Pocket Universe - Astronomy
The night sky stars & planets
$2.99
6.17for iPhone, iPad and more
Age Rating
Pocket Universe - Astronomy Screenshots
About Pocket Universe - Astronomy
There's never been a better time to get into Astronomy! Start off easy with an app that will guide you around the night sky - and even entertain you a little when the skies are cloudy.
"The app works beautifully, making astronomy a bit less mysterious—but no less remarkable", MacWorld
"It’s truly an impressive marvel. 5 Mice out of 5", MacWorld.
"..one of the prettiest and easiest to use. And at three bucks, it’s a steal", Cult of Mac.
Apple App Store Staff Favorite
Voted Best Educational iPhone Application by AppAdvice
---
Pocket Universe
Have you ever looked up at the night sky, and wondered what exactly you were looking at? Pocket Universe is an easy-to-use app that will help you learn the names of constellations, bright stars, planets and more. You can literally hold up your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch in front of you, and the app will use the built-in compass to display the same view of the sky you see - but one that's complete with names and information.
Then explore the Solar System, and take virtual walks on the surface of the Moon and Mars, before playing a game to help you learn more about astronomy that you thought possible.
Every night there is something to see: Pocket Universe will provide you a list of suggestions, as well as give you regularly updated news and observation tips - which you can even share with your friends.
You don’t need to be an expert to use Pocket Universe, and everything you see has a useful pop-up information window and links to Wikipedia for the latest information.
With over 80,000 stars, beautiful textures, built-in quiz games, updated news, lunar phases, information on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, an Orrery view, and more, there’s so much to explore.
For support or to ask a question, feel free to send a direct message on Twitter to @CraicDesign or email john@craicdesign.com.
Key Features
Pocket Universe was the first iPhone astronomy app to support the built-in compass, and it was also the first to add a true augmented reality view using the iPhone's built-in camera! Use the camera view in the evening or morning sky to overlay the labelled view over the real sky.
Simply hold up your iPhone in front of you, and the view will be exactly what you see - but with names and information at your fingertips. Move the iPhone around to see the view change in real-time.
Easy-to-use astronomy application, which focuses on helping you answer the question "What's that in the sky?"
• Works on all iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch devices running latest IOS
• Supports augmented reality views that put the solar system in your living room, or all around you with 3rd party stereo headsets (available separately).
• Tracks the International Space Station, and predicts sightings.
• Tells you how long every day is, and tracks changes over the year.
• Special "Show Me" mode will guide you to named stars, planets, constellations as well as the brightest galaxies and nebulae.
• "Tonight's Sky" and "Objects and Events" will keep you up-to-date, and give you suggestions for what to look for when you head outside.
• Constellation and Star Quiz to help you learn your way around the sky.
• Works in Northern Hemisphere and ‘Down Under’ too.
• Links to Wikipedia articles for the latest information.
• Responsive customer support, frequent updates.
Please note: Network access is only required to view supplementary web-based news and Wikipedia text. This app never transmits data from your device.
Note: Non-English localizations focus on solar system objects and constellation names.
"The app works beautifully, making astronomy a bit less mysterious—but no less remarkable", MacWorld
"It’s truly an impressive marvel. 5 Mice out of 5", MacWorld.
"..one of the prettiest and easiest to use. And at three bucks, it’s a steal", Cult of Mac.
Apple App Store Staff Favorite
Voted Best Educational iPhone Application by AppAdvice
---
Pocket Universe
Have you ever looked up at the night sky, and wondered what exactly you were looking at? Pocket Universe is an easy-to-use app that will help you learn the names of constellations, bright stars, planets and more. You can literally hold up your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch in front of you, and the app will use the built-in compass to display the same view of the sky you see - but one that's complete with names and information.
Then explore the Solar System, and take virtual walks on the surface of the Moon and Mars, before playing a game to help you learn more about astronomy that you thought possible.
Every night there is something to see: Pocket Universe will provide you a list of suggestions, as well as give you regularly updated news and observation tips - which you can even share with your friends.
You don’t need to be an expert to use Pocket Universe, and everything you see has a useful pop-up information window and links to Wikipedia for the latest information.
