# CMB Maps > Cosmic Microwave Background all-sky maps for education and demonstration. (iPhone/iPad app by Qingqing Mao.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cmb-maps/id894952449 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Qingqing Mao](https://appshunter.io/developer/894952452) - Category: Education, Entertainment - Price: Free - Rating: 4.00/5 from 14 App Store ratings · 6 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 6.0 · 57 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2014-07-20 - Data updated: 2026-07-25 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cmb-maps/id894952449/reviews.md ## What is CMB Maps? Amazing cosmic microwave background all-sky maps on your iPhone and iPad! This app allows you to see and compare different generations of CMB fluctuations. It includes 4K resolution all-sky COBE/WMAP/Planck CMB maps and allows you to zoom in and scroll around for map details. You can choose to view a single map, or compare multiple maps by tilting your device. A sky reference map is also included to show the galactic coordinates, notable Milky Way components, and microwave point sources. Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) is the afterglow radiation from the Big Bang. Its temperature is extremely uniform, but with tiny fluctuations as you will see in these maps. 

In 1992, COBE satellite made the first detection of the CMB fluctuations. The following WMAP and Planck mission were able to scan the sky at better and better resolution. The successes of these CMB observations have provided us great understanding of the Universe over the last decades. Check the Wikipedia page for more details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_microwave_background This app is designed and made by Qingqing Mao at Vanderbilt University for the purposes of astronomy education and demonstration. The included CMB maps are generated by NASA and ESA. COBE, WMAP and sky reference image credits: 
NASA / WMAP Science Team. 
Planck image credits: 
ESA and the Planck Collaboration. Author's personal website: http://mqq.io Suggestions and feedback are very welcome. Please leave your review, or visit author's website for contact information. ## Key features - 4K resolution CMB maps - Compare multiple maps - Zoom and scroll for details - Sky reference map - Educational demonstration tool ## Recent user reviews (6 of 6) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cmb-maps/id894952449/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Can’t be downloaded *2025-07-07, version 1.0* Developer needs to update this app or it needs to be removed from App Store. ### 1/5 — ITS TRASH *2022-10-28, version 1.0* I couldn’t get on the STUPID APP. IT KEPT TELLING ME TO UPDATE THE TRASHY DARN APP. PLEASE FIX THE UPDATING PROBLEM.PLSSS ### 4/5 — Good app that needs an update *2022-08-26, version 1.0* I’ve enjoyed this app on older IPhones and IPads. However, it needs an update to run on the new operating system. The Contact form doesn’t work so I’m hoping the author will see this. I look forward to using this app again. ### 5/5 — Love it! *2015-07-17, version 1.0* A fantastic for exploring the Universe! ### 5/5 — Simple and effective *2014-08-03, version 1.0* An excellent tool to demonstrate how the cosmic microwave background looks on the sky. ### 5/5 — Zoom and fade between 20+ years of CMB data *2014-07-18, version 1.0* Fun tool to look at CMB maps from the 3 major missions. I particularly like the sky reference overlay. ## Frequently asked questions about CMB Maps ### What is CMB Maps? CMB Maps is an educational application that allows users to view and compare high-resolution all-sky maps of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation. It's designed for astronomy education and demonstration purposes. ### What CMB maps are included in CMB Maps? CMB Maps includes 4K resolution all-sky maps from COBE, WMAP, and Planck missions, along with a sky reference map showing galactic coordinates and microwave sources. ### Can I compare different CMB maps in CMB Maps? Yes, CMB Maps allows you to view a single map or compare multiple maps simultaneously. You can even tilt your device to facilitate comparison between different map generations. ### Is CMB Maps suitable for learning about the Big Bang? Yes, the app is specifically designed for astronomy education and demonstration. It provides visual data of the Cosmic Microwave Background, which is the afterglow radiation from the Big Bang, helping users understand its fluctuations. ### What devices does CMB Maps support? CMB Maps is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, making it accessible for a wide range of Apple users interested in astronomy. ### How often is CMB Maps updated? CMB Maps was last updated on July 20, 2014, with version 1.0. As of the latest information, there have been no subsequent updates. ### Does CMB Maps have ads? No, CMB Maps does not contain advertisements. It is a free application designed for educational purposes without any ad interruptions. ### What is the user rating for CMB Maps? CMB Maps has a rating of 4.0 stars based on 14 user ratings, indicating a generally positive reception from its users. ## Version history (last 1 release) ### 1.0 — 2014-07-20 No release notes. ## Apps similar to CMB Maps | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Universe Size Comparison](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universe-size-comparison/id1473946290) | 3.1 (24) | $1.99 | Education | | [Universal Zoom - Science Guide](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-zoom-science-guide/id807673066) | 4.8 (293) | $5.99 | Education | | [Univerzoom 3D - Explore Scale](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/univerzoom-3d-explore-scale/id1552648156) | 4.8 (287) | $2.99 | Education | | [Solar Explorer 3D](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solar-explorer-3d/id6752232739) | 4.1 (18) | Free | Education | | [Universal Numbers: Count to 1M](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-numbers-count-to-1m/id6504361759) | 5.0 (7) | Free | Education | | [3D Star Map](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-star-map/id6758356924) | — | Free | Education | ## Related topics [universe size comparison](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/universe-size-comparison) --- *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 2026-07-25.*