Very interesting! Things have changed A LOT since I was doing serious observing back in the mid 80s. At that time paper star charts were the only option. They always got soggy half way through the evenings observation. Finder FOV was calculated and circle cut out of a piece of thin plastic. SkySafari will make a huge difference. No more "star stumbling", just "star hopping"!
I like using the galaxy view feature of Sky Safari. Once you’ve selected an object (say, a star cluster of some type) galaxy view will help you visualize where that object lies in our home galaxy, the Milky Way. If you select an object outside the Milky Way (such as the Andromeda galaxy) it will draw a line out to it from our Sun, and you can zoom out to see the object in relation to the Milky Way. I’m experimenting with building a list of the galaxies in the local group and doing a galaxy view of the list to see if it will draw out the local group. From there, it’s on the the Virgo supercluster!
Hace both versions but really only use 6+ coz still waiting for promissed "upgrades" which were critical for me; i.e. Hide menu like V6 and larger font (too small even on the Large setting!)... good review, thanks
Another good video. Could you explain in more detail how you use the app to move the telescope to the correct position and locate an object? I think this this the most difficult step for beginners.
Thank you! I don't actually have a telescope that can use that function which is why I was just moving it manually and using the app to help me point it in the right location. I'm sure there are other great videos or guides that SkySafari has to help out with that question!
I am a follower of you for years and love your videos a lot As you made a video about skysafari 6 pro, I am using it but now I will use this one Love From India♥️ Love From India
I also cannot display my FOV for star hopping. Have created a new FOV with telescope+eyepiece but when I turn on this FOV nothing shows up on the sky map...Could you tell me if I miss something? thanks aris-italy
Tap on the two short lines that are for the scope display options. The are right next to the word "done" when you are in scope display. Then tap to "show even if not connected to telescope". That should take care of it.
Have enjoyed your presentation for the last several months; thank u Michael. Question: would it be helpful to have the iPhone in an adapter by the eyepiece? Thank u
I'm very interested. I've been using the free sky guide ap and and have been looking for an upgrade. You refer to the ap as SkySafari 7. I'm seeing a SkySafari 7 Plus for $15, and a SkySafari 7 Pro for $25. Which ap are you featuring in your video?
Where do you see those prices? I'm on my Ipad and it says it costs $49.99....and an additional $29.99 for premium... is that just Apple being expensive just because???
Does it show the red from h-alpha? From the video it doesn't look like it does. As an astrophotographer that's high on my list of importance but most apps don't show it.
The big part of it is knowing the star. It's like following directions on a map. Took me years to get to the point I am at now but apps like this one is great to learn the night sky.
Thank you so much. Very informative. I just aligned my 800 CPC with StarSence and love how easy. Im using the hand held. Because I keep getting a message Sky Portal can not find my connect and keep it. Is there a way to update Sky Portal module?. I do need to update my scope since 2016 will this help with the module? This telescope observing is my happy place, I thank you for all that you do for us. Happy nights
I have the SS7 Pro, i follow your steps but when i activate the Scope Display, no green circle appears. What am i doing wrong? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Tap on "observe", "scope display" and then there are two lines with dots in the upper part of the screen that control settings. Tap on that and choose "Show even if not connected to telescope".
Been using SS ver. 6+ for many years. Upgraded to ver 7… but deal breaker is the Menu Bar cannot be hidden to display the map in full screen, critical for small devices and Fonts are way too small even on Large font format. Contacted developer on these issues with little joy, So have returned to ver 6… sad
I didn't liked ss7 too. Clunky icons and no real upgrade over 6 plus. I'm happy with version 6, it's the best astro app there is and I've tried all of them.
I've enjoyed version 7 but that's a good point for smaller devices. Maybe bringing that back has been mentioned on their message boards for considered in future releases!
Ok, purchased the Pro 7 version, but cannot seem to find a way to get it to show the field of view for my Nikon D7500 and Tamron 150-600 telephoto lens. Is that not possible with this app? I was under the impression that it would show what the sensor would capture like the desktop version of Stellarium does, or at least that the camera was pointed in the right direction.
