iOS Today 745: Space Discovery! – Detailed Summary

Release Date: March 27, 2025
Hosts: Micah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard
Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)

Introduction

In Episode 745 of iOS Today, hosts Micah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard delve into the fascinating realm of space discovery apps designed to help users connect with the cosmos through their Apple devices. The episode, titled "Space Discovery!", offers an in-depth exploration of various applications and Apple Watch features that enhance astronomical experiences.

Space Discovery Apps

Night Sky

At the outset, Micah introduces Night Sky, an app renowned for its ability to identify constellations and celestial objects in real-time. Demonstrating its functionality, Rosemary showcases how the app adjusts to the night sky by pointing her phone upwards, revealing constellations and planets.

“Night Sky is an app that helps you figure out the stars... it overlays a sort of image. It's not an opaque image. It's a translucent version of whatever the constellation is.”
— Rosemary Orchard [04:04]

Key features highlighted include:

• Constellation Identification: Easily locate and identify constellations like Gemini and Canis Minor.
• Satellite Tracking: View and toggle the visibility of satellites, including SpaceX’s Starlink.
• Different Modes: Access various viewing modes, such as infrared and radio, to experience celestial phenomena like the Aurora Borealis.

Micah shares a personal anecdote illustrating the app’s utility during a stargazing session in Northern California, where Night Sky helped salvage a moment when the Aurora Borealis remained elusive.

NASA App

Micah also explores the NASA app, emphasizing its rich array of features tailored for space enthusiasts and professionals alike. Available for free on the App Store, the app offers:

• Latest News and Updates: Stay informed about NASA’s missions, launches, and experiments.
• Live Events and Streams: Tune into live sessions like crew interactions with high schools or cargo resupply missions.
• Multimedia Content: Access images, videos, podcasts, and even Augmented Reality (AR) models of space missions.
• Mission Details: Learn about upcoming missions like Artemis 3, set to explore the lunar south pole in mid-2027.

Micah underscores the app’s role in keeping users connected with NASA’s endeavors and mentions the unique feature of listening to space-themed music via the app’s built-in radio station.

Solar Smash

Rosemary introduces Solar Smash, a planet destruction simulator that allows users to experiment with various methods of obliterating celestial bodies without real-world consequences.

“Solar Smash is a planet destruction simulator... you could do really cool things in it.”
— Rosemary Orchard [12:30]

Features discussed include:

• Destruction Modes: Choose between Planet Smash and System Smash to target individual planets or entire solar systems.
• Variety of Weapons: Utilize tools like nuclear weapons, lasers, monsters, spaceships, and asteroids.
• Customization: Select specific planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, etc.) and deploy different levels of weaponry to achieve desired destruction.
• In-App Purchases: Access additional features such as ad removal, unlocking levels, and healing packs.

Space Flight Simulator

Micah and Rosemary also touch upon Space Flight Simulator, an app that challenges users to build and launch rockets, simulating real-world spaceflight dynamics.

Rosemary attempts to construct a rocket, humorously struggling with the complexities of rocket science within the app. Despite the challenges, she highlights the app’s educational value in understanding the intricacies of space travel.

“Rocket science is hard... you just have to keep trying, and then at some point, you might get there.”
— Rosemary Orchard [16:08]

Apple Watch Astronomy Features

The discussion extends to the Astronomy Apple Watch Face, which provides users with dynamic 3D models of Earth, the Moon, and the solar system. Features include:

• Time-Based Adjustments: Observe the sun’s movement and planetary positions by scrolling the digital crown.
• Visual Styles: Switch between full 3D models and more stylized representations.
• Solar Options: Access various solar displays such as Solar Dial, Solar Analog, and Solar Graph, each offering unique visual representations of the sun’s position and movement.

Rosemary emphasizes the aesthetic and functional appeal of these watch faces, making astronomical data both visually engaging and easily accessible on the wrist.

Apple News: AirPods Max Firmware Update

Micah shifts focus to recent news from Apple regarding an upcoming firmware update for the AirPods Max. Announced on March 24, this update introduces Lossless Audio and Ultra Low Latency Audio capabilities for AirPods Max users equipped with the USB-C cable.

