, landscape obstruction mapping for observational planning, and detailed astronomical data overlays showing object magnitudes, distances, and orbital information. The software incorporates scientific-grade ephemeris calculations and proper motion algorithms that maintain accuracy across decades of celestial events, including eclipses and planetary transits. User experience demonstrates thoughtful design with an intuitive interface featuring minimalistic controls, gesture-based navigation, and adaptive brightness settings for night vision preservation. The application operates effectively across various lighting conditions, with particular attention to red-light mode for astronomical observation. Real-world usage patterns show consistent performance in both urban and remote locations, though optimal functionality requires calibration procedures and occasional compass recalibration in areas with magnetic interference. User feedback consistently highlights exceptional accuracy and reliability, with multiple reviewers noting precise alignment during celestial events. Josh Gantz (2025-05-04) praised the movement detection and location features, while Theresnogoodnicknames (2025-03-13) documented perfect synchronization during lunar eclipse observation. Several users including CometDude7 (2025-04-23) specifically commended recent updates adding observational planning tools, though some professional astronomers note limitations in specialized telescope control compared to desktop versions. The application demonstrates notable strengths in educational value and observational accuracy, though limitations include dependency on device sensor quality and reduced functionality in heavily light-polluted environments. While the premium pricing model may deter casual users, the application delivers exceptional value for serious astronomy enthusiasts requiring reliable field identification and educational tools. Optimal use cases include astronomy education, observational planning, and real-time celestial navigation across various skill levels.

Key Features

  • Augmented Reality Sky View overlays celestial objects directly through device camera using precise gyroscopic alignment and GPS positioning
  • Comprehensive Database includes over 600,000 stars, 80,000 deep-sky objects, and solar system bodies with scientific accuracy
  • Observation Planning Tools feature landscape obstruction mapping and telescope control integration for professional astronomical use
  • Real-time Satellite Tracking provides precise orbital data and visibility predictions for artificial satellites including ISS
  • Educational Content delivers detailed information panels, mythological stories, and scientific data for celestial objects
  • Night Mode Interface implements red-light preservation and adjustable brightness settings for astronomical observation comfort

Why Users Love It

Exceptional positional accuracy
Comprehensive celestial database

Perfect for: Astronomy enthusiasts, educators, and students seeking precise celestial identification

Screenshots

Stellarium Mobile - Star Map screenshot 1Stellarium Mobile - Star Map screenshot 2Stellarium Mobile - Star Map screenshot 3Stellarium Mobile - Star Map screenshot 4Stellarium Mobile - Star Map screenshot 5Stellarium Mobile - Star Map screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track Stellarium Mobile - Star Map's performance in Education over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#43

+2 from last week

Best Rank

#37

All-time high

Average Rank

#43

30-day average

User Reviews

April 11
Feb 27, 2025

This app is great for planet and star gazing. You can add layers, or strip it down to basics. Best app yet! This app is great for planet and star gazing. You can add layers, or strip it down to basics.

Ethmah11
Feb 15, 2025

I like this app a lot, but for some reason comets I observe in this app every day dissapear like they never existed. For example c/2024 g3, I can’t find in this app please help Objects disappearing I like this app a lot, but for some reason comets I observe in this app every day dissapear like they never existed. For example c/2024 g3, I can’t find in this app please help

Hello there (: (:
Feb 1, 2025

It great app and it worth to get but I see a picture of a observatory next to alpha centaur and I updated it and now it doesn’t let me search and where is the Jame Webb telescope Good but It great app and it worth to get but I see a picture of a observatory next to alpha centaur and I updated it and now it doesn’t let me search and where is the Jame Webb telescope

TRay22abc
Sep 19, 2025

I’ve always liked looking at the moon and the stars but on this particular morning, I saw something that was shining so bright. I downloaded this app and am getting an education about the skies—I can’t wait to travel beyond the city skies. I appreciate what I’m learning here this September 2025. Awesome tool I’ve always liked looking at the moon and the stars but on this particular morning, I saw something that was shining so bright. I downloaded this app and am getting an education about the skies—I can’t wait to travel beyond the city skies. I appreciate what I’m learning here this September 2025.

wildcat bobby
Feb 28, 2025

This is one of the most fun and interesting apps on the intermet Best app!! This is one of the most fun and interesting apps on the intermet

App Details

Developer

Noctua Software Ltd

Platform

ios

Rating

4.8

Last Updated

10/7/2025