Go to "Observe" and tap on "My Equipment" Add your equipment and then go to "Scope Display" and "Create a Field of View". Make sure you also click the tab at the top and tap on "Show Even if not connected to telescope"
Many thanks, took a time or two to find the "show even if not connected to telescope", the Pro 7 version does not have tabs per se, have to choose from two little sliders at the top of the display. Up and running now!
Good video, and I am interested.....But, I have the older basic version and it says to get some of the features I need to upgrade to "Premium". Is that a better option than upgrading to the Pro 7 version?
Want to be able to see what an object would look like with my camera and telephoto lenses like you can in Stellarium. Please see my follow-up comment to your video.
Wish they did a one time for life purchase like stellarium. Good for life. And they’ve been around for awhile. By going from safari 6 to safari 7 and changing every year or so, not supporting an earlier version, seems like a money grab to me. Not sure I want to support that kind of behavior.
I've enjoyed this app over the years! Stick with the version you have until a new one is released that has features you want or performance upgrades you want. No pressure to upgrade every year!
I tried to view m81 tonight in my light polluted skies. I think i found it but couldn't be sure it seemed really small. As a comparison i could easily find M3 which was bigger. Hmm, do filter help with m81?
I'm glad you made the hunt for M81 and M82! I normally do not filter for galaxies. Congrats on finding M3. What type of scope or binoculars do you have?
I am interested in this app but, not quite understanding the hefty price tag... so if I buy it for $49.99 do I have to pay an additional $29.99 for the premium or does that come with the initial app? That's an expensive app... What does premium get you? And do I have to subscribe???
@@LateNightAstronomy Where the heck are you seeing it for $14.99? My ipad says it's $49.99 in the appstore. Does Apple just up the price because they are Apple?? If I get the app, will I have to make additional purchases? Will I have to create a user name and password. Is it a stand alone app or do I have to subscribe? These are questions I wanted to ask on their site... all the choices just lead to ... ask the community forum. Not very good support there. Thanks for your reply. All SkySafari inquiries are addressed in the Community Forums (Check the box to access).
@@galimirnund6543 The current price I see on their website for the iphone version is $19.99. Often times it is on sale for 5 to 10 dollars off. The ipad version may cost more but I went with SkySafari 7 Plus for the iPhone. No extra purchases necessary for anything I've used it for.
Go to "Observer", "My Equipment" and add your lens as a "telescope". I've got my Samyang lens set up with an Aperture of 67.5mm and a focal length of 135mm.
@@LateNightAstronomy Polaris is blocked; it seems u didn't use the app to aim at something directly, u looked thru your telescope and found something and then used Sky Safari to help guide u from there? I guess if I can aim north, and use my latitude, I can get aimed at Polaris?
@@deeber35 Check out this video I did on polar alignment for a detailed look at how I do it using another app that is free. ua-cam.com/video/EOy2LAFy3uo/v-deo.html
@@LateNightAstronomy If I use several compasses to get north, and I am off by 1 degree, what kind of limits does that put on exposure times and focal length? Do u think 1 degree is likely the closest I can get with compasses?
@@deeber35 If you are shooting with a 50mm or less lens it will be more forgiving. Just depends on your focal length and exposure times, like you said. I would experiment with what you have and see how much the stars trail at different exposure lengths.
@@LateNightAstronomy Apparently it is only on iOS for v7. Do you know if v6 has the eyepiece sizing features you showed in this video? I'll be using a DSLR and I'm mainly interested in putting my body and lenses in to help with finding objects. Is that considered "Observation Planning Tool"?
So, I bought this app and am regretting it. I cannot view galaxies, they are listed in search but when it finds it it is just a black screen, there is no graphic for any of them. The app has crashed twice now and froze once. I just now typed milky way into the search and it said no results found. I mean what??? It was 50 bucks. You cannot contact the devs...they want you to use the community for help. I'm going to request a refund. It was my last 50 bucks on the app store... I think I'm done buying from the app store too..
