Astronomy Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Are you looking for Astronomy apps, tools, and resources that you can use with your students? If so, we have you covered. Check out our list below. Let us know if there are any that we missed.

Spacecraft 3D– Spacecraft 3-D is an augmented reality app that uses the camera on a phone or tablet to allow students to interact with and explore NASA’s spacecraft. Students can see how the spacecraft move, view them from all angles, and learn about the engineering used to create them. Spacecraft are organized into categories based on the location of their mission, so for classes studying specific planets, it is simple to find only the spacecraft associated with that planet. This app would be a valuable addition to the science or astronomy classroom or as an at-home extension for students fascinated by space.

Solar System Explorer – This app provides detailed 3-D images of the celestial bodies in our solar system. Every planet can be viewed in detail by zooming in on it. The moons and spacecraft associated with each planet are displayed at the bottom of the screen, and more information can be displayed by clicking the “I” button. The calendar at the top of the screen also allows users to see the planetary alignment on any date they choose.

Universe Sandbox – This is a practical approach to studying the solar system. It provides 3-D simulations of our universe, galaxies, star systems, planets, moons, and comets. Users can select any of these items to check their properties and even change them. The game also provides a simulation of how the changes affect the celestial body and others around it.

CK-12– Helps students and teachers to improve elementary learning worldwide by making personal education tools available. Learn more than 5,000 math and science topics at a speed that suits you. Math topics include arithmetic, measurement, algebra, geometry, probability, statistics, trigonometry, analysis, and calculus. Science subjects include geography, life science, physical science, biology, chemistry, and physics. Other subjects include SAT exam prep, engineering, technology, astronomy, English, and history.

Legends of Learning– Legends of Learning has over 500 games about earth science, astronomy, life science, and physical science. With over 300 game developers and collaboration with Vanderbilt University, this is the hub for educational science games for middle school children. Many children get bored with cookie-cutter classes, especially when they have fun video games waiting for them at home. Bringing video games into education can help children learn because they can have fun while doing so. Academic ability, performance, and engagement have been increased by playing games such as these.

Mobile Observatory –- Mobile Observatory is a complete astronomy app available for Android devices; it is designed for anyone interested in the sky’s wonders—whether the user is an occasional sky gazer or a passionate amateur astronomer. This app contains numerous features that provide kids with in-depth knowledge of extraterrestrial activities.

Sky Guide – This app makes stargazing simple. Just hold it overhead to automatically find stars, constellations, planets, satellites, and more. With so many fun and powerful features, there is something for all ages and experience levels. Sky Guide also has detailed information on extraterrestrial life, objects, and locations.

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