Google Sky Map is an interactive application for the Droid 2 and Android that allows users to scan and search the night sky in real time using the phone’s built in GPS. Utilizing an intuitive compass system, the virtual viewfinder within the phone zeroes in on almost any celestial spot within the sky, acting as a type of handheld planetarium. When the app is activated, the phone’s screen turns into a moving map that coincides with the actual sky, detailing over a thousand stars and planets within the earth’s solar system. The user simply points the phone’s screen towards the area of the sky they want to review, and Google Sky Map will outline the points on the map, moving as the device moves. The app works in both daytime and nighttime, adjusting any screen changes as needed.
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An easy to use search function allows users to find stars and planets on the map. During search mode an arrow appears which prompts users to navigate to the object. Once the object has been found, the arrow then turns from blue to red and encircles the object. Points on the map can be zoomed in on and the map can be filtered to focus on selective grids such as deep space objects, stars, planets, and specific constellations by name. One slight drawback about the application is that at times it can be hard to align the screen against the night sky and find the correct location. GPS signals can also waver in strength according to location. The app will still work regardless of indoor/outdoor situations or weather visibility, however. The software calculates mathematical positions utilizing a sensor in order to find star’s locations rather than actually “viewing” the stars. The application is free and is available at the Android Market right now.
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