Sorry to hear about your difficulties. Galaxies typically show up as an outlined shape in the App like the two galaxies I showed in this video. Under info you can find more pictures and information about them usually. Did you buy it for the iPhone or iPad?
@@LateNightAstronomy I requested a refund from apple. Very disappointed..it looked like a cool space sim. This the 3rd space sim I have tried. First was stellarium, then another one that just gave me nag screens to subscribe, then this one. I have been all over google... youtube trying to figure out what's wrong and nothing. I can't 'orbit' an object I select. I observed the moon.. got the info..pressed orbit and it didn't orbit the moon it just showed the moon in front of me. I put my finger on the moon to bring up the wheel menu..chose the audio icon and it gave me the description for the star Antares... IDK ... it just doesn't work on my ipad I guess. I am giving space engine a try now..and it too is in beta I found out. But, I can view galaxies. What I wanted to do was get one on my ipad so I can go to the mountains here and observe the sky up there. And I gotta say the most reliable one I have gotten even without all the bells and whistles is stellarium..
So, I went somewhewe else with my ipad to try and download the free DLC that supposedly came with the Pro vervsion, still cant download them. With no tech support from the devs I will conclude that this app is just a piece of shit and will seek a refund. I still cannot view galaxies, nebulea, deep space objects. What a joke hahaha… 50 bucks is a lot of money, wouldn’t you agree?
No it's based on personal preference. You use what you have to in order to obtain desired results. I find SkySafari as the best app for me but it may not be the case for others.
Very interesting! Things have changed A LOT since I was doing serious observing back in the mid 80s. At that time paper star charts were the only option. They always got soggy half way through the evenings observation. Finder FOV was calculated and circle cut out of a piece of thin plastic. SkySafari will make a huge difference. No more "star stumbling", just "star hopping"!
That sounds like a wonderful way to explore the night sky though. But you are right, SkySafari is a wonderful tool to help star hop today!
I like using the galaxy view feature of Sky Safari. Once you’ve selected an object (say, a star cluster of some type) galaxy view will help you visualize where that object lies in our home galaxy, the Milky Way. If you select an object outside the Milky Way (such as the Andromeda galaxy) it will draw a line out to it from our Sun, and you can zoom out to see the object in relation to the Milky Way. I’m experimenting with building a list of the galaxies in the local group and doing a galaxy view of the list to see if it will draw out the local group. From there, it’s on the the Virgo supercluster!
That is a great feature and a nice list you are working on.
My son loves watching your videos with me! Thanks for another great video!!
That is so wonderful to hear! Let's get the next generation into space :) Take care!!!!
Hace both versions but really only use 6+ coz still waiting for promissed "upgrades" which were critical for me; i.e. Hide menu like V6 and larger font (too small even on the Large setting!)... good review, thanks
I do miss the hide menu option. Helped out a bit for formatting my monthly night sky videos.
Another good video. Could you explain in more detail how you use the app to move the telescope to the correct position and locate an object? I think this this the most difficult step for beginners.
Thank you! I don't actually have a telescope that can use that function which is why I was just moving it manually and using the app to help me point it in the right location. I'm sure there are other great videos or guides that SkySafari has to help out with that question!
Sky safari is by far my favorite night sky app.
I've been using it since SkySafari 4 and like how it can be used for beginners and experiences users alike!
I am a follower of you for years and love your videos a lot As you made a video about skysafari 6 pro, I am using it but now I will use this one
Love From India♥️
Love From India
I appreciate your support over the years! Have you been out to observe anything lately?
@@LateNightAstronomy Ya but sometimes
Very useful, thank you. Peace and love from Scotland
Thanks so much! l All my best to the people of Scotland!
You know you see pictures but when you look at it and it’s moving so crazy
I will definately download this app!!
I'm glad to hear it. It's a great one for sure! Clear Skies!
Thanks. Helpful for Star hopping
Very helpful. I used this app to find virtually all of the Messier objects a few years ago!
how do you know where to point telescope to match cellphone?
