# Behind the Stars — The heavens in your hands > Learn astronomy using historical instruments and real-sky observation. (iPhone/iPad app by Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/behind-the-stars/id1600998614 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden](https://appshunter.io/developer/369556513) - Category: Education - Price: Free - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 12.0 · 255 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2022-03-05 - Data updated: 2026-06-04 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/behind-the-stars/id1600998614/reviews.md ## What is Behind the Stars? Come with us BEHIND THE STARS and you'll see how – on your own or in a group. Four astronomical instruments await you on this journey. They come from one of the oldest museums in the world: the Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon in Dresden, Germany. You'll learn how to use these historical instruments (a nocturnal, a sundial, a celestial globe, and an astrolabe) and be able to apply them in the real sky — right now, wherever you are. You can make use of 20 guided units or set out on your own in the new Exploration Mode. While you're exploring, you'll also come to see how the movements of the heavens arise: of the Sun, the Moon, and the stars. ## Key features - Historical astronomical instruments - Learn to use nocturnal, sundial, celestial globe, astrolabe - Apply instruments to real sky - 20 guided learning units - Exploration Mode - Understand celestial movements ## Recent user reviews (2 of 2) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/behind-the-stars/id1600998614/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Tolle App und sehr verständliche Erklärungen *2024-01-09, version 3.1* Ich habe die Version 3.1 und alles klappt super. Ich kenne die Objekte vom Museumsbesuch und finde die Erklärungen hier super - sehr verständlich und interessant! ### 1/5 — Funktioniert leider nicht. *2023-08-18, version 2.3* Es werden keine Sternbilder angezeigt und die App ist somit gar nicht nutzbar. ## Frequently asked questions about Behind the Stars ### What historical astronomical instruments can I learn to use with Behind the Stars? Behind the Stars allows you to learn how to use four historical astronomical instruments: a nocturnal, a sundial, a celestial globe, and an astrolabe. These instruments are from the Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon in Dresden. ### How does Behind the Stars help me understand celestial movements? The app teaches you to use historical instruments to observe and understand the movements of the Sun, the Moon, and the stars in the real sky. You can apply what you learn immediately, wherever you are. ### What learning modes are available in Behind the Stars? Behind the Stars offers two primary learning modes: 20 guided units designed to lead you through astronomical concepts, and a new Exploration Mode for self-directed discovery. ### Is Behind the Stars suitable for young children? Yes, Behind the Stars has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for younger learners. The app provides an engaging way to introduce astronomical concepts. ### On which devices can I use Behind the Stars? Behind the Stars is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It is designed for iOS devices. ### How often is Behind the Stars updated? The app was last updated on September 14, 2023, with version 3.1. This indicates regular maintenance and potential feature additions. ### Does Behind the Stars offer any certifications for completing its learning units? The provided information does not mention any specific certifications being offered upon completion of the guided units or exploration within Behind the Stars. ### Can I use Behind the Stars offline? The description does not specify whether Behind the Stars can be used offline. However, its focus on real-sky observation might imply a need for an internet connection for certain features. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.1 — 2023-09-14 We’ve improved the pathfinding in the Workshop Mode and added tutorials for those setting up a room or using the app. FAQ have also been added. ### 2.3 — 2023-05-07 With the newly added Workshop Mode school classes and other groups can work through the units together or make observations of their surroundings. For instance, you can track the Moon with your group over the course of a month or conduct a sun shadow observation to find the true south. ### 2.2 — 2023-05-07 With the newly added Workshop Mode school classes and other groups can work through the units together or make observations of their surroundings. For instance, you can track the Moon with your group over the course of a month or conduct a sun shadow observation to find the true south. ### 2.1 — 2023-03-17 With the newly added Workshop Mode school classes and other groups can work through the units together or make observations of their surroundings. For instance, you can track the Moon with your group over the course of a month – the app will generate individual Moon journals. Coming soon: A module helping you to observe the Sun’s shadows over a day, in order to find true south and the time of local noon. ### 2.0 — 2023-03-16 With the newly added Workshop Mode school classes and other groups can work through the units together or make observations of their surroundings. For instance, you can track the Moon with your group over the course of a month – the app will generate individual Moon journals. Coming soon: A module helping you to observe the Sun’s shadows over a day, in order to find true south and the time of local noon. ## Apps similar to Behind the Stars | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Deutsches Hygiene-Museum](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/deutsches-hygiene-museum/id1194590093) | — | Free | Education | | [AR-Physics](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ar-physics/id6451423436) | — | Free | Education | | [PUMA:Spannungslabor](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pumaspannungslabor/id1597325319) | — | Free | Education | | [The Dresden Transport Museum](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-dresden-transport-museum/id642745671) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Education | | [Sky Paths – Audio Tour](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sky-paths-audio-tour/id6739566547) | — | Free | Education | | [Museum Five Continents](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/museum-five-continents/id1660922780) | — | Free | Education | ## More apps by Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden - [Artomat](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/artomat/id1475099494) - [Bellotto Click](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bellotto-click/id1635927480) - [MPS Audio Guide](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mps-audio-guide/id6479981384) All apps by Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden: https://appshunter.io/developer/369556513 --- *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 2026-06-04.*