Stellarium can seem a little daunting when you first download it. It’s also a lot of fun to just play around with.

Since I began working as a Planetarium presenter it’s a tool that I’ve found to be invaluable.

There is also a mobile app that is mostly free but requires you to pay for some of the more advanced features. Luckily there is a completely free Planetarium software called Stellarium that anyone can download to their computer that allows you to explore the heavens from the comfort of your own home. Perhaps you live in the middle of a city, where light pollution from cars, buildings, and street lamps drown out all but the very brightest stars? Perhaps you live in a place where cloudless nights are few and far between? Or perhaps after a busy day, standing in your garden and squinting into space doesn’t sound quite as appealing as some well-earned rest and self-care? It’s a nice idea, but does it actually reflect the reality faced by many of us?

All you have to do is step out into your garden or look out your window on a clear night and the wonder of space is yours to discover.

Stellarium web set location