One of the finest apps I own...  
By: 3dwag - Aug 1, 2009
Version: 1.7.1
This is absolutely one of the finest apps that I own, and I have quite a few on my iPhone 3G. It works exactly as advertised, very clever implementation. I have been re-learning things with it that I had forgotten since my childhood fascination with celestial objects, and learning a lot of new things along the way. Just a thought, but wouldn't it be interesting if we could also track a few of the significant man-made objects, such as the international space station or space shuttle? That would make it 6 stars!

Problem with version 1.7?  
By: Buddhamonke - Jul 17, 2009
Version: 1.7
Bought this app today and loved it. Was outside trying the virtual sky an hour ago and it worked great on the 3Gs while moving it up and down and left and right without a problem. Then I get a note to update to 1.7, install it and now the left/right motion of virtual sky is not working. I have to use my finger to pan it back and forth. Up and down still works fine....is there a problem with this last update?:( This app is not 5 stars without that feature.

Great application, responsive developer  
By: billmcfa - Jul 17, 2009
Version: 1.7
I bought the 1.6 version and just upgraded last night to 1.7. There was a minor glitch in upgrading which was easily corrected. The side to side tracking has stopped working; deleting and reinstalling the app fixed this. The developer was very responsive in working with me to fix the problem and answering other questions I had.
The application itself looks and works great. The virtual sky functionally is really nice and makes it much easier to find out what you are looking at in the sky. The connection to Wikipedia for the different objects in the sky is a great touch. The other information is presented in a very nice format. The links to other online sources is very helpful. I highly recommend this application especially as the developer seems very committed to making this a great app and responds quickly to emails.

Motion view is neatest thing ever!  
By: insan0 - Aug 11, 2009
Version: 1.7.1
Love this app, very simple to use. Looks fantastic and the motion view is so fast and fluid identifying everything. Finds planets and Messier objects, but no NGC objects. Nice access to info and wikipedia pages too.
I just got Starmap Pro, and I prefer this one. Starmap Pro has many more features and a night mode (red), but lacks the motion. This is more of a quick glance tool, while Starmap Pro is more suitable for a star party.

Greatest Ap, a few tips for easiest use  
By: Diva2277 - Jul 29, 2009
Version: 1.7.1
This is my favorite ap. Here are few tips I quickly discovered. Please keep in mind that the earphones that came with your phone will not work with this ap so use a different pair of earphones. Also, I was able to hear my heartbeat the best when I pressed the iPhone mic firmly under my left breast. Don't forget to turn the sound all the way up on the side of the phone and also in the ap itself under heartbeat pure slide the bar all the way to the right. This is the greatest little ap, I can't wait to show my sis, she's a nurse.

A Star Geeks' Dream!  
By: KaptainKeltic - Aug 17, 2009
Version: 1.7.1
I LOVE this app! I have enjoyed star gazing all my life and this app has made it more enjoyable. I love the fact that I can locate planets like Jupiter and pull out my binoculars and view the planet and its moons. I'm learning all of the constellations again and the names and locations of all of the major bright stars. I am amazed by the Planetarium feature that moves as I move. Screen is very easy to read. I love the screen that tells me the rise and set times of the sun, moon and planets. Family and friends are getting into star gazing with me and think this is the coolest app. Thank you for giving me so much at such a great price. I recommend this app to everyone!

$2.99 for an awesome astronomy app? Want!  
By: Mischief_Maker - Sep 7, 2009
Version: 1.8
Where to begin...
1) Best price compared to all the other astronomy apps and the number of features that it has.
2) Features galore! First astronomy app to support the iPhone 3GS compass (augmented reality, anyone?), an awesome Show Me feature, nice rendering of the lunar phases for the current month, Jupiter's moons, a Tonight's Sky feature, constellation quiz, handy Wikipedia links (that don't take you out of the app and stays unobtrusive), lots of hidden gems (learn more about the Moon when in Lunar Phase), ability to customize the magnitude of the stars you want to see (especially if seeing conditions are less than ideal) and so much more.
3) Clean, modern, and easy to use UI - and starting with v1.8 it now also supports night vision.
4) Links to a wealth of information so one can learn more about the night sky.
5) A one-man developer/designer who obsessively releases updates on a regular basis - and wow, do we benefit from it! (I love supporting individuals who do this for fun and for love of what they do)
6) This app has put astronomy in the limelight again - it's no longer just for geeks! (See all the rave reviews on this app, including those from Macworld and TUAW)
6) Did I mention the price and just how many features one gets for that price?
I love this app!

