While the international scientific community has spent countless amounts of time and money learning about the vast expanse of space, you can use an open-source, GPS-enabled app by downloading Sky Map to gaze at the stars no matter the weather. All you need is a working Android device or compatible web browser to bring infinity to the palm of your hand.

Once you've downloaded the app from the Google Play Store or navigated to the Google Sky webpage, Sky Map is a relatively intuitive piece of software. If you follow the steps below, you should be virtually flying through the cosmos in no time.

Sky Map works like most other Android applications. You need to log in to your Google account and download the Sky Map app from the Google Play Store to get started. Make sure you select the right app as there are multiple alternatives available in the market. Check the name of the developer. It should be Sky Map Devs,

Once downloaded to your device, Sky Maps uses your smartphone’s gyroscope, GPS functionality, and internal compass to determine where you are and what stars are directly overhead. Named celestial objects, such as planets, galaxies, and constellations, are instantly recognizable in the app in real time, with the latter plotted out to show the intended shape of the constellation. By physically moving around and pointing your phone in different directions, you can see different parts of the night sky and the things you can find there. You can also select which objects you want to appear in the app by tapping the screen and selecting or deselecting various icons representing different space phenomena.