Since we got our Xoom tablet I continually look at the app market to see what new and interesting apps are available for the Android tablet. A few months back I searched under astronomy to see what was available and an app called Google Sky Map came up. It was free so I thought I would download it. I have opened it up a few times since I downloaded it but really did not give it a good look until last night. Being in Santa Fe, we are at 7,200 feet elevation and it is really dark at night. I stepped outside around 9 pm and could not even see the steps on the trailer. I checked the sky and just saw so many stars I thought I would see how Sky Map works.
I took the tablet outside and started the program. You hold the tablet up to the sky with the screen facing you and it tells what all the stars and planets are where ever you point the tablet. You can even search for something and it will tell you where to look. It was so cool. I wanted to see some planets but the only one visible above the horizon at that time was Jupiter, but it clearly stood out once I knew what I was looking at.
You can use this app on a tablet or smartphone and it is free. I would highly recommend it.
Yeah, that is a great app. I always wondered how much fun it would be away from the city lights.
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