# Backyard Planets

> Real-time celestial body display and information based on user location. (iPhone/iPad app by Random Symmetry.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backyard-planets/id558577334 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Random Symmetry](https://appshunter.io/developer/558577337)
- Category: Utilities, Reference
- Price: $0.99
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 6 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 3 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2012-09-13
- Data updated: 2026-08-12
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backyard-planets/id558577334/reviews.md

## What is Backyard Planets?

Backyard Planets will display the planets, sun and moon based on your location.  See what planets are visible from your location at any time of the day or night.

Touch any object and detailed information about that object will be displayed.  Animate any view and see the planets orbit the sun or cross the sky.

## Key features

- Location-based planet display
- Sun and moon visibility
- Detailed object information
- Animated orbits and sky paths
- Real-time celestial tracking

## Recent user reviews (6 of 6)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backyard-planets/id558577334/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Pretty good

*2012-09-26*

My husband is an astronomy buff and says that the app is accurate but the planets are a little too small.

### 4/5 — Neat

*2012-09-25*

Great little app

### 5/5 — Xlnt

*2012-09-24*

Very cool app - Love the Planet info! Kids (and adults too) will have fun with this, and learn a lot as well.

### 5/5 — Backyard Planets

*2012-09-16*

Nice quick ap that lets you know what planets you can see at any time. Gives info on the planets too.  Good for kids interested in the planets.

### 5/5 — Wow

*2012-09-16*

Just what I was looking for!  Easy to use and educational.

### 5/5 — Cute App

*2012-09-14*

Nice little program.  Great for classroom use too.  Gives a good hands-on demo easy for kids to understand and fun for the casual stargazer too.  Grab the kids and your iphone and spend some quality family time under the stars!

## Frequently asked questions about Backyard Planets

### What celestial objects can I see with Backyard Planets?

Backyard Planets displays planets, the sun, and the moon. You can see which of these are visible from your specific location at any time of day or night.

### How does Backyard Planets determine what to show?

The app uses your current location to accurately display the planets, sun, and moon that are visible from your vantage point. It provides real-time celestial information.

### Can I see detailed information about celestial objects?

Yes, you can touch any displayed object to access detailed information about it. This allows for a deeper understanding of the celestial bodies you are observing.

### Does Backyard Planets allow animation of celestial movements?

Yes, you can animate any view to see the planets orbit the sun or observe them crossing the sky. This feature helps visualize celestial mechanics.

### What devices is Backyard Planets compatible with?

Backyard Planets is available for iPhone and iPod devices. It requires iOS 4.0 or later.

### How often is Backyard Planets updated?

The app was last updated on November 18, 2023, with version 3.1. This indicates regular maintenance and potential feature additions.

### What is the age rating for Backyard Planets?

Backyard Planets has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users interested in astronomy.

### Does Backyard Planets have ads?

No, Backyard Planets does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application that offers an ad-free experience.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.1 — 2023-11-18

You can now manually enter latitude and longitude to view the planets from any location.

### 2.1.1 — 2023-11-01

Updated for latest IOS.

### 2.0 — 2017-12-04

Backyard Planets updated to work in IOS 8 and above.

New features include;
- Advance time either forward or backward on all views.
- View the Galilean Satellites of Jupiter and see them orbit the planet.
- See a Full Moon list for the next calendar year.
- See a Solar and Lunar Eclipse list for the next calendar year.
- See the date of Easter for the next 3 years.

### 1.1 — 2013-11-08

Objects are displayed more accurately.  Controls have been updated.

### 1.0 — 2012-09-13

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-12.*