I also cannot display my FOV for star hopping. Have created a new FOV with telescope+eyepiece but when I turn on this FOV nothing shows up on the sky map...Could you tell me if I miss something? thanks aris-italy
Tap on the two short lines that are for the scope display options. The are right next to the word "done" when you are in scope display. Then tap to "show even if not connected to telescope". That should take care of it.
I agree it is an incredible app!. I use NINA, Stellarium Plus, CdC
What is NINA? I'm not familiar with that app?
Have enjoyed your presentation for the last several months; thank u Michael. Question: would it be helpful to have the iPhone in an adapter by the eyepiece? Thank u
That could work well. I just tend to hold it when needed but you could go that route for sure.
I'm very interested. I've been using the free sky guide ap and and have been looking for an upgrade. You refer to the ap as SkySafari 7. I'm seeing a SkySafari 7 Plus for $15, and a SkySafari 7 Pro for $25. Which ap are you featuring in your video?
Great question. The one I own is SkySafari 7 Plus. That is the one I would recommend to most users.
Thanks! I later noticed that you have "SkySafari 7 Pro" on your screen at 24 - 28 sec
@@lancecheslock6756 Yeah, that's the one that they promote on their website's front page.
Where do you see those prices? I'm on my Ipad and it says it costs $49.99....and an additional $29.99 for premium... is that just Apple being expensive just because???
Night sky has to offer
Does it show the red from h-alpha? From the video it doesn't look like it does. As an astrophotographer that's high on my list of importance but most apps don't show it.
Good question. I don't believe it does.
Amazing information, thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video!! I use Sky Guide, Stellarium Plus & SkySafari 7 Pro as my top night sky apps 😁🌌
Nice 👍That is a great range of apps in your astronomy arsenal!
I still don’t understant how you found the object using the app with this telescope😞😞😞please help me😄
The big part of it is knowing the star. It's like following directions on a map. Took me years to get to the point I am at now but apps like this one is great to learn the night sky.
Thank you so much. Very informative. I just aligned my 800 CPC with StarSence and love how easy. Im using the hand held. Because I keep getting a message Sky Portal can not find my connect and keep it. Is there a way to update Sky Portal module?. I do need to update my scope since 2016 will this help with the module? This telescope observing is my happy place, I thank you for all that you do for us. Happy nights
That is very kind of you to say! I'm not sure about SkyPortal and would point you towards the customer service forums over on Sky Safari's website!
Is there any free stargazing apps?
Please can anyone tell me...
Try out "Sky Tonight" "Sky Guide" or "Night Sky" in the app store.
Do you happen to know the difference between the Plus version and the Pro version? Both are the same price and seem to have the same features.
The pro version has a much deeper catalogue of stars and objects. I used the Plus version for years before moving up to the Pro.
I have the SS7 Pro, i follow your steps but when i activate the Scope Display, no green circle appears. What am i doing wrong? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Tap on "observe", "scope display" and then there are two lines with dots in the upper part of the screen that control settings. Tap on that and choose "Show even if not connected to telescope".
@@LateNightAstronomy it worked! THANK YOU!!
Been using SS ver. 6+ for many years. Upgraded to ver 7… but deal breaker is the Menu Bar cannot be hidden to display the map in full screen, critical for small devices and Fonts are way too small even on Large font format. Contacted developer on these issues with little joy, So have returned to ver 6… sad
I didn't liked ss7 too. Clunky icons and no real upgrade over 6 plus. I'm happy with version 6, it's the best astro app there is and I've tried all of them.
I've enjoyed version 7 but that's a good point for smaller devices. Maybe bringing that back has been mentioned on their message boards for considered in future releases!
@@LateNightAstronomy good luck with that, as 4 months and still waiting for upgrade… these points were brought to their attention 1 year ago!
Except You Cant Find It For Windows…Ive Been Trying With My New Mini Laptop For 2 Months.So I Still Control With The Ipad🤨🤨🤨
I think it is only avalilable on IOS. There is a program called Stellarium that is nice to use on the PC.
Ok, purchased the Pro 7 version, but cannot seem to find a way to get it to show the field of view for my Nikon D7500 and Tamron 150-600 telephoto lens. Is that not possible with this app? I was under the impression that it would show what the sensor would capture like the desktop version of Stellarium does, or at least that the camera was pointed in the right direction.
