Stellarium just got an update. Did yours?
Issue 1 · Oct 6–12, 2026. The latest Stellarium build fixes cases where in-app purchases were not recognized or acknowledged, alongside other bug fixes and improvements; it remains a real-time map for exploring stars, planets and more. Google Play rolls builds out over several days, so availability can differ between people.
About 2 minutes · what changed, then Google Play
Start NowWhat changed this week
These are the three changes in Stellarium - Star Map 1.16.8 that stand out in the developer's update notes and on its Google Play listing this week.
- 01In-app purchases get a fix
Google Play says this build fixes cases where in-app purchases were not recognized or acknowledged. The notes do not describe the cause or list steps for resolving earlier purchase issues.
- 02Other bugs are addressed
The notes also mention many other bug fixes and improvements without naming them. There is no detailed list here, so the exact affected screens or behaviors cannot be confirmed.
- 03Sky exploration remains the focus
Not presented as a new feature, Stellarium’s existing purpose is to show a simulated sky and help identify stars, planets, constellations and other objects.
Our call on whether to update, and the link to the official Google Play listing, are on this issue's Stellarium - Star Map page.
Also updated this week
Stellarium - Star Map is one of 50 apps with a full screen in Issue 1. Next up in this issue:
Tips
- Point toward the night sky
Stellarium’s description says you can identify objects in real time by pointing your phone at the sky. Give the app a clear view of the area you want to explore, then use the displayed map to look for stars, constellations, planets, comets or satellites. The listing does not specify a particular control sequence.
- Choose a different observing time
The app description says its sky simulation can show the sky for any date, time and location. Use that capability to explore what the sky may look like at another moment or place. The listing does not provide a menu path for these controls, so look in the app’s interface for date, time and location options.
- Try the red night view
Stellarium’s description lists a red night mode intended to preserve your eyes’ adaptation to darkness. If you are observing outside at night, look in the app’s interface for this mode before viewing the map. The Play information does not name a settings path, so avoid assuming a particular menu location.
Menu names follow the developer's help pages and can differ slightly between versions and phones.
How we write the digest
Each week we check the Google Play listings of the apps our readers use most: the version number, the update date and the developer's What's new notes. When an app has a new version, we put the developer's update notes and the listing details together on one page, in plain words, with a link to the official Google Play listing. Google and most developers release updates in stages over several days, so a version listed here may not have reached your phone yet. Therapymetric is an independent site and is not affiliated with any developer. This page doesn't read your phone or your Google account, and nothing is installed from here.
FAQ
Is this the official list of Stellarium changes?
No. This is an independent site and is not affiliated with Noctua Software. The app’s Google Play page is the authority for its release notes and current listing. This summary reflects the Play data provided here, including the stated purchase fix and general bug-fix note; consult the listing for the developer’s own wording.
Why does Google Play show Open instead of Update?
Google Play rolls builds out over several days, so an update may not appear for everyone at the same time. If the button says Open, the newer build may not yet be offered to that account or device, or the listing may already reflect the installed build. Check the Play listing again later; the provided information does not explain an individual case.
What does Stellarium Plus add?
According to the app description, Stellarium Plus is unlocked through an in-app purchase and provides access to fainter objects and advanced observing features. The listing also describes larger catalogs, high-resolution images, offline observing with a reduced data set, telescope control and session planning. These are Plus capabilities, not changes announced in this update.