Cosmic Watch combines a 3D planetarium, sky guide and clock, with real-time views of Earth and the sky. Point a phone or tablet upward to identify constellations, stars and planets through augmented reality, or switch among views from your location, of Earth and of the solar system. Its free plan includes these views, the sky guide, layers, star names, a world clock and astronomical-event notifications. Other built-in features include a 360-degree celestial sphere, geocentric and heliocentric solar-system views, astrology mode and retrograde motion. Paid subscriptions or Cosmic Pro add tools such as a Moon Calendar, meteor showers, comets, real-time clouds and Time Control. Cosmic Astro offers Western or Vedic natal charts with interactive 3D horoscopes and PDF export to subscribers and Pro members. The app is available on Android, iOS and macOS. Optional anonymous Matomo analytics can be turned off in settings; the maker says it does not store or share location or network information.
Who it is for
It suits sky watchers, amateur astronomers, outdoor enthusiasts and clock fans who want a mobile sky guide or an educational way to explore the solar system. Birth-chart tools are available to subscribers and Cosmic Pro members.
What is good
- Free plan includes sky guide and solar-system views.
- Augmented reality identifies stars, planets and constellations.
- Includes a world clock and event notifications.
- Available on Android, iOS and macOS.
- Optional analytics can be disabled in settings.
What to know first
- Moon Calendar and other tools require paid access.
- Natal-chart export requires subscription or Cosmic Pro.
- No telescope control or mission tracking.
Verdict
Cosmic Watch brings sky identification, Earth and solar-system views, and clock features together in one app. Its free plan covers core viewing tools, while specialized calendars and other additions require paid access.
Cosmic Watch plans and pricing
All plansCompared on astronomy apps
- Free plan
- Yes
- Platform coverage
- cross-platform
- AR sky view
- Yes
- Telescope control
- No
- Mission tracking
- No
- Learning content
- Yes
