When comparing Google Sky Map vs Star Chart, the Slant community recommends Star Chart for most people. In the question“What is the best stargazing app for Android?” Star Chart is ranked 1st while Google Sky Map is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Star Chart is:
Star Chart lets users see the sky as it was 10,000 years ago, or as it will be in 10,000 years. It also lets people see what the sky would look like from a different place on earth .
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Pros
Pro Layers can be chosen
For users who are looking for a particular planet, star, or constellation, all other listings in the app can be disabled except for the target.
Pro Clearly lists what is being viewed
When the phone is aimed at a certain star, the name of the star (or stars) will come up on the screen. This app lists names of stars, constellations, and planets.
Pro Search function for finding specific objects
As long as the name of the star or planet is known, it can be found using this app. It is much easier to find an object using the in-app search function than trying to locate it based on other stars or planets. Once the object is searched, an arrow will be displayed that directs the user to the right location in the sky.
Pro View stars from a different time period or place on earth
Star Chart lets users see the sky as it was 10,000 years ago, or as it will be in 10,000 years. It also lets people see what the sky would look like from a different place on earth .
Pro Perfectly looking on screen!
It is fun to stargaze :)
Pro Provides useful information
Star Chart comes with the Messier Deep Sky catalog which contains information about galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters.
Cons
Con Requires GPS to be activated
Sky Map won't work without GPS.
Con Hard to navigate
Depending on the environment, Sky Map can be hard to use because of the app's controls and the current visibility.
Con Limited Data information
Limited information about listed objects.
Con Lots of information is blocked by in app purchases
Instead of offering everything for a flat rate, every additional feature is offered at anywhere from $2.99 to $9.99.
Con Limited "search" function
Instead of doing global search in between all object sets, you have to choose up front the set to be searched (stars, constellations, etc.) - which is inconvenient if you do not know to which set the object belongs (i.e. is it a star, a planet, a comet, etc.).
Con High on energy
Unfortunately, uses a lot of battery.