I’m always looking for apps that encourage kids to explore. Showing our kids how to make wise choices when it comes to selecting apps and using apps for learning is something we can model for them. Adding a few space apps to your child’s list of apps is a great way to ignite and inspire a love of astronomy. Best of all, space apps get them outside exploring the sky.
Best Space Apps
#1 Solar Walk Recommended Ages: 8 and up
Solar Walk is a 3D solar system model that allows you to navigate between planets, see their positions on a specific date, and explore how they move and why. Zoom in to study planets and satellites close-up. You’ll find extensive information on every planet including the size, mass, orbital velocity, exploratory missions, thickness of structural layers, and composition of atmosphere.
This is the official NASA app. It’s packed with information on the U.S. space program and astronomy. And new information is added daily from a variety of NASA sources, including NASA’s public television channel. You won’t find ads or in-app purchases. But social sharing via Facebook and Twitter is an option. This makes it easy to share cool NASA facts.
Note: If your kids like the NASA app be sure to check outNASA Kids’ Club. The website has entertaining games and activities from the space agency.
#3 Star Walk Kids Recommended Ages: 6–8
Many virtual astronomy apps are too complex for young children. But, that’s not the case with Star Walk Kids. The creators here have used colorful images and friendly narrators so kids as young as four can begin to recognize constellations and planets of the solar system, and grasp the fundamental principles of astrophysics. Best of all, all stars and objects in the sky are in their correct position relative to your time and location. Kids can learn more about the night sky by watching the explanatory animated movies. Watching the sky has never been so fun!
Pocket Universe is packed with features. My favorite feature hands down is the augmented reality view of the night sky. Pocket Universe is also has quizzes so you can test what you’ve learned. You’ll never worry about missing an astronomy sighting because you can set pop-up notifications of important events. You can try Pocket Universe free first. Then upgrade to the full version.
#5 SkyView® Explore the Universe Recommended Ages: 8 & up
SkyView® Explore the Universe Works in much the same way as Pocket Universe, but for Android users. This app gives you a detailed, annotated window into the night sky. One feature I love is the “Time Travel” option. This option gives you a view the sky as it looked in the past. It also shows the future view.
SimpleRockets is a space-science physics game. Kids don’t explore our solar system. Instead, they explore a virtual solar system called “smolar system.” But, don’t discount the educational value of the app. In SimpleRockets kids can create their own rockets, explore solar system planets in sandbox mode, and participate in flying, orbiting, and landing competitions in challenge mode. Kids learn about engineering and physics in a creative way. And, they learn great inventions means trial and error along the way.
Provides the location of the ISS, so you can spot it as it flies by your area. There is an alarm feature that will notify you a few minutes before it passes over head. Also includes information on comets, planets, and satellites. In app purchases for add-ons is available.
This is a star gazing and weather app. Using the astronomy data produced by the Canadian Meteorological Center, NOAA, and others, Astrospheric produces a highly accurate 48 hour forecast for any location in the continental United States or Canada.
The app overlays cloud cover and light pollution to help star gazers determine the best window of time for celestial viewing.
This is a favorite app at The Homeschool Scientist. The app lists what’s happening in the sky on any given night. Also shows cloud cover and light pollution. Also lists real-time position of any sky object. Has historical data and extended information about sky objects.
Do you have a favorite space app? Share it with us!
Leah Nieman is a wife and mom of 2 homeschool graduates. She’s a popular speaker who encourages parents to walk with their kids through the world of social media and technology so we raise a generation of digitally responsible young adults. You can find her eBooks Connected: Apps All Parents Should Know, Let’s Get Social: A Straightforward Guide for Kids on Social Media, and Connected: A Parent’s Guide to Snapchat, as well as tips on technology and social media at leahnieman.com.
More Astronomy Resources From The Homeschool Scientist
