(Image credit: Jamie Carter)

Whether you are a seasoned astronomer or a newcomer to the hobby, the best stargazing apps have the potential to seriously enhance your skywatching experience. But it's easy to overlook just how useful these portable programs can be.

That's why we've put together this guide to getting the best use out of stargazing apps, from identifying stars and constellations through to seeking out dark sky sites and beyond. You will wonder how you ever managed without them.

So read on and get ready to take your stargazing to the next level. And if you're wondering how else technology can take the work out of skywatching, we've also rounded up the best smart telescopes .

Using stargazing apps

Some apps use Augmented Reality (AR) features to allow users to scan the sky in real-time.…