Contents
General information
This app is available in three versions, which have increasing levels of functionality and detalization (4, 4 Plus and 4 Pro). In this article, we want to describe the second version of the stargazing app.
To start using the program, download and install it.
How to use the app
The interface is intuitive and user-friendly. You can utilize single taps, swipes or dual finger actions to control the Galaxy exploring experience.
Note that SkySafari 4 Plus version of the app has six graphical representations of the real horizons. However, the artificial ones will hide some parts of the sky, if you need a flat horizon.
Primary screen
After running the program, you will see the sky chart window. It provides info about the current location and date/time. When you first start SkySafari, the welcome screen will ask about retrieving your current location: the application can use GPS or network location capabilities.
To navigate the sky chart, touch it and drag the image. It's possile to use the two-finger pinch gesture to zoom. Besides, you can touch the bottom right (left) corner of the screen and keep your finger on it.
After dragging or zooming the image, the current coordinates, height and width will be changed.
If the device has a compass, the SkySafari 4 Plus can show the sky in the same direction you are holding. To activate the accelerometer or compass, shake your device.
Searching for the sky object
To find the desired planet, asteroid or another one, click “Search”. This view allows searching for different objects. You have two options: to type the object’s name or to select it from the list. In addition, the program allows creating observing lists, which help to plan the surveillance sessions or even record the results of the observations.
At the top of the list there is a search box. Type the desired object's name or just its part and then click “Search” to see the list of founded objects. For example, if you type "Saturn", SkySafari app will show both planet Saturn and Saturn Nebula.
After choosing the desired object from the list, you’ll be prompted to look for information about it in the “Object info” window.
Object info
This window shows various data information about the chosen sky object. The exact information may vary. The main reason for that is depending on the type of chosen object (star, planet, asteroid, etc.).
At the very least, SkySafari app provides such information about the object, as: names, catalog numbers, description, separation/apparent size, visual magnitude, azimuth and altitude, distance, rise or set time and transit time.
Conclusion
This interesting and useful app for astronomy lovers provides rich opportunities and wide spectrum of functions. We reviewed the small part of them to show what to expect from the SkySafari 4 Plus for Android.
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