Identifying stars - what are the chances?

twopenny

Ok so I've never downloaded an app in my life so please be simple.

I'd like to identify the stars. I live 15mins from a dark sky area but mostly in my garden which should be easier.

I don't want all the tragectories, time of arrival etc. Just point and name.

And not a clue with 'calibrating my phones compass' besides my phone is old as the proverbial hills. Some 12yrs.

Would be willing to get a cheap other if the app was just what I wanted.

Has anyone ever done this so you have comparisons?

Or recommendations?

I've been looking at SkyMap which is free but seems to have problems.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.stardroid&hl=en_AU

I've looked at others but they can be very complicated/

Does it use data? I am in lots of credit from my payg at the mo so not a problem other than I'll have to tune in to some signal

This may be above and beyond my capabilities but I've forgotten half the constellations I once knew.

As for the downloading I may know somewhere where someone offers help for free.

All help gratefully received

RumRat

One of the better ones is SkySafari even the free version is good and the paid for versions are really cheap. 

Emmia

I use Sky Map, works really well.

Grumpy_chap

Please don't take this as a facetious answer - it is deadly serious.
I use the Ladybird book I had since primary school "The Night Sky".
Very durable, easy to use and no technical stuff around the app being compatible or using up data allowance or calibration of the phone compass.

twopenny

Thanks everyone 
I'll have a look at those.
Grumpy, I used to have one. Excellent. And I think I gave it away when I moved.
I have a massive National Geographic atlas kept because of the wonderful map of the night sky but it's too heavy to take out - and too much info and a pita in the dark.

I also had stary night or some such, one of the first, on my old computer.

First time I've ever wanted an app, saw a photographer point his phone at the night sky on tv and thought that was exciting.
I'll check those sites at the weekend.

wongataa

Stellarium works well for this.  The free version is all that is needed.

SiliconChip

I'd have my doubts if all apps will work correctly (or at all!) on a 12 year old phone, so maybe try some of the free ones first to find one that does before considering spending any money. Although it's likely that the OS on a phone of that age will be out of support anyway so a hardware update might not be a bad idea.

TonyMMM

Another vote for Stellarium ( free)

Newcad

I use Heavens Above on my phone:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heavens_above.viewer&hl=en_GB&gl=US

I'm not particularly interested in the sattelite stuff but the starchart is good and failrly easy to use, tip- hold it above your head and line up the North pointer, you are looking up at stars afterall.

Put it in the red screen mode as well so as not to spoil your eyes night adaptation.

Flugelhorn

I use a planisphere https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-Planisphere-Latitude-51-5-North/dp/1849074852/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=planisphere&qid=1706878358&sr=8-1

twopenny

I had wondered about those Flugle. 
Look intriguing.
Can you see them in the dark?