With over 80,000 stars, beautiful textures, built-in quiz games, updated news, lunar phases, information on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, an Orrery view, and more, there’s so much to explore.
For support or to ask a question, feel free to send a direct message on Twitter to @CraicDesign or email john@craicdesign.com.
Key Features
Pocket Universe was the first iPhone astronomy app to support the built-in compass, and it was also the first to add a true augmented reality view using the iPhone's built-in camera! Use the camera view in the evening or morning sky to overlay the labelled view over the real sky.
Simply hold up your iPhone in front of you, and the view will be exactly what you see - but with names and information at your fingertips. Move the iPhone around to see the view change in real-time.
Easy-to-use astronomy application, which focuses on helping you answer the question "What's that in the sky?"
• Works on all iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch devices running latest IOS
• Supports augmented reality views that put the solar system in your living room, or all around you with 3rd party stereo headsets (available separately).
• Tracks the International Space Station, and predicts sightings.
• Tells you how long every day is, and tracks changes over the year.
• Special "Show Me" mode will guide you to named stars, planets, constellations as well as the brightest galaxies and nebulae.
• "Tonight's Sky" and "Objects and Events" will keep you up-to-date, and give you suggestions for what to look for when you head outside.
• Constellation and Star Quiz to help you learn your way around the sky.
• Works in Northern Hemisphere and ‘Down Under’ too.
• Links to Wikipedia articles for the latest information.
• Responsive customer support, frequent updates.
Please note: Network access is only required to view supplementary web-based news and Wikipedia text. This app never transmits data from your device.
Note: Non-English localizations focus on solar system objects and constellation names.
Show More
What's New in the Latest Version 6.17
Last updated on Mar 28, 2024
Old Versions
Added animated North American April 2024 eclipse map
Updated sky events for 2024
Made text larger in Sky mode
Made it more obvious how to turn off motion tracking
Updated sky events for 2024
Made text larger in Sky mode
Made it more obvious how to turn off motion tracking
Show More
Version History
6.17
Mar 28, 2024
Added animated North American April 2024 eclipse map
Updated sky events for 2024
Made text larger in Sky mode
Made it more obvious how to turn off motion tracking
Updated sky events for 2024
Made text larger in Sky mode
Made it more obvious how to turn off motion tracking
6.16
Dec 30, 2022
Happy New Year! In this update:
* The text in the Sky view is larger if the device has the "large text" option set in Accessibility settings.
* You can now create a list of visible objects from your personal site: for example, if you can only see to the North and West from your yard, you can remove things you won't be able to see from the list. The list is available from 'Extras / Visible from location', or by tap-and-holding on the Find icon from the Sky view.
* Tap-and-hold on the Sky view to bring up a list of interesting objects currently visible.
* Updated astronomical events for 2023.
* Updated the icons in the Find view (thanks, Riley!)
* Many bugs found and corrected, old code removed, some new images from the author and the JWST, and other minor tweaks.
Thank you everyone for your feedback and support.
* The text in the Sky view is larger if the device has the "large text" option set in Accessibility settings.
* You can now create a list of visible objects from your personal site: for example, if you can only see to the North and West from your yard, you can remove things you won't be able to see from the list. The list is available from 'Extras / Visible from location', or by tap-and-holding on the Find icon from the Sky view.
* Tap-and-hold on the Sky view to bring up a list of interesting objects currently visible.
* Updated astronomical events for 2023.
* Updated the icons in the Find view (thanks, Riley!)
* Many bugs found and corrected, old code removed, some new images from the author and the JWST, and other minor tweaks.
Thank you everyone for your feedback and support.
6.15
Feb 7, 2022
I'm back! Fixed an issue with the ISS orbital data not being downloaded, updated the event calendar for 2022, and made landing the falcon rocket a little easier.
6.14.2
Dec 24, 2020
This version fixes the fix that the previous fix didn't fix for everyone. But it should be fixed now!
If Motion Tracking isn't working for you, please go to the app's own Settings and change the "Alternative Motion" setting right at the bottom of the list. Thanks!
Happy Holidays!
If Motion Tracking isn't working for you, please go to the app's own Settings and change the "Alternative Motion" setting right at the bottom of the list. Thanks!
Happy Holidays!
6.13.7
Dec 18, 2020
Hi Pocket Universe users, and Season's Greetings!
