Polar Scope Align Pro: The Definitive Swiss-Army Knife for Serious Astronomers
Achieve sub-arcsecond accuracy with high-precision polar alignment, 22,000+ Deep Space Objects, and advanced astro-weather. Everything you need for a perfect night under the stars, without subscriptions.
Polar Scope Align Pro astronomical app interface with red night mode display
Selecting a polar scope reticle from various brands in the Polar Scope Align Pro app
Daytime and no polarscope alignment tool interface in the Polar Scope Align Pro app
Detailed astronomical weather forecast screen for astrophotographers and astronomers.
Deep Space Object database view showing Andromeda Galaxy details and altitude graph in the Polar Scope Align Pro app
Andromeda Galaxy technical details and image in the Polar Scope Align Pro deep space object database
A bubble level and compass interface within the Polar Scope Align Pro app for telescope setup
A menu listing various professional astronomy calculators for observation and astrophotography within the app.
Moon phase calendar and elevation graph in green night mode on Polar Scope Align Pro app
Polar Scope Align Pro interface in red night mode showing polar alignment instructions and a reticle view.
Precision Tools for the Dedicated Astronomer
The tools that make this app stand out, trusted by 212K+ users.
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Ultra-Precise Polar Alignment
Achieve sub-arcsecond accuracy with calculations that correct for atmospheric refraction and nutation, supporting nearly every telescope reticle in existence.
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22,000+ Deep Space Targets
Navigate the cosmos with massive NGC, IC, and Messier catalogs, featuring offline DSS images and Push-To guidance for non-GoTo mounts.
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The Astronomer’s Swiss-Army Knife
Over 30 specialized calculators, astro-weather reports, and hardware controls integrated into a vision-preserving night mode interface.
About the app
Everything you need to know about Polar Scope Align Pro.
Description
Apart from the most reliable app for polar alignment (with or without a polar scope), PS Align pro has become the astronomer's swiss-army knife with all the tools added over the years. Remember, all features & updates are free forever, the only in-app purchases are donations (tip jar).
Polar Scope Align will calculate the position of Polaris or σ Octantis in your Polar Scope reticle for your location (using your phone's GPS or manually), allowing a quick and accurate polar alignment. It is one of the few programs that are accurate in lower latitudes by correcting for atmospheric refraction (so expect results to agree only with precise software and not most simplistic "polar align" apps - see the "Accuracy" section in help for details). In the settings you can select the polar scope reticle that matches your own, from a vast collection:
iOptron old & new, Astro-Physics RAPAS & PASILL, various versions of Takahashi EM-10/11/200/400/500, NJP, PM-1, P2-Z, the latest Orion / Skywatcher, the Classic Skywatcher / Orion / Celestron / Meade / EXOS2 / Bresser, the Telrad, Rigel QuikFinder, a couple for Astrotrac / Losmandy / Kenko / Avalon, the Vixen PF-L/Atlux/SX/SXD/SXP/AXD/GP/GP-DX/Polarie Polar Axis Scopes, a Konus and several Polar Finders: Tuthill, Explore Scientific 8x50, Meade 9x60, Vixen Polaris, Celestron 7x50, Carton Optical. PoleMaster help view for South Hemisphere users. If you have one not included, just ask the developer to add it!
Feature list:
-Accurate calculation of Polaris or Sigma Oct for any date and location, including effect of atmospheric refraction (and annual aberration, nutation). Most other apps do not perform precision calculations, so please only compare app readings to accurate sources (USNO, scientific software etc).
-Use device time/date/location, or enter your own, or pick from online & offline world databases via the Location Manager.
-Approximate daytime / no polarscope polar alignment tool. Great for visual use, solar imaging (inc. eclipses) and even limited short focal length astrophotography. Now with sun shadow calibration for more accuracy!
-Laser / Hop Align for nighttime alignment using a calibration star for obstructed or not visible polar star, or for improving laser align.
-Full app in red-color (or alternative green, white) night mode - tools switchable to daytime view.
-Deep Space Object (DSO) Database with 22000+ objects from several catalogs (Messier, Caldwell, NGC, IC, Herschell 400, Sharpless 2, Barnard), along with stars (Yale Bright Star) & planets. Search, apply filters, sorting, download DSS color images for all items, or get help finding them with your non-goto telescope with the Push-To function.
