As you can see, the star projector in this model has been cleverly integrated into the body of a space-suit-wearing astronaut. The stand resembles the moon's surface with footprints, which is where the astronaut's feet slot into to keep the astronaut upright and stable. The Sega Toys Homestar Flux stands out as a compact and stylish star projector, known for its power and sleek design. While it comes with a higher price tag, it delivers a lot in return. Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star ProjectorIt's highly customizable, the patterns are realistic and the music rhythm mode is impressive. This is one of our favorites. ★★★★½

Considering its reasonable price tag and the many educational benefits it offers, we think this projector is a worthwhile investment for homeschooling or simply learning about space with your child. Having completed a recent Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium and Star Projector review, we feel that it deserves a spot in this guide as a great STEM toy that will captivate kids ages six and up, and, in our opinion, spark their interest in all things space-related. There are 30 additional discs available when you visit Astrial, Sega Toys' official online store. Simulations of the aurora borealis and the aurora australis are perhaps the highlights. There is a disc that displays the planets of the solar system as well, but it is the ones that show galaxies, nebulas and other NASA-based imagery that really stand out. For example, the North America nebula as taken by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and the weird seven-star system called Jabbah (officially called Nu Scorpii and IC 4592) as imaged by NASA's WISE mission. You can also buy disks that simulate fireworks, 'night jellyfish' and a hot-air balloon festival. The operation of the motor is very smooth and quiet, so it would be fine as a night light to drift off to sleep. As we mentioned in our review, the lighting module seems to be the same — if just a tiny bit less impressive — as other star projectors we have reviewed, including the BlissLights Sky Lite 2.0and the Encalife Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Star Projector. They are by no means scientific, but they can be customized using the supplied remote control to any speed and color configuration you like.

A star projector ideal for any space fan, the Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector offers great value-for-money as a space gift with plenty of fun thrown in.

The Astronaut Starry Sky Projector is a cost-effective way to add immediate ambiance to a room. Thanks to its novelty space-walking astronaut design, it would be the perfect gift for a young space fan. It's very easy to use, the lights are bright and customizable, the lasers will fill a small room, and the operation is quiet, all features that make for a good star projector. BlissLights Sky Lite EvolveThe nebulas are bright and endearing, complimented perfectly by the hue of the blue/green lasers.This is a great option for anyone shopping for a mood-enhancing star projector (rather than a scientific one). ★★★½ These are the components that make up the Astronaut Starry Sky Projector, straight out of the box. (Image credit: Tantse Walter) The 2.0 version of this projector comes with the BlissLights smartphone app, connecting via Bluetooth. Using the app, you can select from seven effects modes, modify the projector's intensity, adjust laser brightness, and even set the rotation speed. Additionally, you can create your own custom color blend through the app. Just keep in mind that the stars will always appear either green or blue, depending on which model you get. The only downside with the Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector is that the nebulas and stars aren't scientifically accurate. Still, we enjoyed the experience so much that we didn't feel short-changed. We were especially happy with the option to adjust both the brightness and the projection speed, which makes it great for setting a calm environment to relax in, or an energetic party scene.

With three adjustable ridges on the bottom, you can easily position this projector at three different angles, including upward onto a ceiling. It utilizes both LED and direct laser diode technologies to produce dynamic RGB projections with moving patterns. It's portable and convenient, powered by a USB cable, enabling you to connect it to a computer or a portable battery. The only thing we didn't like was that it is powered by USB-A to DC cable, which seems a little outdated (we'd prefer USB-C), but aside from that, it would make an excellent gift for any space lover for any occasion. It serves no other purpose or provides any scientific accuracy. Still, it is a discrete, affordable, high-quality device that puts out visually stunning lasers to transform your surroundings while drawing very little energy. The supplied remote control (which needs two AAA batteries, not included) can be used to operate the astronaut's features. You can adjust the brightness, turn the lasers on and off, and adjust the 'breathing' frequency of the lasers and nebula. You can switch the colors of the Nebula, change the speed of the Nebula's rotation and adjust the brightness of the lights. You can use the buttons on the device itself to operate some of the functions, but you'll need the remote to adjust the rotation speeds and to use the sleep timer, so don't lose it!

As discussed in our Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium Deluxe review, this star projector draws many parallels to the Bresser-made National Geographic Astro Planetarium but doesn't include an integrated FM radio or the ability to attach an audio device. The Bresser Junior can only be powered by 3 x AA batteries, so buyers will likely need to grab some spares if they plan on using it long-term. You'll need to set up your phone's Bluetooth before you start using the projector, but it's easy enough to do so, and the device will be up and running within moments. Star projectors vary in shapes, features and sizes, catering to different needs. Some models, like those designed as night lights for children, focus on creating a soothing atmosphere rather than realistic star patterns. Meanwhile, there are highly accurate star projectors that aim to provide a scientific representation of the night sky, offering an experience that will feel like being inside a planetarium. Sega Toys Homestar FluxGreat for recreating a realistic-looking night sky inside. It's on the pricier end of the market but the option to upgrade your disc collection is attractive. The night sky representation is about as realistic as it gets.★★★★½

In reference to Class IIIa lasers (like laser pointers or some used in star projectors), the FDA says: ' Depending on power and beam area, can be momentarily hazardous when directly viewed or when staring directly at the beam with an unaided eye. Risk of injury increases when viewed with optical aids.' The Sky Lite 2.0 is best compared to the likes of a lava lamp in terms of what it tries to achieve. If you're after a hypnotic journey through an imaginary nebula (or aurora?) — this star projector delivers. Operation is manual rather than digital, but you can access additional informative descriptions of the pictures on the slides online using a provided 'secret code.' This allows children to learn more about the objects in space and adds a bit of fun and mystery to learning.

National Geographic Astro Planetarium would make a nice space gift for a budding astronomer. It has great functionality, with a time and date selector and a built-in speaker.★★★★½