Is your head spinning as much as mine when it comes to new technology lately? It’s truly hard to keep up with it all, but you want to do it as best you can because there are so many cool things out there.

With the right app you can hold your smart phone or computer tablet up against the night sky and find your way around the heavens, but you do need the right app, the right technique and a little patience. Just owning the app doesn’t make you an expert backyard astronomer.

As it is with a lot of new technology and gizmos, you still need to do some prep work. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and grief in the long run.

Some apps are better than others. They all use GPS technology as their base because in order for these devices to work they have to know exactly where you are on the globe and what date and time it is. Even with that it’s not always fool proof.

As you hold your phone up to the heavens it shows you the stars and constellations in the direction you’re facing. Be careful though, because in practice I’ve found that the display can at times be 10 to 15 degrees off.

Also, be sure you have the display in night viewing mode with a red background so you can keep your night vision. That’s much more user friendly, especially with smartphones. It’s hard enough on the eyes trying to see the tiny star map on a phone, and if you don’t have the display set on the red night mode you’re setting yourself up for a headache. That’s no way to enjoy your universe.

Keep in mind that if you’re viewing from an area of moderate to heavy light pollution, as unfortunately most of us are, you won’t be able to see all of the stars displayed on your app. Some apps, though, do have the option of setting your screen for less than pristine lightning conditions.

Of course, the kind of app you can use depends on whether you have an Apple based device or an Android.

In the area of astronomy and star watching, Apple has most of the better apps, but Android is catching up. I have an Android smartphone and, for now, that’s what I’m stuck with because until I’m eligible for an upgrade I don’t feel like paying through the nose for a new device. However, I have had the chance to borrow and use an iPhone and an iPad with quite a few of the available stargazing apps.

In my humble opinion, these are my favorite Apps for Apple products and Android phones and tablets, as of right now. Although, the way things are whirling along there could be several more great Apps out there next week, or in the very near future!

iPhones, iPads: Star Walk

This is definitely my favorite and it’s less than $5.

Star Walk does a great job of displaying constellations, stars, planets and deep space objects. It will tell you when to look for the International Space Station or other satellites flying over your backyard.

You can set it up for future times and dates, which allows you to do some prep time before you take it out. Star Walk has a great search function that will help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

It’s great for both beginning and experienced stargazers. It has an astronomy picture of the day you can add to your library, and, if you want, it will even play celestial music for you.

Personally, I like to star watch to Led Zeppelin or even Bobby Rydell... but that’s just me. It’s most user friendly with a thin iPad because of the much bigger display, but even with an iPhone it’s very useful and a lot of fun!

Android phones, tablets: Star Chart

I love, love, love this app, and I love showing it off at my star parties. Eventually, I want to get a tablet and put it on that so I can really see and enjoy the display.

Like Star Walk it’s less than $5 and has a great display format as well as a wonderful search function for constellations, stars, deep space objects and planets. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of Star Walk, but it does a wonderful job and has a great support section. You do have to provide your own background music if you want it though.

Don’t get this: Google Sky Map for Android

You know the old saying, “You get what you pay for?” Well, in my opinion, that’s certainly the case for Google Sky Map.

It’s free, but I think it’s a piece of junk. It’s hard to navigate and has really weird interpretations of the constellations. I’m just trying to save you some aggravation here!

Just as it is with old-fashioned paper star maps, like the full September star map featured in last week’s Butler Starwatch column, you need to make yourself as comfortable as you can with your phone, pad or tablet.

Try and find the darkest spot in your yard or neighborhood — that is safe of course — and lie back on a regular or reclining lawn chair. Take about 15 to 20 minutes to get your night vision and then hold the phone, pad or tablet over your head.

Of course, you’ll need to scoot your chair around as you change directions. While that may be a little bit of a hassle it sure beats standing around holding that device over your head.

Technology can be so wonderful if you use it correctly and wisely!