Go to "Observe" and tap on "My Equipment" Add your equipment and then go to "Scope Display" and "Create a Field of View". Make sure you also click the tab at the top and tap on "Show Even if not connected to telescope"
Many thanks, took a time or two to find the "show even if not connected to telescope", the Pro 7 version does not have tabs per se, have to choose from two little sliders at the top of the display. Up and running now!
I like Night Sky
I'll have to give it a look! Thanks for the suggestion.
@Late Night Astronomy thanks for this video. Hey could you please review the app Night Sky and, Sky Guide?
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll have to give them a download to check them out!
Good video, and I am interested.....But, I have the older basic version and it says to get some of the features I need to upgrade to "Premium". Is that a better option than upgrading to the Pro 7 version?
Everything I use in this video is present in the Plus version of Sky Safari 7. Is there a specific thing you are wanting to use?
Want to be able to see what an object would look like with my camera and telephoto lenses like you can in Stellarium. Please see my follow-up comment to your video.
Will you be selling the skywire for iPhone again?
Check with the SkySafari company and their message boards about that.
Wish they did a one time for life purchase like stellarium. Good for life. And they’ve been around for awhile. By going from safari 6 to safari 7 and changing every year or so, not supporting an earlier version, seems like a money grab to me. Not sure I want to support that kind of behavior.
I've enjoyed this app over the years! Stick with the version you have until a new one is released that has features you want or performance upgrades you want. No pressure to upgrade every year!
I tried to view m81 tonight in my light polluted skies. I think i found
it but couldn't be sure it seemed really small. As a comparison i could easily find M3 which was bigger.
Hmm, do filter help with m81?
I'm glad you made the hunt for M81 and M82! I normally do not filter for galaxies. Congrats on finding M3. What type of scope or binoculars do you have?
@@LateNightAstronomy it is a 8" xt8i. I had a 25mm eye piece
@@xrvgamers1189 We have the exact same scope. That's the eyepiece I use most of the time to start out finding galaxies as well.
I am interested in this app but, not quite understanding the hefty price tag... so if I buy it for $49.99 do I have to pay an additional $29.99 for the premium or does that come with the initial app? That's an expensive app... What does premium get you? And do I have to subscribe???
The version I show in this video is SkySafari 7 Plus which can normally be bought for $14.99 but is often on sale for $9.99.
@@LateNightAstronomy Where the heck are you seeing it for $14.99? My ipad says it's $49.99 in the appstore. Does Apple just up the price because they are Apple?? If I get the app, will I have to make additional purchases? Will I have to create a user name and password. Is it a stand alone app or do I have to subscribe? These are questions I wanted to ask on their site... all the choices just lead to ... ask the community forum. Not very good support there. Thanks for your reply. All SkySafari inquiries are addressed in the Community Forums (Check the box to access).
@@galimirnund6543 The current price I see on their website for the iphone version is $19.99. Often times it is on sale for 5 to 10 dollars off. The ipad version may cost more but I went with SkySafari 7 Plus for the iPhone. No extra purchases necessary for anything I've used it for.
I love your videos i'm new
I really appreciate that! Thank you!
Thanks Michael amazing tutorial.!In my equipment How can I add a tele lens Canon 200mm f2.8 to my Canon 5D camera? Thanks a lot
Go to "Observer", "My Equipment" and add your lens as a "telescope". I've got my Samyang lens set up with an Aperture of 67.5mm and a focal length of 135mm.
A powerful app. I just use Stellarium.
Stellarium is a great one as well! Are you running it on your phone or PC?
How accurate do you think this is? Within a degree or 2? I'd be using it to aim a sky tracker since I cannot see the north star where I am.
It is very accurate. Do you live in the southern hemisphere or is Polaris blocked by something?
@@LateNightAstronomy Polaris is blocked; it seems u didn't use the app to aim at something directly, u looked thru your telescope and found something and then used Sky Safari to help guide u from there? I guess if I can aim north, and use my latitude, I can get aimed at Polaris?
