If you’re into astronomy, or also into science fiction, then you should definitely download the Cosmos Story app for the iPad and iPhone. It’s an audio and visual interactive experience that guides you through the universe.

I’ve had a chance to check out the app, and it’s pretty “far out”. When starting the guide, it displays the stars in real-time, depending on your location. Wherever you point your iOS device, that’s where the stars are actually at. You can switch between different view modes, one which shows the stars in space or the other showing the sky as if you’re on land. The “sky” viewing mode will change between night and day depending on time.

You’re given an option to start the guide from the beginning, or you can select different chapters. Once started, a relaxed male voice gives you a tour to the stars. As he speaks, soothing, ambient space music can be heard in the background. As you listen further, the story will go deeper into the universe, ranging from other stars to other galaxies.

Certain parts of the tour will have you direct your device towards the star/objects you’re looking for. Once it confirms that you’re pointing in the right direction, the lovely narrator continues the guided tour, explaining what it is that you’re looking at. If you’ve learned this in school a long time ago, just think of it like a refresher.

Cosmos Story is definitely worth checking out if you’re a space fan. With a running time of around half an hour for the guided tour, be prepared to look upon the stars and learn about our galaxy and universe.

John “Spartan” Nguyen

John “Spartan” Nguyen is the editor-in-chief at Nerd Reactor and is based in Orange County, CA. He is a graphic designer and illustrator.

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