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Gaia SkyUniverse Sandbox
Free

Free and open source under the MPL-2.0.

 Paid

One-time purchase from the website or Steam.

Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Uses real scientific catalogs including Gaia star data
  • Handles around a billion objects in real time
  • N-body gravity simulation using Newtonian mechanics
  • Earth climate model you can alter
  • Large datasets need significant download space and capable hardware
  • Aimed at scientific exploration rather than a guided planetarium experience
  • Paid only
  • Needs a reasonably capable desktop computer
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Closed source
License: MPL-2.0 License not stated
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked October 1, 2026

Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.