The Comet ISON app will help you find and travel along with our space visitor
The comet ISON is currently barreling toward the sun with a close solar encounter due on November 28. It's currently visible in our morning skies, but will become a night-time sight in a few months if it survives the close approach to the sun.
Comets are notoriously unreliable. When Halley's comet returned in 1986 it was pretty much a bust for visual observers. ISON could shine as brightly as the full moon, be a dim asterisk or something in between.
That brings me to the the Comet ISON app (US$0.99). It's the nicest comet-finding app I've seen so far. It will help you locate ISON, then let you get aboard the comet for a 3D fly-through as it heads toward the sun and beyond.
In addition to the beautifully rendered 3D views, there is ample information on the history of comets, with animations and other videos. The app also lets you share your view of the comet with others.
If you are interested in Comet ISON, but want something free, check out the Comet Watch app, which I reviewed last month.
Comet ISON is a very polished app at a reasonable price. It will make it easy for you to find the comet as it brightens. Animations are very smooth, and the app packs a lot of graphic power.
Comet ISON is a universal app and requires iOS 7 or later. For more on Comet ISON you can check the Space.com website, and keep your fingers crossed that ISON turns out to be a stunner.
