Yes, there are several apps designed to help people identify and track celestial objects visible in different parts of the sky around the world. These apps can also be used to determine which sections of the sky are visible to two people in different locations. One popular option is the “Sky Guide” or “SkySafari,” both of which provide augmented reality features and up-to-date star maps based on your geographical position. Here’s how such apps generally work:
Download and Install: First, both users need to download a sky observation app on their smartphones. Many such apps are available for both iOS and Android platforms.
Setup and Location Sharing: Once installed, users should allow the app to access their device’s GPS to provide accurate information based on their location. Some apps also allow users to manually set their location or share their location with friends, which can be particularly useful when coordinating between two distant places.
Identify Visible Sections: Within the app, users can view star maps that indicate what celestial bodies and sky sections are currently visible. By setting each person’s location in the app, they can see the visible sky pattern for each geography.
Matching Views: To identify common sections of the sky visible to both individuals, these apps often have features that can simulate the sky from any location on Earth. By comparing the sky maps from each person’s location, users can identify overlapping sections or celestial events visible to both.
Notifications and Alerts: Some apps also provide notifications or alerts for upcoming astronomical events that might be visible to users sharing their information. This functionality is useful when trying to observe particular phenomena together.
Overall, using such an app can enhance the star-gazing experience by combining real-time data with shared experiences, despite geographical distances.