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Celestia
What it is
Celestia is a free, open-source 3D space visualization program available for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. It simulates celestial objects ranging from planets and moons to star clusters and galaxies, which users can view from different places and times. Solar system positions and orbital movements are calculated in real time, with the option to change the rate of motion. Celestia also offers a planetarium-style view: users can travel to celestial worlds, land on their surfaces, and see solar system objects in the sky. Add-ons can extend its catalogues with objects, high-resolution textures, 3D models, spacecraft, and fictional creations. The project is licensed under the GNU General Public License and links to source code for its mobile frontends and original project. Installation routes depend on the platform: options include app stores, GitHub downloads, alternative markets, and Windows sideloading. Linux’s latest stable original-project release is listed as source code, and the browser edition is a lite version. The site says data collection is limited to analytics and diagnostics.
For and against
For
- Simulates objects from planets to galaxies.
- Shows solar system motion in real time.
- Offers add-ons for objects, textures, and models.
- Available across mobile, desktop, and browser platforms.
- Licensed under the GNU General Public License.
Against
- The browser edition is a lite version.
- The latest stable Linux release is listed as source code.
- Installation options vary by platform.
The verdict
Celestia combines a real-time space simulation with planetarium views and an expandable catalogue. It is free and broadly available, though the browser edition is lite and Linux’s listed stable release is source code.
Who it suits
Celestia may suit people who want to explore or visualize space across different platforms. Its add-ons may appeal to users who want to expand the catalogue of objects and models.
Plans and prices
Celestia
Free software under the GNU General Public License
Read 4 Oct 2026 · celestia.mobi
On the record
- Add-ons
- Catalogues can be expanded with add-ons containing objects, high-resolution textures, 3D models, spacecraft, and fictional objects.celestia.mobi · read 4 Oct 2026
- Android availability
- The Android version is available through Google Play, as a GitHub APK, and through alternative markets, which may differ in features.celestia.mobi · read 4 Oct 2026
- Apple availability
- The iOS, iPadOS, and macOS versions are available on the App Store, with a direct GitHub download also offered for macOS.celestia.mobi · read 4 Oct 2026
- Browser version
- A lite version of Celestia can be tried in a web browser.celestia.mobi · read 4 Oct 2026
- Celestial objects
- It simulates objects from planets and moons to star clusters and galaxies, viewable from different points in space and time.celestia.mobi · read 4 Oct 2026
- License
- Celestia is licensed under the GNU General Public License.celestia.mobi · read 4 Oct 2026
- Linux support
- The latest stable original project release, version 1.6.4, is listed for Linux as source code.celestia.mobi · read 4 Oct 2026
- Open source
- The project describes Celestia as open source and links to source code for its mobile frontends and original project.celestia.mobi · read 4 Oct 2026
- Orbital motion
- The positions and movements of solar system objects are calculated in real time at any desired rate.celestia.mobi · read 4 Oct 2026
- Planetarium
- Users can navigate to celestial worlds, land on their surfaces, and see solar system objects in the sky.celestia.mobi · read 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The site states that Celestia collects data only for analytic and diagnostic purposes.celestia.mobi · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Celestia is a real-time 3D visualization of space.celestia.mobi · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The original project directs users to its forum or GitHub discussions, while frontend and website feedback can go through in-app feedback, GitHub issues, or email.celestia.mobi · read 4 Oct 2026
- Windows availability
- The Windows version is available through Microsoft Store or by sideloading the version provided on GitHub.celestia.mobi · read 4 Oct 2026
