Mars Globe 2.3
Developed by Midnight Martian, Mars Globe is an astronomy app that focuses solely on our neighboring planet. It’s an interactive guide to the things we know about it, land designations, topography, missions like Cassini and Opportunity, etc.
Mars, annotated
Mars Globe starts with a view of the red planet under the current time. For instance, if it’s night there (on the side facing our view), it will shop up like a dark globe. You can touch it and spin it around to speed up time and see it lit up by the sun, while over 1500 surface features are annotated with information and links.
It’s basically a high-resolution satellite map of the planet. It has laser altimeter data and advanced topographic lighting to present Mars exactly as it appears from above. You can get as close as 400 KM above its surface (trust me, that’s really close), which enables you to see canyons that have been carved by Mars’ once-immense water resources, volcanos (that are now no longer active), craters left by showers of asteroids and meteors, etc.
A great classroom tool
Teachers looking to offer their students some insight into Mars are encouraged to download and use the app with AirPlay, putting the image on a big screen. Or with a projector, if that’s the school’s equipment.
Students will be mesmerized by the moving globe, especially if handed the iPhone or iPad to interact with it.
Also worth noting is that the graphics are really, really crisp!
No price to pay, no ads
One thing I find particularly awesome about Mars Globe is that developer Midnight Martian decided he’d not charge any money for it. Nor did he put any ads inside the app. It’s a clear testimony that he created this tool for the world, not for profit. Hats off to that.
Add to watchlist:
ReferenceAstronomy
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0/5
Hits & Misses
hits
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misses
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Bottom Line
Design / UI9
Crisp graphics and an overall awesome visual experience. However, it’s a shame it’s not put into context - alongside the other planets in our solar system. |
Function8
Tells you all you need to know about Mars and does so with an unprecedented level of detail. |
Security10
No problems whatsoever. |
Battery9
For an app that lets you zoom in on such a big 3D object, it drains very little power. |
Price10
100% free. We’re giving Midnight Martian max score for resisting the urge to use ads to monetize the app. |
Compatibility10
Supports all iPhones, iPod touches and iPads natively and requires only iOS 7.0. |
A truly amazing tool dedicated just to our neighboring red planet
Specifications
- price:
- 100% Free
- current version:
- 2.3
- reviewed version:
- 2.2.4
- developer:
- Midnight Martian
- category:
- SCIENCE & EDUCATION
- os version req.:
- 7.0
- age rating:
- 4+
- in-app purchases:
- No
- hits:
- 648