Stellarium

Education & research

Free open-source softwareEditorial overview
A CLOSER LOOK

What is Stellarium?

Stellarium is a desktop planetarium that renders the sky for a chosen location and time. It helps learners and observers identify stars, constellations, planets, and other objects while exploring how the visible sky changes over time.

Interactive night sky

Location and time controls

Constellation views

Object search

Is it a good fit?

Best suited to

Astronomy learners and sky observers

Before you choose

Visual simulation depends on configured conditions. Separate mobile products have their own terms.

Editorial assessment based on the provider’s published information. Our method

Know what you're signing up for.

The Open source software is available without a license subscription and includes Interactive night sky and Location and time controls. This covers the downloadable application, while optional support, third-party services, and separately licensed materials have their own terms.

No software subscription; hardware, support and any separately licensed extras are not included.

Check current official pricing

The useful parts. The trade-offs.

Why consider it

Intuitive way to explore astronomy

Useful for planning observation sessions

What to keep in mind

Visual simulation depends on configured conditions

Separate mobile products have their own terms

How to use it well

Set the observing location and date before searching for an object, then compare the simulation with the actual horizon and light conditions. Use time controls to understand when an object rises or sets. Confirm local weather and site access separately, since a sky simulation does not establish real-world viewing conditions.

This is best suited to astronomy learners and sky observers. Before committing a larger project, account for these trade-offs: visual simulation depends on configured conditions; separate mobile products have their own terms.

A few things you might be wondering.

Is Stellarium free?

The Open source software is available without a license subscription and includes Interactive night sky and Location and time controls. This covers the downloadable application, while optional support, third-party services, and separately licensed materials have their own terms.

Can Stellarium show the sky from another place or date?

Yes. Location and time controls are core features.

Does the free desktop listing include every mobile app?

No. Mobile products and their store terms should be checked separately.

Where can I check the latest prices?

Use the provider link on this page. Billing period, location, team size, promotions, taxes, and optional extras may affect the amount you pay.

How should I compare this tool with alternatives?

Choose tools for the same task, then compare their feature limits, platform support, and total cost for your team. The Compare button helps you keep a shortlist.

Are the user reviews moderated?

Yes. New reviews are submitted for moderation. We show published user reviews separately from the editorial overview and never assign a default user rating.

Real experiences matter.

Be the first to share your experience.

No published user reviews yet.

Write a review

Your name, rating, and review may be published after moderation. Your email is kept private and is not displayed.

Keep exploring.

HELP SHAPE THE DIRECTORY

Know a useful tool?

Send your suggestion for editorial review.

Suggestions are reviewed before they appear in the directory.