đ NASA Space Images (by JPL)
- iOS App Store â Free, weekly curated space photos including Jupiter’s latest from missions like Juno and Voyager. Mission Juno+15NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory+15Space+15Reuters
- Google Play â Offers the same high-resolution imagery and interactive galleries.
This official app from JPL provides access to a rich astronomical catalogâperfect for immersive mobile viewing.
đ NASA App
- iOS â Official NASA hub with âNASA+â videos, news, and mission imagery.
- Android â Same features: high-res planetary images, Juno mission updates, and live feeds. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory+2NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory+2Reuters+2NASA+1NASA+1
This app updates in near-real-time with NASA mission content, including breathtaking views of Jupiter.
đȘ Spacecraft AR
- Android (Google Play) â Uses AR to visualize spacecraft like Juno in your room. Includes mission imagery and context. Reuters+8Mission Juno+8Reddit+8
- (iOS version not currently available)
đ± Space Images (Standalone)
- iOS â Optimized for iPad and iPhone, widget-compatible, lets you like/bookmark/share weekly imagery (Jupiter, Mars, etc.). Wikipedia+2Apple+2NASA+2
đ°ïž JunoCam Community (Web-based mobile-friendly)
While not a downloadable app, the JunoCam website allows you to vote on image targets, process raw Juno spacecraft photos, and dive into atmospheric features. X (formerly Twitter)+2Mission Juno+2Axios+2
đ Stargazing & Orbital Watch Apps
These apps let you track Jupiterâs position, view its moons, and simulate its appearance from Earth:
- Star Walk 2 (iOS & Android): AR sky map identifying Jupiter, its moons, and live sky events. Reddit+15Wikipedia+15Space+15
- SkySafari 6 (iOS & Android): Shows accurate time-adjusted views (e.g., Great Red Spot transits) with light-travel time correction. Space+1Sky & Telescope+1
- JupiterMoons (iOS only): Specialized app displaying real-time Jupiter and Galilean moons position with transit predictions. Space+1Sky & Telescope+1
đ Advanced Virtual Solar System Apps
- NASA WorldWind (Android + Web): 3D globe exploration including Jupiter and its moonsâgreat for scientific visualization. Wikipedia
- WorldWide Telescope (Android + Windows): Interactive planetarium covering planetary bodies, including Jupiter and the four Galilean moons. Wikipedia
- Celestia (Android + iOS): Real-time 3D space simulation to virtually fly around Jupiter and beyond. Wikipedia
đ Notable Progress in Orbital Watching & Imaging
- JunoCam crowd-sourcing: Public-voted points of interest influence Juno spacecraft’s camera targetsâmelding citizen science with planetary imaging. NASA Science+7Axios+7Mission Juno+7
- Close-up hits: Junoâs 61st flyby in May 2024 delivered detailed cloud-band photos that have captivated online communities (e.g., Redditâs r/spaceporn). Reddit
- Near vs Far contrast: Pioneer and Voyager missions provided far-out shots, while Junoâs polar passes offer dynamic, high-res visuals.
đ Which App Should You Choose?
Goal | Best App(s) |
---|---|
Stunning curated photos | Space Images, NASA App |
Planetarium + sky-tracking | Star Walk 2, SkySafari, JupiterMoons |
Interactive 3D space visuals | WorldWind, WWT, Celestia |
Participate in Jupiter imaging | JunoCam website |
â Final Takeaway
Whether you’re a casual stargazer or a citizen-science enthusiast, these apps bring NASAâs missionsâand their magnificent Jupiter imagesâinto your hands. Explore the universe, track planetary events, and even help decide what Juno snaps nextâall from your phone or tablet.
Happy skywatching!
Sources