CMB Maps vs Universe Size Comparison
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
CMB Maps
Explore detailed all-sky maps of cosmic microwave background radiation from the Big Bang. Compare different generations of fluctuations in high resolution and view galactic coordinates and microwave sources.
- 4K resolution CMB maps
- Compare multiple maps
- Zoom and scroll for details
- Sky reference map
- Educational demonstration tool
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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.
Universe Size Comparison
Explore the vastness of space and understand celestial body dimensions through interactive 3D comparisons. Discover the scale of planets and stars, from our Sun to hypergiant stars, with guided tours and free comparison modes.
- 3D astronomical comparisons
- Tour Mode with guided explanations
- Free Mode for custom comparisons
- Scale comparisons of planets and stars
- Detailed celestial body information
- Elegant user interface
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Universe Size Comparison is a unique 3D astronomical app that will make you understand the real dimensions of the universe and how small we are. Have you ever wondered how big the Sun is compared to Earth? Or what is the largest planet between Mars and Earth? Do you want to find out the dimensions of some of the most famous stars in the sky like Rigel and Betelgeuse in comparison to our Sun? Do you want to compare everything with the hypergiant star VY Canis Majoris? Universe Size Comparison is the right app for you. The app offers two modes: Tour Mode and Free Mode. Tour mode will guide you on a spectacular journey where you will see planets and stars compared in full scale. All accompanied by simple and clear explanations regardless of the level of knowledge of the subject. The Free mode will allow you to compare two celestial bodies of your choice in scale. You will also find out more information on the bodies you are comparing thanks to an elegant user interface designed to offer the maximum user experience.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: CMB Maps at Free against Universe Size Comparison's $1.99. CMB Maps also leads on rating (3.9 vs 3.2) and iOS requirement (6.0 vs 17.0). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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
CMB Maps is free to download; Universe Size Comparison costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
CMB Maps holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 21 and 30 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 67% of CMB Maps's written reviews are positive against 70% of Universe Size Comparison's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
| Parameter | CMB Maps | Universe Size Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $1.99 |
| Rating | 3.9 (21 ratings) — better | 3.2 (30 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | 70.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 21 | 30 — better |
| Update frequency | — | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV |
| Requires iOS | 6.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 57 MB | 411 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | Qingqing Mao | Daniele Citi |
Customer experience
CMB Maps
Universe Size Comparison
In-app purchases
CMB Maps
No in-app purchases
Universe Size Comparison
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is CMB Maps free?
Is Universe Size Comparison free?
Which has better reviews, CMB Maps or Universe Size Comparison?
Do CMB Maps or Universe Size Comparison have ads?
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