If you're a star gazer, then you'll probably love SkyORB which is basically a 3D planetarium although the developers call it a "Space simulation and star gazing utility".
SkyORB brings the entire universe to your desktop enabling you to search for stars, planets, moons, comets and asteroids all of which are regularly updated. It lets you choose to see the sky in from any point on Earth or even any planet in the solar system. It features iPhone and iPad integration meaning you can use it even when you're on the move.
The latest update has given it a fresh new slick look and even includes weather updates for the various planets.
Although SkyORB is free to use and very complete, the premium version offers even more worthwhile features including no reminder pop-up windows, the ability to zoom to up to 1 degree in local view and more information dialogs about the various planets.
However, the biggest problem with SkyORB is that it is quite tricky to configure. The Help section in the free version is very limited (although more extensive in the premium version) and so you'll struggle setting it up, especially if your knowledge of astronomy is limited.
SkyORB's new look 3D interface is very slick and basic navigation of the solar system in 3D is easy and fun. It would, however, be useful if some of the control symbols at the top of the screen had labels to indicate what they do too because learning how to use them is very much trial and error.
SkyORB is a dream for those with an interest in the solar system although it does take some setting up.