It's a holiday miracle! This update fixes an issue that some users had with Motion Tracking.
If Motion Tracking is working fine for you, there's no need to install this update.
Yes, work is progressing on the Next Generation version of Pocket Universe. Get in touch if you want in on testing!
It's a holiday miracle! This update fixes an issue that some users had with Motion Tracking.
If Motion Tracking is working fine for you, there's no need to install this update.
Yes, work is progressing on the Next Generation version of Pocket Universe. Get in touch if you want in on testing!
6.12
Mar 27, 2019
Greetings, humans (and other intelligent creatures)! This update simplifies the User Interface a little, removes a lot of dusty code, and fixes some bugs. Enjoy!
6.11
Feb 11, 2019
Don't panic - Pocket Universe is here to help you learn your way around the night sky. This update brings some visual improvements to the Moon Phase, ISS, and the Moons of Jupiter and Saturn views. Some bugs related to notifications have been fixed, an issue with Tour resolved, and the return of that most useful (!) piece of information: the Stardate. As always, bug reports and feature suggestions very welcome! Pocket Universe is in constant development thanks to YOU.
6.10
Jan 5, 2019
Happy New Year!
* Brand new satellite view, to get an idea as to the number of satellites orbiting the Earth
* Fixed some issues for Southern Hemisphere users
* Updated all the Astronomical Event notification reminders for 2019
Believe it or not, this is the 20th year I've been working on Pocket Universe! Thank you for supporting its development!
* Brand new satellite view, to get an idea as to the number of satellites orbiting the Earth
* Fixed some issues for Southern Hemisphere users
* Updated all the Astronomical Event notification reminders for 2019
Believe it or not, this is the 20th year I've been working on Pocket Universe! Thank you for supporting its development!
6.9
Nov 29, 2018
Hello Pocket Universe users! In this update:
Fixed a crashing bug when opening Saturn's moons from Saturn's pop-up.
Improved rendering of the Moon during daylight.
ISS co-ordinates should no longed be obscured.
Wikipedia content is rendered on a black background.
The Settings page has three presets to quickly switch between options, ideal for beginners.
The constellation boundary shapes can be optionally displayed.
Pocket Universe is a registered trademark.
Fixed a crashing bug when opening Saturn's moons from Saturn's pop-up.
Improved rendering of the Moon during daylight.
ISS co-ordinates should no longed be obscured.
Wikipedia content is rendered on a black background.
The Settings page has three presets to quickly switch between options, ideal for beginners.
The constellation boundary shapes can be optionally displayed.
Pocket Universe is a registered trademark.
6.8
Sep 17, 2018
Thanks for using Pocket Universe!
This version includes the following updates and fixes:
New! Incorporated summary information from Wikipedia for most objects.
Improved! AR Views updated with latest SDK release.
Improved! Better Help and About information.
Improved! More UI refinements for different screen sizes and orientations.
Fixed! Improved Find and other views, especially on smaller screens.
Fixed! Corrected some more 'wow, how did that ever work?!' bugs.
Please enjoy the app, and provide feedback how I can make it better!
This version includes the following updates and fixes:
New! Incorporated summary information from Wikipedia for most objects.
Improved! AR Views updated with latest SDK release.
Improved! Better Help and About information.
Improved! More UI refinements for different screen sizes and orientations.
Fixed! Improved Find and other views, especially on smaller screens.
Fixed! Corrected some more 'wow, how did that ever work?!' bugs.
Please enjoy the app, and provide feedback how I can make it better!
6.7
Mar 12, 2018
Far out in the uncharted backwaters of the unfashionable end of the western spiral arm of the Galaxy, lies a small unregarded developer who has been fixing bugs in Pocket Universe just for you.
As well as a plethora of (that means "too many") bug fixes, it's now possible search for the brightest satellites, by name or from a list (it used to include Humanity Star, but that one just burned up. awww...)
Clear skies!
As well as a plethora of (that means "too many") bug fixes, it's now possible search for the brightest satellites, by name or from a list (it used to include Humanity Star, but that one just burned up. awww...)
Clear skies!
6.6
Jan 26, 2018
In the excitement of shipping the cool new Augmented Reality features, a few bugs snuck in related to the Planets and Orrery 3D views. They have been asked to leave. Sorry for the inconvenience.
