SkyORB vs Spacecraft AR

SkyORB is an astronomy app for exploring the sky, the Solar System, and astronomical events. SkyORB ∞ combines a real-time 3D planetarium and sky chart with augmented reality, so astronomical information can be viewed over the surroundings. Users can choose an observation location or allow location access, then view the sky at different dates and times. Its event calendar and notifications cover occasions including meteor showers, eclipses, sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset. The app also tracks satellites and provides information about planets, asteroids, and deep-space objects. SkyORB Classic includes a star catalog, an interactive map with multiple projections, meteor-shower forecasts, and solar and lunar data. The maker lists Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows; SkyORB ∞ is also listed for Apple Watch and tvOS. SkyORB Classic is free. SkyORB ∞ for iOS, tvOS and Apple Watch is $4.99, paid once, and SkyORB ∞ for Mac is $6.99, paid once.

Spacecraft AR is a free augmented-reality app from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for learning about spacecraft and interacting with them. Using a phone or tablet camera and a flat surface, it places spacecraft models in the surrounding space without a marker. Models can be resized from table-top views to true-to-life proportions. The collection includes Curiosity, Opportunity, InSight, SMAP, Voyager, Juno, Cassini, and the 70-Meter Deep Space Network Antenna. Mission information covers exploration of Earth, Mars, and beyond, and users can photograph models in their surroundings. Additional spacecraft can be downloaded in the App Store version, which requires an Internet connection. The app runs on Android and iOS; iOS and iPadOS listings require version 15.0 or later. It has no lesson-authoring or classroom-management tools. The free plan costs nothing.