โ“Your Question

Which iOS app is best for planning astrophotography sessions with augmented reality?

Stellarium Mobile is perfect for this. Its AR mode visualizes deep sky object paths over real surroundings, aiding shot planning from any backyard spot with precise celestial data.

astrophotography planningAR star mappingbackyard astronomy appStellarium Mobile2025
Stellarium Mobile is a detailed planetarium application that serves as a robust tool for astrophotography planning, particularly through its augmented reality functionality. By overlaying the night sky onto the user's immediate environment via the smartphone camera, the app allows for realistic visualization of celestial object trajectories. This is especially valuable for backyard astronomers who need to account for obstructions like trees or buildings when setting up equipment for long-exposure shots. Specific features include real-time location detection using GPS, accurate movement tracking of stars and planets, and a comprehensive database of deep sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies. Users report that this AR capability eliminates the need for multiple custom panoramas, streamlining session preparation. For instance, one can point the device to see how the Andromeda Galaxy will arc across the sky from a specific vantage point over several hours. The app also offers time simulation to preview skies for future dates, aiding in event planning like meteor showers. However, some reviews indicate a minor limitation: the AR mode currently lacks a zoom function, which can make detailed inspection of faint objects challenging. Despite this, Stellarium Mobile's integration of observational data with practical AR makes it a preferred choice for both amateur astrophotographers and visual stargazers seeking to optimize their setups.

Key Features

Augmented Reality sky overlay for real-world planning
Real-time location and movement detection for accuracy
Comprehensive celestial database with deep sky objects
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Stellariumโ€™s new AR feature has really upped my game to be able to view any deep sky objects path from any point in my backyard. This is much more versatile than creating and importing many panos into the software!

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…Verified User Review
iOSUpdated Dec 26, 2025
Stellarium Mobile - Star Map icon

Stellarium Mobile - Star Map

by Noctua Software Ltd

โ˜…4.8/ 5.0
Get on App Store โ†’

Screenshots

Stellarium Mobile - Star Map screenshot 1
Stellarium Mobile - Star Map screenshot 2
Stellarium Mobile - Star Map screenshot 3

+7 more screenshots

Platform

iOS