6.5
Jan 25, 2018
New! More new Augmented Reality modes: now you can now display a model of the Solar System (an Orrery) on your table tap. (Requires iOS 11 and an iPhone 6S or later.)
6.4
Nov 23, 2017
Greetings, Pocket Universe fans! This update brings to important features.
Firstly, the app has been updated to support the iPhone X. Hurrah!
And secondly.. it's time for some Augmented Reality! Now you can bring the Solar System right into your living room! If you are using iOS devices with an A9 or better processor (iPhone 6s and later), you can view the Sun, planets, and Moon like never before. Look for details on the surface of Mars, or marvel at the immense scale of the planets and Solar System - and then watch as they spin and orbit.
Remember, if you have a stereo headset adaptor for your iPhone, you can also use that to provide a Virtual Reality look at the sky, or an Augmented Reality view if you take it outdoors. Don't worry what the neighbors say: you're doing science!
Programmed by fellows with compassion and vision!
Firstly, the app has been updated to support the iPhone X. Hurrah!
And secondly.. it's time for some Augmented Reality! Now you can bring the Solar System right into your living room! If you are using iOS devices with an A9 or better processor (iPhone 6s and later), you can view the Sun, planets, and Moon like never before. Look for details on the surface of Mars, or marvel at the immense scale of the planets and Solar System - and then watch as they spin and orbit.
Remember, if you have a stereo headset adaptor for your iPhone, you can also use that to provide a Virtual Reality look at the sky, or an Augmented Reality view if you take it outdoors. Don't worry what the neighbors say: you're doing science!
Programmed by fellows with compassion and vision!
6.3
Aug 3, 2017
Are you ready for the Solar Eclipse? On August 21st, 2017 the population of North America is in for a treat.
Use the new Solar Eclipse Tracker view to make sure you are in the shadow and get to see a Total Eclipse.
Partial Eclipses are great and all, but Total Eclipses are AMAZING!!
Use the new Solar Eclipse Tracker view to make sure you are in the shadow and get to see a Total Eclipse.
Partial Eclipses are great and all, but Total Eclipses are AMAZING!!
6.2.4
Jul 6, 2017
Bugs fixed, improvements made, dreams dreamed.
Specifically:
* Updated the "What's up" view on the opening screen - tap it to open the larger view, and tap each body for rise/set times.
* Fixed an issue with mythological outlines not being drawn.
* Fixed some location display issues.
* Switched to using the Safari web control to view internet content.
* Might be a little easier to land a Falcon 9 now (I'm not saying Mr Musk uses it for training purposes, but..)
Specifically:
* Updated the "What's up" view on the opening screen - tap it to open the larger view, and tap each body for rise/set times.
* Fixed an issue with mythological outlines not being drawn.
* Fixed some location display issues.
* Switched to using the Safari web control to view internet content.
* Might be a little easier to land a Falcon 9 now (I'm not saying Mr Musk uses it for training purposes, but..)
6.1
May 23, 2017
New! Augmented / Virtual Reality view. Pop your phone into a headset and explore the sky in a new way.
New! Force Touch support on iPhone 7.
Tweaked! Updated Moon images to be much, much clearer.
Tweaked! New buttons on the Dashboard view.
Fixed! Corrected issue with selecting Preset location and displaying location name.
Fixed! Corrected issue with FFWD button in Time view being squashed..
Fixed! Corrected issue with select Date/Time setting and Reset view not working.
Added! Probably a few exciting new bugs!
New! Force Touch support on iPhone 7.
Tweaked! Updated Moon images to be much, much clearer.
Tweaked! New buttons on the Dashboard view.
Fixed! Corrected issue with selecting Preset location and displaying location name.
Fixed! Corrected issue with FFWD button in Time view being squashed..
Fixed! Corrected issue with select Date/Time setting and Reset view not working.
Added! Probably a few exciting new bugs!
6.0
Apr 9, 2017
* This update is a major rewrite, with many updates and improvements.
* Tweaked! Updated dashboard view, with a mini What's up you can tap to enlarge.
* Tweaked! Dashboard view has nice pictures during the daylight hours.
