# SpaceNerd

> Augmented reality stargazing and celestial object identification tool. (iPhone/iPad app by Dan Lazarescou.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spacenerd/id6760432915 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Dan Lazarescou](https://appshunter.io/developer/1884447939)
- Category: Education, Entertainment
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.6 · 76 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2026-03-17
- Data updated: 2026-07-09
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spacenerd/id6760432915/reviews.md

## What is SpaceNerd?

SpaceNerd helps you recognize what you’re pointing at in the sky and learn to navigate by stars, planets, and deep-sky objects — using your iPhone’s motion sensors and approximate location.

Modes
• What (Identity): aim at a star or planet to identify likely matches.
• Where (Guidance): pick a star, planet, or deep-sky object and get live azimuth/altitude guidance to find it. If the object is not in the built-in catalog, SpaceNerd can look it up through SIMBAD.
• Const (Constellations): search a constellation and use a guide star to point at it.
• Game: race to find a target star — timer stops when you lock on the star.

Tip: Tap “?” in the top-right corner anytime for quick help and instructions.

How it works
SpaceNerd uses the device’s motion sensors and your approximate location to estimate where you’re pointing, then compares that direction to a catalog of stars, planets, constellations, and selected online astronomical object data.

It doesn’t require stars to be visible on the camera image — so it can still be useful in daylight, through thin clouds, or even indoors for learning and practice. For best accuracy, move slowly and use it outdoors with a clear view of the sky.

Privacy
No account required. No ads. No analytics or tracking. Location is used on-device to compute sky positions and is not stored or shared.

Data sources
Planet positions are based on NASA/JPL ephemerides. The built-in star catalog was compiled offline using SIMBAD for RA/Dec references and Stellarium for constellation asterisms. Expanded Where searches may query SIMBAD, operated by CDS, for astronomical object lookup. Wikipedia may be opened when you tap “Open Wikipedia.”

## Key features

- Identify stars and planets
- Live guidance to celestial objects
- Constellation search and navigation
- Offline astronomical catalog
- Daylight and cloud-friendly stargazing
- Interactive astronomy game


## Frequently asked questions about SpaceNerd

### What is SpaceNerd?

SpaceNerd is an educational app that uses your iPhone's motion sensors and location to help you identify and navigate celestial objects like stars, planets, and constellations.

### Can I use SpaceNerd without an internet connection?

Yes, the app includes an offline astronomical catalog for identifying stars and constellations. Expanded searches may query SIMBAD online.

### Does SpaceNerd have ads?

No, SpaceNerd is ad-free and does not contain advertisements.

### Is SpaceNerd suitable for beginners?

Yes, SpaceNerd is designed for learning and includes quick help and instructions accessible via the '?' icon, making it suitable for beginners.

### What devices does SpaceNerd support?

SpaceNerd is currently supported on iPhone devices.

### How accurate is SpaceNerd?

For best accuracy, move slowly and use the app outdoors with a clear view of the sky. It uses device sensors and approximate location for estimations.

### What age rating does SpaceNerd have?

SpaceNerd has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users interested in space.

### How often is SpaceNerd updated?

The latest version, 3.0.1, was released on June 16, 2026, indicating active development and updates.

## Version history (last 4 releases)

### 3.0.1 — 2026-06-16

Improved SIMBAD lookup, deep-sky object classification, and Wikipedia results.

### 3.0 — 2026-06-12

• Where mode can now find more astronomical objects, including many deep-sky targets, using SIMBAD lookup.
• Planet positions are refreshed from NASA/JPL Horizons and cached for later offline use.
• Improved reliability and internal diagnostics.

### 1.0.1 — 2026-03-21

Updated for the latest iOS SDK requirement  and improved the permission + launch experience.

### 1.0 — 2026-03-17

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 2026-07-09.*