Astronomy Student & Enthusiast  
By: Martinez_J - Oct 6, 2009
Version: 1.8.2
This is an awesome app! Real-time star map is very accurate. Move your iPhone/iTouch up-and-down as you navigate the night sky with this app's star map. Will track objects for you (planets, stars, constellations, messier objects). Night vision mode available.Has monthly moon phase chart. Daily planet chart available as well. Will tell you when and what planets set/rise. No Wi-Fi required to use!

Wow!  
By: m2102 - Nov 3, 2009
Version: 1.8.2
I must admit that at first I was skeptical. $2.99 for this app? Hmmm.. After two days or back and forth, I decided to get it and check it out.. The only thing I can say is wow! This app really blows me away. The sheer fact that the phone practically finds planets, stars and other celestial bodies by pointing at them blows me away.. It really accurate! I can finally put a name to the stars I have been seeing every night since a child! Awesome app! Well worth the price !

My favourite stargazing companion (1.7)  
By: Alex Marian - 21-Jul-2009
Version: 1.7
Version 1.6 was pretty good and I found myself using it all the time over the other star map apps I was trying out. 1.7 is even better!Loved the little touches in this update like the improved sky&terrain texture as well as the obvious improvement to compass support on 3Gs. One thing I noticed before but can't test at the minute is that the Moon isn't at all noticeable on the night sky - seemed like it's always represented by a dark shape which you can't see on dark background. Dunno if this has been fixed in 1.7.Haven't tried the more expensive "pro" starmap apps to compare but frankly after getting this I don't want to - it's perfect for my needs. Great app for it's price, well worth it!

So far, so good  
By: StevieBec - 27-Jul-2009
Version: 1.7.1
I bought this last night and have been having a bit of a play around with it. First impressions are favourable; nice rendering of star maps and, of course, the lovely facility that 3GS users have to aim their iPhone at the sky and be told what they're seeing. Very impressive.The information that pops up is interesting and the link to Wikipedia is a good idea.It was cloudy last night but the forecast is clear tonight so I'll be out there putting this software through its paces. 

Great Astronomy app for all  
By: Lucky Luxy - 11-Aug-2009
Version: 1.7.1
I was using Star Walk until I accidently came across this app. For me, as a person who loves space but knows very little about astronomy, this was much more suited to me and easier to use. I have already learnt a lot more about the subject AND being a Trekkie, I love the Star Trek LCARS type interface, it makes it fun to use. Great app. Keep on improving it and keep the Star Trek feel, I love it! Highly recommended for all interested in the night sky and astronomy.

Mind blowing!  
By: JBrookshaw - 21-Aug-2009
Version: 1.8
This app really shows what the iPhone can do. It shows this phone is the pinackle of mobile cellular technology. You get to see where the stars are in the sky in real time.. Unbelievable, but true! I have not experienced the major problems some other users say they had. The stars may not be exactly where they are, but this is because of the phone compass, not the app. This is deffonatley worth getting and its easily worth £1.79.. If u hav a 3Gs with a built in compass like me, but to conclude its still a great little app for both amateur astromoners and more experienced users within the field. Thanks for reading. John Brookshaw.. Im on Facebook:)

Amazing app!  
By: barcapat - 22-Aug-2009
Version: 1.8
This is an amazing app, just used it for the first time tonight and blown away by being able to point it at the sky and get told what I'm looking at. Works fantastically with iPhone 3GS. I've always enjoyed looking at the stars on a clear night without having much clue what I was looking at, apart from the basics such as The Plough and Jupiter. Now I'm getting to know Vega, Arcturus and Cassiopeiae. Looking forward to amazing the family after BBQ tomorrow, hopefully the sky will stay clear, its perfect tonight.
Good work fellas! Sure is the craic!

