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Stellarium vs Cartes du Ciel (SkyChart): catalog facts
Stellarium	Cartes du Ciel (SkyChart)
Free Free and open source under the GPL 2.0, funded by donations and sponsorship.	Free Free software under the GPL.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux
Accurate sky for any location, date and time Simulates the view through binoculars, telescopes and specific eyepieces	Uses many star and deep-sky catalogues Shows planets, asteroids and comets
The three-dimensional rendering needs a reasonable graphics card Default catalogues are limited until you download the extra ones	The number of settings can overwhelm casual stargazers Interface is functional rather than polished
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-2.0	License: GPL
No account needed	No account needed
Works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 21, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

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