Key points include:

• Enhanced Audio Quality: Users can experience 24-bit 48kHz lossless audio for superior music, movie, and gaming experiences.
• Professional Applications: Features are tailored for music creators, allowing for high-fidelity mixing and spatial audio with head tracking in apps like Logic Pro.
• Gaming and Streaming: Ultra Low Latency Audio improves real-time gaming and live streaming responsiveness.
• Availability: The update will be rolled out in April as a free firmware update compatible with iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Ventura 15.4.

Rosemary provides her perspective on the update, expressing satisfaction with the current Lightning-connected AirPods Max but acknowledging the appeal of the new USB-C variant despite not planning to upgrade immediately.

“I have the Lightning ones and honestly you would think that being a podcaster like this is the thing that would make me upgrade to the USB C ones... headphone technology doesn't change all that much.”
— Rosemary Orchard [29:16]

Listener Feedback: Geocaching App Recommendation

Listener Carson shares his enthusiasm for Geocaching, a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game. He recommends the Cachly app as his preferred tool for geocaching enthusiasts.

“I've been a geocacher since 2005 and I love introducing new people to the game... I highly recommend it as an excellent alternative for casual and power users alike.”
— Carson [31:39]

Cachly Features:

• Cache Search: Locate geocaches anywhere with ease.
• Detailed Information: Access logs, images, and personal notes for tracking.
• Offline Maps: Download maps for navigation without internet access.

Micah appreciates Carson’s recommendation, promptly downloading the app and committing to include a link in the show notes.

Shortcuts Corner: Automating a 3D Printer’s Air Filtration

In the Shortcuts Corner, Carson seeks advice on automating an air filtration system for his 3D printer using smart plugs. He describes his setup involving an EVE Energy smart plug for monitoring energy consumption and a second plug to control the filter based on the printer’s activity.

“Am I missing something or am I just out of luck? I can always use one of the apps to manually toggle the filter when starting a print...”
— Carson [33:09]

Rosemary’s Response:

• Air Filtration Importance: Advises on the necessity of air filtration, especially for resin printers.
• Suggested Solutions:
  • OctoPrint Controller: Utilizes a Raspberry Pi to manage printer operations and automate smart plug controls.
  • Controller for HomeKit: Enhances HomeKit’s automation capabilities beyond native options.
  • Home Assistant: For advanced home automation, offering extensive integration possibilities.

Rosemary provides a step-by-step guide on configuring automations using alternative apps like Controller for HomeKit, highlighting the limitations of native HomeKit automation triggers and recommending more robust solutions for Carson’s needs.

Closing Remarks

Micah wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to share their favorite space discovery apps and tools, fostering community engagement. He also promotes Club TWiT, highlighting membership benefits such as ad-free shows, exclusive content, and access to a members-only Discord server.

Rosemary shares her online presence details, directing listeners to her website and social media channels for more content and interaction.

“You can become a member of Club TWiT and in doing so you gain access to some pretty awesome benefits for just $7 a month...”
— Micah Sargent [40:36]

The hosts conclude the episode with expressions of gratitude, promising more insightful discussions in future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Rosemary Orchard [04:04]: “Night Sky is an app that helps you figure out the stars... it overlays a sort of image. It's not an opaque image. It's a translucent version of whatever the constellation is.”

• Rosemary Orchard [12:30]: “Solar Smash is a planet destruction simulator... you could do really cool things in it.”

• Rosemary Orchard [16:08]: “Rocket science is hard... you just have to keep trying, and then at some point, you might get there.”

• Carson [31:39]: “I've been a geocacher since 2005 and I love introducing new people to the game... I highly recommend it as an excellent alternative for casual and power users alike.”

• Rosemary Orchard [29:16]: “I have the Lightning ones and honestly you would think that being a podcaster like this is the thing that would make me upgrade to the USB C ones... headphone technology doesn't change all that much.”

This episode of iOS Today offers a comprehensive look into the intersection of technology and astronomy, providing listeners with practical tools and insights to enhance their space-related endeavors through Apple’s ecosystem.