Dark Skys Skyview Pocket Planetarium review

We've been reviewing star projectors for years, and they remain as popular as ever with space fans, gamers, party throwers and movie buffs.

The Dark Skys Skyview Pocket Planetarium (made by Miller Engineering) caught our eye, as it is the first model we've looked at that is both pocketable and rechargeable.

We previously reviewed the Dark Skys FX projector, which we awarded 4.5 stars. The pocket model is ultimately a much more basic version of that, without the ability to change discs or customize the color, and in a much smaller form factor.

We now have our hands on this little projector, and we will review its design, performance and functionality to see how it stacks up against the best star projectors.

Dark Skys Skyview Pocket Planetarium review

Dark Skys Skyview Pocket Planetarium: Design

★★★★

• Pocketable
• Highly portable
• Incredibly lightweight

This projector's most striking design feature is its ultra-compact size — it's small enough to fit in your palm, jacket pocket or backpack pouch, or even on your car dashboard or center console. Its rechargeable battery adds to its portability, so you don't have to be near a power outlet to use it. However, the battery life isn't specified, and with no charge or battery level indicator, you'll need to manage the power usage carefully. It charges via micro USB, using your power source.

Packaged in a compact box, it's perfectly sized to be a stocking stuffer. It has a stylish design and a quality finish, so it looks the part and would make a great gift.

The Dark Skys Skyview Pocket Planetarium is a small, black cylinder with a silver-colored outer ring. This ring turns to transition between stars and a constellation overlay to just stars. The unit isn't available in any other color.

The Dark Skys DS logo is proudly marked on the top of the projector. There are two buttons on the bottom of the device: one for the power and one for the rotation. There is also a foldout stand that lets you position the projection to one of 11 ever-so-slightly different angles.

The star projector comes ready to go. Just unbox it, and switch it on. What could be easier?

Dark Skys Skyview Pocket Planetarium: Performance

★★★

There are two projections, one with the Northern Hemisphere constellations overlaid with a star map.(Image credit: Tantse Walter)

You can also turn the star map off.(Image credit: Tantse Walter)

• Need for a dark environment
• Silent operation
• No focus ring

There isn't much functionality built into this device; its purpose is to project an image of the Northern constellations onto any surface. With a turn of the outer ring, you can add a star map overlay that helps you pick out and visualize the constellations.

You can use the Skyview Pocket Planetarium to see Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Cygnus, Draco and others, all revolving around a much brighter pinpoint of light that represents Polaris (the North Star). Of course, without any accompanying documentation, if you don't have prior knowledge of the night sky, you will have to look up what each constellation line pattern represents. A small booklet would have come in handy, especially if you have eager children asking you what's what and you're unsure yourself!

On that note, the supplied user guide advises not allowing the device to be used by children under age 13 without adult supervision. This is because of the Class 2 laser.

The rotation speed is quite fast, and you can't adjust it — it's either on or off. The operation is silent even when the rotation is fast, so the device would be good for accompanying movies or games.

We found that the surrounding environment needed to be very dark for the lights and laser to be effective enough for us to make out the imagery. In fairness, this is what we'd expect with star projectors, but we have reviewed some models that look impressive in both near and complete darkness.

Dark Skys Skyview Pocket Planetarium: Functionality

★★★

• No color customization
• No sleep timer
• Northern Hemisphere constellations only

Unlike some star projectors we've reviewed over the past few years at Space.com, this unit doesn't have heaps of functionality.

There isn't built-in Bluetooth, an app, a remote or white noise sound effects; it's literally a palm-sized device to project the Northern constellations onto a surface of your choosing. The Class 2 lasers are blue, and there is a switch to rotate the projection if you want to. A star map overlay can be introduced to the projection by turning the outer ring.

The most functional aspects of this projector are that it is rechargeable and highly portable; you can take it easily from classroom to classroom, use it in a tent or car (not while driving!) and store it anywhere without taking up much draw or shelf space.

Surprisingly, there isn't a sleep timer. Given that many people purchase star projectors to use as sleep aids, it seems like an important functionality to be missing. You must either leave it on all night (which quickly drains the battery if the device is not plugged in) or wake up and turn it off.

Should I buy the Dark Skys Skyview Pocket Planetarium?

The Dark Skys Skyview Pocket Planetarium is a compact and fun pocket projector designed for space enthusiasts. Exclusively available in the U.S., it helps transform your space while teaching you to identify Northern Hemisphere constellations, thus making real-life stargazing even more rewarding.

At around $50, the price is a bit steep considering this device's limited functionality compared with other models. For around $30 more, there are options like the Govee Star Light Projector, which has a built-in speaker, an intuitive app with extensive customization, and built-in ambient sounds, making it a more feature-rich alternative.

The BlissLights Starport USB star projector is the most similar to the Dark Skys Skyview Pocket Planetarium because it has one function. The BlissLights Starport is an even smaller model that requires USB power to function. However, its laser output is very impressive and instantly transforms your space. Unlike constellation-based projectors, the Starport may appeal more to gamers and movie lovers who want an ambient starry glow rather than a guided stargazing experience.

For other disc-based projectors, where you can swap out the discs, see our review of the Sega Toys Homestar Matataki star projector, or for an alternative rechargeable option, check out our review of the Pococo Galaxy star projector.