Brilliant!  
By: Stink nugget - 29-Aug-2009
Version: 1.8
Well, unlike some, I don't have 3Gs. So no compass. But that doesn't detract from the value of this app. This app is on my main page for easy access. It surely is top notch. I can't wait for the winter sky when the stars are at their best. I'm glad you put the milky way in. But two small requests, if I may...Could you make this app have optional Star Trek tricorder sounds? You have a Trek look about it. Why not finish it off with the noises, too. Also, I've just discovered that I can zoom quite well into the moon. Maybe make it so I can get much closer?Non the less, this is one hell of an app. And I believe it to be essential for anyone who has even the slightest interest in the night sky. Well done!*****

My favourite app, bar none  
By: Simon in Barcombe - 04-Sep-2009
Version: 1.8
This app is just so good, I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could (and I've never ranked another app over 4 stars!). On the 3GS phone the compass works perfectly (you should always calibrate it first to get exact results). The wealth of information provided is great. This app has driven my eight year old son's interest in the Universe and as a result we have just ordered our first telescope. To the author: Thank you very much indeed.

Virtual skys the limit!  
By: Darrell (UK) - 13-Jul-2009
Version: 1.6
Downloaded this not expecting too much. The "Virtual sky" mode just seemed too good to be true. Having tried it out I can honestly say that it works incredibly well (I have an iPhone 3gs with the built in compass).
Astronomy always interested me, but between work and family I just don't have the time to faff about with charts and maps etc. With the "Virtual sky" function you can find and name constellations and planets in moments with no messing about. I have a friend who paid thousands on an expensive telescope with motors and software to locate objects in the night sky, with this app I can do it for less than £2! An absolute bargain.
Only minor issue was that it is quite fiddly to click on objects to get the details, but a quick switch to manual positioning allows you to line up and see the astronomical data without too much hassle.
With this app you can maximise your time spent watching the sky, so even if you've only a few minutes to spare you can always find something interesting. You can even use the "Sky report" to tell you what you can see that evening, so you can check before you get off the sofa!
I am a complete beginner in Astronomy, but this app has whetted my apetite and I'll be in the garden most nights exploring the sky. A genuine five star app. Try it and you won't be dissapointed.

Howling at the Moon - in delight.  
By: WinkyWankyWoes - 02-Oct-2009
Version: 1.8.2
I am not an astronomer but I do live somewhere with low light pollution and sometimes gaze wistfully at the stars wondering what's out there and what's what.
This is a delight to use and shows me what's what with a pretty intuitive interface. It uses the phones GPS compass to good effect - point it at the moon - it shows the moon and the stars around it on the screen. It tells me the phases of the moon too - so in future I'll know which nights I'll be outside howling and when the palms of my hands might need a good shave. I recommend this to anyone with a remote interest in the night sky. I expect on a yomp you could even get a couple of star fixes for navigating.
A blinder of an application for £1.79 - thank you.

Must-have app  
By: Chris:B - 04-Oct-2009
Version: 1.8.2
Fab app! Within 5 mins of getting this I had found out that Jupiter was visible that night; found it in the sky and was able to identify each of its 4 moons as the app calculated their positions in real time. If you've ever tried to identify constellations from star maps and failed, you need this app. It couldn't be simpler to use; you just need to be able to find north (and if you have the 3GS it'll even do that for you). You can either get directions to a specific constellation or hold your iphone up to the sky and it'll show the names of the stars in front of you; its star map moving in sync as you move the iphone. It is packed full of features. Just buy it now and find out for yourself!

The first usable Astronomy app!  
By: cimota - 28-Apr-2009
Version: 1.1
Great UI, speedy, intelligently laid out. Pocket Universe is the first Astronomy app I've used for more than 5 minutes at a time. I've bought apps for my Mac previously but it's not always convenient to lug my MacBook around when outside. Quite a contrast with this app on an iPhone. I'm loving the interface and enjoying the use of it when out and about. Thankfully the summer is here and we have a few cloudless nights for once - perfect for walking the dog along the beachfront (where the light pollution is lowest). Thanks for rekindling my interest in the stars!