* New! A meteor is shown on the mini What's up view if there is a meteor shower.
* New! You can now go straight to Settings, Find and Extras from the Dashboard view.
* New! You can now go immediately to the sky view when the app starts.
* New! You can also disable the opening animation.
* Fixed! Many bugs fixed, including many to NGC object data.
* Added! Exciting new bugs!
Welcome loyal Pocket Universe users! As you might know, Pocket Universe has been on the App Store for a very long time, and gone through many updates and improvements. This version may look very familiar, but behind the scenes every line of code has been examined, and probably rewritten as the app has been overhauled to the latest iOS coding standards. As a result, the app is faster, more reliable and much easier for me to add new features (which I will).
Thank you all very much for your years of support. It's been my pleasure to work on Pocket Universe, and I hope you continue to enjoy using it.
-john
* Tweaked! Updated dashboard view, with a mini What's up you can tap to enlarge.
* Tweaked! Dashboard view has nice pictures during the daylight hours.
* New! A meteor is shown on the mini What's up view if there is a meteor shower.
* New! You can now go straight to Settings, Find and Extras from the Dashboard view.
* New! You can now go immediately to the sky view when the app starts.
* New! You can also disable the opening animation.
* Fixed! Many bugs fixed, including many to NGC object data.
* Added! Exciting new bugs!
Welcome loyal Pocket Universe users! As you might know, Pocket Universe has been on the App Store for a very long time, and gone through many updates and improvements. This version may look very familiar, but behind the scenes every line of code has been examined, and probably rewritten as the app has been overhauled to the latest iOS coding standards. As a result, the app is faster, more reliable and much easier for me to add new features (which I will).
Thank you all very much for your years of support. It's been my pleasure to work on Pocket Universe, and I hope you continue to enjoy using it.
-john
5.9.7
Jan 5, 2017
Pocket Universe continues to be updated, fixed, and improved.
*New*
Support for iMessage - send your friends the current Moon phase or monthly sky news
*Updated*
Astronomical events for 2017
*Bug fixes*
Daylight time graph
Location setting
Other things..
Sorry there's nothing amusing in this What's New but.. you know.
*New*
Support for iMessage - send your friends the current Moon phase or monthly sky news
*Updated*
Astronomical events for 2017
*Bug fixes*
Daylight time graph
Location setting
Other things..
Sorry there's nothing amusing in this What's New but.. you know.
5.9.5
Jul 31, 2016
Meanwhile, far out in the uncharted backwaters of the unfashionable end of the western spiral arm of the galaxy, on a planet orbiting a small unregarded yellow sun, an ape descendant spent his evenings and weekends working on fixing some software that other ape descendants used on their phones to look at the sky. On this particular planet, ape descendants thought phones were a pretty neat idea, and they would spend all their time staring at the screens and sending each other pictures of themselves and arguing about an ape descendant with orange hair.
The planet had a problem, and the problem was that many of the people on it were unhappy. Many solutions were proposed, but most of them involved the people just being nice to each other, and for some reason, many of the people on that planet weren't very good at doing that, and insisted on telling all the other people what they were doing wrong, and what they should be doing instead.
The ape descendent working on the software didn't like it when all the people were being mean to each other, and instead tried to write software to show them that they were all really rather small organic things, floating on a rock in a gigantic universe, and what they all needed was to get some perspective and just chill out a lot more.
And so:
New! Night tour - your nightly talking guide! Available when the sky is dark.
New! Dashboard now has at-a-glance What's up view (tap it for more).
Fixed! Fixed issues with location and location access requests.
Fixed! Resolved problems switching to and from landscape for many views.
Fixed! Corrected WikiPedia links issue.
Fixed! Compass points location position corrected on iPad.
Removed! Took out the secret stereo mode for now, as it caused Bad Things to happen.
Tweaked! Updated launch screen and opening animation.
Tweaked! Controls on Virtual Sky view updated.
Tweaked! Milky Way visibility adjusted.
Terminated! Loads of bugs given a good hasta la vista, baby.
The planet had a problem, and the problem was that many of the people on it were unhappy. Many solutions were proposed, but most of them involved the people just being nice to each other, and for some reason, many of the people on that planet weren't very good at doing that, and insisted on telling all the other people what they were doing wrong, and what they should be doing instead.
