Solar Explorer 3D vs Eclipse 2026 AR
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Solar Explorer 3D
Explore the cosmos with a realistic 3D simulation of the Solar System. Witness celestial bodies, spacecraft, and their movements with detailed surface views and mission replays. Ideal for astronomy enthusiasts and educators.
- Realistic 3D Solar System simulation
- Detailed celestial body and spacecraft models
- Surface exploration and landing views
- Time acceleration for observing motion
- Mission replay functionality
- Real-time astronomical data display
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Embark on an immersive journey through the solar system! Solar Explorer brings the solar system to life with a stunning 3D simulation based on real astronomical data, featuring 60+ celestial bodies and spacecraft. Experience the grandeur and mysteries of the universe in the palm of your hand. Key Features • Realistic Simulation – Explore the orbits of celestial bodies and spacecraft, along with the rotation of planets and moons, in an immersive 3D simulation. • Close-Up View – Observe surfaces and rotation up close, follow moons around their parent planets, and examine detailed 3D spacecraft models. • Landing View – View a realistic starry sky and the Milky Way from selected surface locations on different celestial bodies. • Time Acceleration – Speed up time or run it backward to explore how celestial bodies and spacecraft move. • Mission Replay – Replay selected space missions with trajectory overviews and close-ups of key events. • Surface Features – Zoom in to discover surface features and place names on the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies. Professional-Grade Experience • Planet, moon, and spacecraft positions are calculated using astronomical data and celestial mechanics, with information panel data updated to match the simulation time. • Inspect high-resolution surface textures up close and discover the varied landscapes of planets and moons. • Examine detailed 3D spacecraft models, including all five probes that have traveled beyond Neptune’s orbit, and track their speed and distance from Earth as simulation time changes. • Discover historic landing sites on the Moon, Mars, Venus, and other worlds, with details about landers and surface features. • Landing view uses celestial mechanics and viewing geometry to recreate the local sky and celestial motion, reflecting effects such as the Moon’s tidal locking and Venus’s retrograde rotation. • The Earth-Moon view extends to the Sun-Earth Lagrange points L1 and L2, with orbital paths for space telescopes such as JWST, Roman, and Euclid. • Enjoy detailed planetary rings, the Sun’s corona and glow, and sweeping views of the asteroid belt and Kuiper belt, along with shadows and transits. Intuitive Controls • Tap a celestial body or its name label to enter close-up view, or browse celestial bodies and spacecraft in the catalog. • Drag with one finger to rotate the view, and pinch with two fingers to zoom. • In close-up view, use the location picker to choose a landing viewpoint. On Earth, you can also use your current location. • Adjust the speed and direction of time in orbit view, close-up view, and landing view to observe rotation and orbital motion. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast, an educator, or a curious explorer, Solar Explorer opens a gateway to the mysteries of the universe. Download now and begin your space adventure!
Eclipse 2026 AR
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On August 12, 2026, the sky will present an unforgettable spectacle: a total solar eclipse visible across Iceland, Spain, and other parts of the world. Want to know exactly how it will look from your position or plan the perfect trip to experience 100% totality? Eclipse 2026 AR is the ultimate Augmented Reality (AR) simulator that allows you to preview and track the solar eclipse directly from your iPhone. Find the perfect viewing spot long before the event begins! Point your camera at the sky to see the exact positions of the Sun and Moon in real time, or travel through time to simulate the entire event from any corner of the planet. MAIN FEATURES PRECISE AUGMENTED REALITY Visually project the Sun and Moon onto your live camera view. Check the exact degree of solar obscuration at any time and location. Includes a quick-access button to jump straight to the exact moment the eclipse starts at your current position! ADVANCED TIME SIMULATOR Control time at your fingertips! Fast-forward or reverse the eclipse's progress with an extreme speed selector (ranging from -500x to +500x). Press "Play" to watch the celestial bodies move, or freeze time completely to analyze the peak moment. INTERACTIVE SHADOW MAP Track the eclipse's shadow path across the globe. See how the shadow moves at your selected date and time, and easily identify the path of totality (maximum darkness) versus partial eclipse zones. CUSTOM VIRTUAL LOCATION Want to know how the eclipse will look from another city? Drop a pin on the map to simulate the AR experience from that exact spot on Earth. The app clearly indicates whether you are viewing real GPS data or your custom simulated location. BUILT-IN MANUAL & MULTI-LANGUAGE Fully available in English and Spanish. Includes a straightforward, step-by-step guide to help you get the most out of all the augmented reality features. IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING This application is a digital simulation and visualization tool. It DOES NOT replace certified solar filters or eclipse glasses required for direct solar viewing. NEVER look directly at the Sun without proper, certified eye protection. Pointing your phone camera directly at the sun can damage its sensors; use the app with caution, preferably targeting the simulated path before the actual event takes place. OBSERVING OR RECORDING THE SUN WITHOUT PROPER PROTECTION CAN CAUSE SEVERE EYE DAMAGE. DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Eclipse 2026 AR at none against Solar Explorer 3D's 1. Eclipse 2026 AR also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Solar Explorer 3D sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Eclipse 2026 AR asks for nothing beyond the download.
Solar Explorer 3D ships an update every 2 weeks, Eclipse 2026 AR every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Solar Explorer 3D | Eclipse 2026 AR |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.1 (22 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 22 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 10 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 14.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 835 MB | 24 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Shenzhen Qizhuan Technology Co., Ltd. | Luis Alberto Menendez Fernandez |
In-app purchases
Solar Explorer 3D
- Premium Edition$3.99
Eclipse 2026 AR
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Solar Explorer 3D free?
Is Eclipse 2026 AR free?
Do Solar Explorer 3D or Eclipse 2026 AR have ads?
Which is updated more often, Solar Explorer 3D or Eclipse 2026 AR?
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