@@deeber35 Check out this video I did on polar alignment for a detailed look at how I do it using another app that is free. ua-cam.com/video/EOy2LAFy3uo/v-deo.html
@@LateNightAstronomy If I use several compasses to get north, and I am off by 1 degree, what kind of limits does that put on exposure times and focal length? Do u think 1 degree is likely the closest I can get with compasses?
@@deeber35 If you are shooting with a 50mm or less lens it will be more forgiving. Just depends on your focal length and exposure times, like you said. I would experiment with what you have and see how much the stars trail at different exposure lengths.
Any suggestions for similar apps with this functionality on Android?
I believe it is available for Android as well.
@@LateNightAstronomy Apparently it is only on iOS for v7. Do you know if v6 has the eyepiece sizing features you showed in this video? I'll be using a DSLR and I'm mainly interested in putting my body and lenses in to help with finding objects. Is that considered "Observation Planning Tool"?
@@stettin Version 6 for my on ios did have the scope display function. I would email the company to double check that though.
Do any of the free apps actually work?
Yes, a number of them work quiet well. The is a paid version but I would always encourage people to try out the free/add support tiers first.
So, I bought this app and am regretting it. I cannot view galaxies, they are listed in search but when it finds it it is just a black screen, there is no graphic for any of them. The app has crashed twice now and froze once. I just now typed milky way into the search and it said no results found. I mean what??? It was 50 bucks. You cannot contact the devs...they want you to use the community for help. I'm going to request a refund. It was my last 50 bucks on the app store... I think I'm done buying from the app store too..
Sorry to hear about your difficulties. Galaxies typically show up as an outlined shape in the App like the two galaxies I showed in this video. Under info you can find more pictures and information about them usually. Did you buy it for the iPhone or iPad?
@@LateNightAstronomy I requested a refund from apple. Very disappointed..it looked like a cool space sim. This the 3rd space sim I have tried. First was stellarium, then another one that just gave me nag screens to subscribe, then this one. I have been all over google... youtube trying to figure out what's wrong and nothing. I can't 'orbit' an object I select. I observed the moon.. got the info..pressed orbit and it didn't orbit the moon it just showed the moon in front of me. I put my finger on the moon to bring up the wheel menu..chose the audio icon and it gave me the description for the star Antares... IDK ... it just doesn't work on my ipad I guess. I am giving space engine a try now..and it too is in beta I found out. But, I can view galaxies. What I wanted to do was get one on my ipad so I can go to the mountains here and observe the sky up there. And I gotta say the most reliable one I have gotten even without all the bells and whistles is stellarium..
Sorry to say, Sky Safari 6+ is way better!
Did you upgrade to 7 or keep 6 Plus? I've had a nice experience with both.
What about sky tracker
Is that an app you enjoy using?
@@LateNightAstronomy off course it is
@@LateNightAstronomy but it will cost you about 3 dollars to unlock full version.
Price for 1 year 35eur or 40 $
The price will probably vary per region. I bought it on sale for about 25 US dollars.
Software is too cluttered to me, used another software which is more simple.
Which one do you prefer?
high price!!
They run sales often
So, I went somewhewe else with my ipad to try and download the free DLC that supposedly came with the Pro vervsion, still cant download them. With no tech support from the devs I will conclude that this app is just a piece of shit and will seek a refund. I still cannot view galaxies, nebulea, deep space objects. What a joke hahaha… 50 bucks is a lot of money, wouldn’t you agree?
That is a lot of money. Sorry for your difficulties and I hope you get everything worked out! Take care and clear skies!
Sadly 7 is a downgrade
I've enjoyed using it. Are there features missing that you'd like to see them bring back?
It’s not the best astronomy app. Sky Guide is much better.
No it's based on personal preference. You use what you have to in order to obtain desired results. I find SkySafari as the best app for me but it may not be the case for others.
I'll have to give Sky Guide a look as well! Thanks for the suggestion!
Very true! We each have our own preferences and needs depending on what we are doing in the hobby!