My kids and I frequently break out our sky maps and star charts as well as our telescope to view the evening sky. Although we have a lot of fun star gazing, my map and charting capabilities quite frankly stink. Most of the time we end up looking at the moon, unknown stars and possibly planets, and a few constellations that I remember from high school physics.
The iPad Star Walk application has completely changed this event into an absolutely amazing time for me and my kids. Now we can hold up the iPad to the horizon and pan around the evening sky and watch how Star Walk shows us exactly where the stars, planets, moon, and constellations are from our specific location. Star Walk also tells you when the planets, stars, etc. rise and set for optimal viewing and where they will be at various other times. The star gazing application also tells you a little about the planets, which is a great learning tool for us and the kids.
Add in the cool graphics and stellar music and this iPad application is just awesome for the family. Sitting out on the lanai gazing into the evening sky has never been more fun!
Apple iPad