-Connect to and control WiFi-enabled iOptron mounts.
-Over 30 calculators useful for observing and astrophotography, from eyepiece magnification and field of view, to imaging resolution and reducers.
-Xasteria: World astro-weather report based on multiple sources, including 7Timer.
-Solar Eclipse Calculator / Simulator
-Water vapor satellite images.
-List of visible ISS and bright satellite passes.
-Moon phase & lunar Calendar with solar/lunar rise/set and twilight times.
-Wizard to calculate your reticle centering offset and correct or compensate for it.
-Zoomable reticle view and customized routines & tools: Alt-az alignment error display for mounts that calculate it after star alignment (e.g. iOptron iEQ45, CEM60), polar alignment when your scope is not in zero position (for mounts like iOptron ZEQ/CEM on which you can always access the polar scope), remember zero position on Celestron / Skywatcher / Orion etc reticles.
-Bubble level (using either gyro or accelerometer) and Compass heading, as well as magnetic declination reading.
-GPS accuracy & elevation data.
-Red/White/LED light.
-Dimming slider.
-iOptron, NexStar and Meade LX200 Star Lists.
-Support for iPhone & iPad from iOS 9 (and iPod Touch, except tools that require the compass).
Latest Version
6.9
Size
26.8 MB
First Released
Mar 4, 2015
Elevate Your Precision Under the Stars
Join over 212,000 astrophotographers using the most accurate, refraction-corrected alignment tool and DSO database. One-time purchase, lifetime updates, zero subscriptions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Polar Scope Align Pro
What does the Polar Scope Align Pro app do?
Polar Scope Align Pro is an astronomy app primarily for precise polar alignment with or without a polar scope. It includes tools like an extensive DSO database, weather reports, and over 30 astronomy calculators.
Is Polar Scope Align Pro a free app?
Yes, all features and future updates for Polar Scope Align Pro are provided free of charge. The only in-app purchases are entirely optional donations to support the developer.
How does Polar Scope Align Pro ensure accurate polar alignment?
Polar Scope Align Pro calculates the precise position of Polaris or σ Octantis for your location. It corrects for atmospheric refraction, annual aberration, and nutation, ensuring highly accurate polar alignment.
Does Polar Scope Align Pro support different polar scope reticles?
Yes, Polar Scope Align Pro supports a vast collection of polar scope reticles. Users can select their specific reticle from various makes and brands, including iOptron, Skywatcher, Takahashi, and Vixen.
Can I use Polar Scope Align Pro for daytime polar alignment?
Yes, Polar Scope Align Pro includes an approximate daytime/no polarscope polar alignment tool. It is ideal for visual use, solar imaging, and limited astrophotography, featuring sun shadow calibration for improved accuracy.
What weather information does Polar Scope Align Pro offer?
Polar Scope Align Pro provides Xasteria, a world astro-weather report based on multiple sources like 7Timer. It offers comprehensive astronomical weather forecasts, including satellite images, to aid observing sessions.
Does Polar Scope Align Pro include a database of Deep Space Objects?
Yes, Polar Scope Align Pro features a Deep Space Object (DSO) Database with over 22,000 objects. Users can search, filter, sort, view DSS color images, and utilize a Push-To function for locating celestial bodies.
Can Polar Scope Align Pro connect to telescope mounts?
Yes, Polar Scope Align Pro connects to and controls WiFi-enabled iOptron mounts. This functionality allows users to integrate their mount control within the app, streamlining the polar alignment and observing workflow.
What types of astronomy calculators are in Polar Scope Align Pro?
Polar Scope Align Pro includes over 30 calculators for observing and astrophotography. These tools cover eyepiece magnification, field of view, imaging resolution, and focal reducer calculations, among others.
Does Polar Scope Align Pro have a night mode?
Yes, Polar Scope Align Pro offers a full app night mode in red, with alternative options for green or white colors. Tools are also switchable to a daytime view for user convenience and preference.
App information, icons, screenshots, and descriptions displayed on this page are sourced from the Apple App Store and are the property of their respective developers. Download estimates and rankings are based on MWM's proprietary models and may not reflect actual figures. This page is provided for informational and analytical purposes only.
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