The people have spoken, and I tend to listen to them. If you are a big fan of Google Sky map then you should definitely check out Space Junk. This is the lite version of the ever so popular star3map by Cass Everitt. Similarities are abound between the Googles version and Cass’s version. The most notable difference is in the comments. Boasting more than 100,000 downloads and ranking it at 4.0 stars, people are calling this “sexier” and “Pans faster and smoother than Google Sky, plus the ability to track satellites is great! ” People seem to like it.
Features:
* Shows satellites, planets, stars, and constellations.
– solar system computations using white paper by Paul Schlyter
– satellite TLE data from NORAD feed at celestrak.com
– uses sgp4 c++ port* Sky View mode ( planetarium sky map view )
– tag satellite flyby by touching a satellite as it goes overhead
– tag planets, stars, and constellations by just tapping on them while in the view
– share tagged objects with friends on your Facebook feed
* Earth View mode ( view earth from space )
– shows “you are here” marker with proper orientation for what your device is pointed at
– day / night shading
– satellite viewing bands indicate when satellites are visible in your sky* Choose from:
– Brightest satellites
– Favorite satellites
– Amateur radio satellites
– Iridium constellation satellites
* Displays paths of satellite fly-overs
* Uses location services to determine your global position
* Uses NTP ping for accurate time
* Night Mode to reduce eye shock
* Facebook integration:
– publish the satellites you’ve spotted
– update your favorites list at http://home.xyzw.us/star3map/user.php
* Updates data when network connection is available
* Uses cached copy when away from network
Talk about a laundry list of capabilities. I can’t see anyone going wrong at least trying this app out. You can find all the usual information below.
Summary and Downloads:
Application: Space Junk
Developer:Â Cass Everitt
Cost:Â FREE