KStars vs Celestia: catalog facts
 KStars |  Celestia |
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Free Free and open source from the KDE community. |
Free Free and open source. |
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Windows, macOS, Linux |
Windows, macOS, Linux |
- Sky simulation with up to 100 million stars, plus comets and asteroids
- Observation planner and calculation tools such as conjunction prediction
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- Free, real-time 3D exploration of space
- Move freely between planets, stars and galaxies
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- The large feature set takes time to learn
- Some information and imagery features rely on internet resources
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- Project website blocks automated visitors with a proof-of-work check
- A simulator for exploration rather than a structured astronomy course
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Downloadable app |
Downloadable app |
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Open source |
Open source |
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License not stated |
License: GPL-2.0 |
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No account needed |
No account needed |
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Not stated if it works offline |
Not stated if it works offline |
Checked September 23, 2026 | Checked September 23, 2026 |
Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.
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