The ape descendent working on the software didn't like it when all the people were being mean to each other, and instead tried to write software to show them that they were all really rather small organic things, floating on a rock in a gigantic universe, and what they all needed was to get some perspective and just chill out a lot more.
And so:
New! Night tour - your nightly talking guide! Available when the sky is dark.
New! Dashboard now has at-a-glance What's up view (tap it for more).
Fixed! Fixed issues with location and location access requests.
Fixed! Resolved problems switching to and from landscape for many views.
Fixed! Corrected WikiPedia links issue.
Fixed! Compass points location position corrected on iPad.
Removed! Took out the secret stereo mode for now, as it caused Bad Things to happen.
Tweaked! Updated launch screen and opening animation.
Tweaked! Controls on Virtual Sky view updated.
Tweaked! Milky Way visibility adjusted.
Terminated! Loads of bugs given a good hasta la vista, baby.
5.9.4
Jul 11, 2016
Plenty of updates in this version!
* New-look dashboard display, with a mini-What's Up view (tap it for the full-sized one)
* First version of a "Night sky tour" feature, to point out interesting things to look for. Let me know if you like it!
* Many, many bugs sent to the big bug farm.
Hey! Having any issues after the update? Please let me know! Tap "Extras" and "About" for Support information, thanks!
* New-look dashboard display, with a mini-What's Up view (tap it for the full-sized one)
* First version of a "Night sky tour" feature, to point out interesting things to look for. Let me know if you like it!
* Many, many bugs sent to the big bug farm.
Hey! Having any issues after the update? Please let me know! Tap "Extras" and "About" for Support information, thanks!
5.9.3
Feb 20, 2016
* Updated celestial event notifications for 2016.
* Now supports 3D touch for zooming into the virtual sky with a press. Double-tap will restore default view.
* Improved graphic effects and more night-vision friendly views.
* Lots of bugs sent to wherever it is bugs go to when they die. Wisconsin?
* I wish this version had a gravitational waves detector built-in, but sadly that is beyond my programming ability (at this time). Dropping your device on your foot is the next best thing I can suggest.
Meanwhile..
My first is in defogger but not in fodder
My second is in accountant but not in coconut
My third is in seminal but not in amnesia
My fourth is in aide but not in die
My fifth is in exportation but not in preparation
My sixth is in stridency but not in discreteness
What am I?
* Now supports 3D touch for zooming into the virtual sky with a press. Double-tap will restore default view.
* Improved graphic effects and more night-vision friendly views.
* Lots of bugs sent to wherever it is bugs go to when they die. Wisconsin?
* I wish this version had a gravitational waves detector built-in, but sadly that is beyond my programming ability (at this time). Dropping your device on your foot is the next best thing I can suggest.
Meanwhile..
My first is in defogger but not in fodder
My second is in accountant but not in coconut
My third is in seminal but not in amnesia
My fourth is in aide but not in die
My fifth is in exportation but not in preparation
My sixth is in stridency but not in discreteness
What am I?
5.9
Dec 19, 2015
* Bug fixes, including unblocking access to Wikipedia and Find / Object list.
5.8
Dec 9, 2015
Bug fixes (the Moon goes around the Sun again, and the day has 24-ish hours!)
Subtle twinkle effect (ideal when wishing upon stars)
iPad Pro support
Subtle twinkle effect (ideal when wishing upon stars)
iPad Pro support
5.7
Nov 5, 2015
Hello Pocket Universe users!
This release includes:
* New text rendering that doesn't scale text all crazy in the corners of the screen
* Fixes some issues with Motion Tracking and Find that snuck in.
Enjoy!
This release includes:
* New text rendering that doesn't scale text all crazy in the corners of the screen
* Fixes some issues with Motion Tracking and Find that snuck in.
Enjoy!
Pocket Universe - Astronomy FAQ
Click here to learn how to download Pocket Universe - Astronomy in restricted country or region.
Check the following list to see the minimum requirements of Pocket Universe - Astronomy.
iPhone
Requires iOS 12.1 or later.
iPad
Requires iPadOS 12.1 or later.
iPod touch
Requires iOS 12.1 or later.
Pocket Universe - Astronomy supports English, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Japanese, Swedish
