2019-03-27
The Best
Been using this app for years, and it just keeps getting better. I really wouldn't mind if the dev charged for big updates. Messaged them a couple of times for issues got a quick response every time.. This Dev cares!
Updating
iPhone Screenshots
iPad Screenshots
Description
Now with AR views and Stereographic images for headsets!
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
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Note: Interested in beta testing the next version? Contact me with your email address :-)
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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.
What's New in Version 6.12
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!
Seller
Name
John Kennedy
Information
Developer
Categories
Version
6.12
Size
185.8 MB
Game Center
No
VPP Device Licensing
Yes
Rating
Rated: 4+
Compatibility
iOS 12.1 or later
Devices
iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPad (5th Generation) Wi-Fi, iPad (5th Generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad (6th generation) Wi-Fi, iPad (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro, iPad Pro (Cellular), iPad Pro (9.7-inch), iPad Pro (9.7-inch) (Cellular), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (10.5-inch), iPad Pro (10.5-inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (11-inch), iPad Pro (11-inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air, iPad Air (Cellular), iPad Air 2, iPad Air 2 (Cellular), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Air (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini Retina, iPad mini Retina (Cellular), iPad mini 3, iPad mini 3 (Cellular), iPad mini 4, iPad mini 4 (Cellular), iPad mini (5th Generation), iPad mini (5th Generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad (7th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPod touch (6th Generation), iPod touch (7th generation)
Languages
English, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Japanese, Swedish
App Store: Customer Ratings
Ratings & Reviews
4.5 of 5 (23 Ratings)
App Store: Customer Reviews
2019-01-05
Great (and regular) updates all the time.
Loving the new satellite view ;-) Thanks so much for such a full featured app!
2018-08-06
Mars madness
Mars is currently magnitude -2.9 and yet on this app’s Sky page it’s a very pale, easily missable dot.
2017-11-25
Fantastic !!!!
I’ve had this app from the beginning and it has always got better and better with each update. The AR feature is the best I’ve seen; the children blown away by the planet and solar system views. Well done all who have developed this.
2017-10-25
Disappointed
I am sorry to say that regardless of its many great features I have found this app very difficult to navigate. Pocket sky was simple didn't have as many features but then I'm not an amateur astronomer. Just a simple stargazer who wants to know what I'm looking at on any given night. I don't want an all bells and whistle app. that is so complicated that I just give up
2017-06-19
Latest update problem
Great app. Simple easy to use.
I like the predication for when the planets right a certain height at specific times at night. However there must be a bug as the sun is still up at 2 in the morning.
2016-02-20
Love the app, and the update humour!
Fab app, one of my first purchased on first iphone and still a favourite. Love the comments on the updates... Images in my head of Wisconsin... And answer to riddle: galaxy.
2016-02-20
Excellent app
Works perfectly and helps me set my telescope up with ease.
Answer to your 'what am I?' question:
Astrnomy
I think you missed a clue for the first 'o'
2015-09-09
What's up with What's Up?
Love the App, but really don't like the new What's Up Tonight. It's too small now, and I find it harder to read. Sorry. Would be 5 stars otherwise!
2015-06-30
Brilliant
Just buy it
Dr_Jeff_Morris
2015-04-28
App doesn't work.
I refer you to the title of the review.
2015-03-29
An Excellent Guide
For an amateur astronomer this is an excellent companion. So much information packed in from monthly news, what's up times to the virtual sky. Easy to use, well thought out, feature packed.
I've been using this app for a number of years through many version updates. The author keeps this app well maintained with regular updates. Excellent value.
2015-01-07
Best astronomy app.
I don't see why the last reviewer gave such a negative review. This app is polished and obviously a lot of work gone into it.
People with chips on their shoulders ought to think before being spiteful 👿
2014-09-12
Great.
This app is great. It works brilliantly, if you are really into astronomy or even if you just dabble.
2014-04-15
Go to app for "ooh what's that?"
Fab, thank you.
2014-04-07
Fantastic App One of the best
Kudos to the developer I love this app one of the very best astronomy apps well done
2014-04-07
Fantastic App One of the best
Kudos to the developer I love this app one of the very best astronomy apps well done
2014-03-23
Awesome
Really very awesome app. The end
2014-03-19
Great big little astronomy app
I've had this app for a number of years now and it never fails to impress. It is my faithful companion to the stars and I love being able to hold it up to the sky and overlay the star information on what I see. There is a wealth of up to date information supplied each month and it's nice to be able to support an enthusiast through this app.
2014-03-16
This app didn't make me more attractive.
But who cares about that. Fantastic app used on a daily basis.
2014-03-15
Excellent & Brilliant App
Without doubt the best app I have on my phone. I use it every other night. It has increased my knowledge of the night sky greatly. When I see something different in the sky & wonder what it is, out comes the App & the answer which usually surprises me.
2014-03-14
Delightful app
A wonderful app that just keeps getting better and better.
2014-03-13
Great app
Even if you have a fleeting interest in astronomy you will find this app fascinating.
2014-03-13
Pocket Wonder!
You'll buy it because you're inquisitive about the night sky and keep it for the constant delight and wonder of it!
The design is a thing of sheer beauty that gets you outside looking upward and cheers you inside when the weather beats us back indoors. Thank you very much indeed.
