SkySafari 8 Pro

Hey, this is your Star Mate-SkySafari 8 Pro

To be honest, when I first opened the SkySafari 8 Pro, I was a little confused-not the kind of "what the hell", but the kind that was so beautiful that I couldn't speak. Whether you are an old astronomy driver or Xiaobai who can't even recognize the Big Dipper, this app can make you instantly fall in love with looking up at the sky. It is not a cold tool, but more like a romantic friend who stays up late to count the stars.

Who built it? A reliable astronomy software team

When it comes to the origin of this app, it really has some background. It's from Simulation Curriculum Ltd. -- That's right, they're the big guys who make a lot of astronomy and educational software. They don't just put together a star map, but use complex astronomical data and human-computer interaction very well. Anyway, when you use it, you will think: Well, professional but not pretentious, just right.

Core function: bright and blind

First of all, its database is simply heaven-defying-what can be seen and cannot be seen in the sky, stars, planets, comets, and deep-sky objects, are so accurate that you wonder if you are holding NASA's internal tools, and the data is updated in real time, so reliable. Then, that star map, don't talk to me about static screenshots, it is dynamic and can be adjusted at any time according to your location and time. A stroke is like really turning the sky. What surprised me the most was the AR mode-if you hold up your phone and point the camera at the sky, those constellations and planets will be directly superimposed on the real picture, just like opening an "annotated version" for the night sky. Also, it can be connected to a telescope! Yes, you heard correctly. Most electric telescopes can be connected. With a tap of your finger, the telescope will automatically aim at the star you want to see. Is there any good news for lazy people?

How does it feel to use it? It's like you're an astronaut wandering around

Imagine: you are lying on the grass, holding your mobile phone, and the starry sky on the screen is slowly rotating. If you tap lightly, the Milky Way will pour down like a waterfall. The interface of SkySafari 8 Pro is designed to be particularly careful-every button is placed in the most comfortable position of your finger, and the menu logic is clear not like a professional software, but like a guide that can read minds. Whether it's zooming in quickly into a distant galaxy or switching night mode to protect your eyes, everything is as smooth as a sip of cold water. To be honest, this feeling of "manipulating the universe with your fingertips" is too high.

Is it difficult to learn? Don't be afraid of novices, and don't be afraid of veterans

When you first get started, you may think,"Oh my God, this is so rich"-don't panic, its own tutorials and guidance mode are like having a caring teacher standing next to you. If you follow them, you will basically understand the right ascension, declination, magnitude and brightness. For those astronomy enthusiasts who can already carry the entire constellation of Orion upside down, its advanced functions and telescope control give enough room for trouble. Summary in one sentence: Novices think it is simple, veterans think it is deep enough, and this sense of balance is firmly grasped.

Compared with other Star apps, where does it win?

There are a lot of astronomy apps on the market, but what convinced me most about SkySafari 8 Pro is that it can combine the accuracy of real-time star maps with augmented reality. Other apps are either static star maps or AR but the star positions are inaccurate. And what about it? As long as you lift up the equipment, those stars and constellations will really float in the real environment in front of you-there is a Second-Changing Observatory in your backyard! Not to mention that it can also seamlessly connect to a telescope, which is as rare as a treasure in mobile apps. Therefore, it is both a two-in-one of software and hardware, and a perfect hybrid of emotional romance and rational science.

The final big truth: Who should pay, who can wait first

If you are someone who can't move your legs when you see the night sky and want a tool that is both detailed, reliable and fun, don't hesitate, SkySafari 8 Pro is the one for you. Especially the AR coverage and telescope control will definitely make you top among "ordinary enthusiasts". But on the other hand, if you only occasionally look up at the moon and recognize the North Star and are not interested in complex functions, then I have to be honest-the depth of the app may make you a little breathless. But then again, for those who really want to get closer to the universe, it is the most reliable guide at your disposal, taking you through every corridor of the universe. Want to try it? Anyway, I'm ready, so I'll take it to watch the meteor shower tonight!

FAQ

As a novice, how can I start exploring the night sky with SkySafari 8 Pro?

Very simple! Open the app and use the "Point and Identify" function-point the device directly at the sky and it can instantly recognize stars and constellations! By the way, don't forget to check out the Newcomer's Guide in the Help section of Settings. There are super detailed instructions there.

How to adjust the display appearance of the application according to different observation conditions?

Go and visit the "UI theme" in the settings. There are five new color themes you can choose from. You can tune them any way you want, depending on your mood and environment!

What functions does this application have to quickly find celestial bodies?

Super easy to use! "Point and Identify" allows you to identify stars in real time, and the "Event Discovery" will tell you when and what phenomena are based on your location-it's simply too convenient!

How does SkySafari 8 Pro support advanced telescope control?

Go to the "Device Control" step in the settings and connect to the telescope with ASCOM ALPACA, INDI or StarSense Explorer. You can manage and control seamlessly. It's cool!

Can I plan astrophotography with this app?

Of course! It supports ALPACA-compatible cameras, is integrated with SmartEye, and has a rotating field of view indicator that allows you to accurately view and control-no problem taking pictures of stars or anything!

What subscription options are there and what content are they included?

Go to "Account"->"Subscribe" in the settings to have a look! The advanced version will give you observation conditions, advanced tools and cloud synchronization, and the experience will be filled directly!