2014-03-12
Best App Ever
I love this app. It's constantly being updated and improved to make it better. The detail is incredible and I spend hours getting immersed in the stars and planets, which has inspired me to invest in a telescope. It's amazing how much you can learn from this app - incredible and thanks!
2014-03-10
Sky to the power of i
When ever I want bluff or impress someone, convince them that they really need a smartphone or better to convert then from the dark side and come over to the iLight - I just show them this app on my iPhone or iPad.
Simply put - it's THE best app out there, whether your a star gazer or not. Your holiday night skies, away from city lights will never be the same again ;-)
2014-03-10
Brilliant
Love this app, it's been great on many a camping trip.
2014-03-10
Stargazing done perfectly
This is simply the best stargazing app out there. It has all the features of any other app, it's slick and smooth and intuitive to use.
Oh, and the app update descriptions are priceless "oh how it rained!"
2014-03-10
Superb
A superb app which keep getting better and better. I’ve had this app for a few years now and keep on finding and learning new things. It is, IMO, the best guide to the night sky and everything that is up there… well nearly, it doesn’t show little green aliens flying around in their space ships of course… But what it does show, it shows in superb detail - and there is loads if you want it. Download it, you won’t be disappointed - it’s worth every penny.
2014-03-10
Excellent app!
Very impressed with this. Easy to use and extremely accurate on my iPhone 5s. It's great that it reads our the star/planet names to you as you point at them. The display is easy to understand and this app seems very fluid.
Only complaint I have is that it hasn't actually increased my salary and can't make coffee!
2014-03-10
Great little app
I live in Manchester, UK and don't normally get to see the stars. When the clouds not around, the light pollution spoils my view. But this app lets me point at a star or planet and see what else I am missing, as well as name it for me if I want. I have been using it for years and it is always improving. A great app for a casual stargazer.
2014-02-04
Superb astronomy app
I have had this app almost since launch. The regular updates from the developer are very welcome - I’ve seen the app grow and improve over the years and still highly recommend it to my family and friends.
2013-12-02
Great
Amazing bit of kit for anyone interested in what's beyond our atmosphere. Responsive developer, and very well-maintained app. Thoroughly recommend it!
2013-11-30
Pocket Universe
A great app which I have had on various devices for about 6 or 7 years. It is very easy to use, very accurate and very user-friendly. My wife also uses it and enjoys finding stars, planets, etc., although she has shown no previous interest in astronomy, so a victory there! I am always surprised it does appear in reviews, which is a shame as it's the best app of its type, taking all factors into account. Congratulations for a very, very good app.
2013-11-20
Magnificent
Thank you so much for your dedication to astronomy and a great app. I have iOS 5 and a 4s and your app works just fine. I love the updates, the icon might not be the best but frankly who cares, the icon is not important compared to the labour of love, passion and details that have gone into the app, the product is one of the best with Star Walk. I have a few sky apps but puniverse and Star Walk are both incredible, as well as informing, they give me a good idea of what's above me ... sadly the beauty of the real sky is so polluted in London, when it's not cloudy that I am relying on those 2 apps to get close to the beauty of the natural sky.
2013-11-07
Moon rise sets wrong
Latest release shows 12:01rise and set times.
2013-10-21
E
This is a great app had it a few years now and it's always useful.
2013-09-30
Truly amazing
The best app you will ever download. Stunning guide to the night sky. Easy to use yet really informative. Excellent piece of kit and regularly updated.If Astronomy is your thing then this app is indispensable .If you are just curious about the night sky then this will tell you all you need to know. Highly recommended .
2013-09-20
Top app
Brill and fun for the children and adults :)
2013-08-12
Used to be excellent, but needs fixing
I used to turn to this app regularly in its earlier incarnations, and even recommended it on many occasions, but now next to useless. Showing the sun setting at nearly 2am in central England, and all positions well out if position. I fervently hope that the developer will return to the app and fix it.
2013-07-03
Brilliant app
5 star app - the latest update text had me laughing as well! Keep up the excellent work.
2013-07-02
just gets better and better
the new update is very nice. the interface is easy to use and navigation is smooth. this app was (in my opinion) the best of its kind before the update; with the update, it's now miles ahead of its nearest challenger. superb.
2013-07-02
It's full of stars...
Love this app and had it for ages now. This has obviously been a labour of love for the developers who are usually very quick in addressing any issues. I would like the red sights to move a bit like the lcars effect on star trek..any chance developers pleeeeeze :-) There is room for improvement in the voice synthesiser and there is some crashing of graphics from time to time, even after the latest update!..
2013-07-01
Bug
This has been a good app, but this update crashes on loading. Tried reinstalling but to no avail. Very disappointing.
2013-07-01
Latest upgrade - backward step
Crashes on load up screen - tried deleting, then reinstalling, same result. Will not load at all!!
2013-07-01
Great update
Just checked out V5, much improved, thanks.
2013-06-12
Does not with latest IPad update
Does not with latest IPad update, crashes immediately upon loading
2013-03-13
Cant rotate screen...
The app won't rotate into landscape format and stays in portrait mode only.. Most irritating...
Also compass fails when the ipad is held up to view the sky....
2013-02-12
Nice loading screen
Just downloaded this app and it wont run. Disappointing 'out of the box'. Now to trawl support/e mail the developers to potentially find out why i'm an idiot or their app is duff. 1st app i've ever bought - not a good start...