What's in the App
Sky Map
FREELive star chart with constellation lines, Milky Way, ecliptic, all planets, and tap-to-identify.
Catalog
FREEFull Messier catalog with search, filters, visibility charts, and capture history per object.
Planner
PREMIUMTwilight schedule, moon phase, live planets, Jupiter's moons, and targets ranked for tonight.
Calculator
PREMIUMFOV for your exact sensor and scope, exposure limits, and integration time with signal quality.
Session Logger
PREMIUMLog sessions with sky conditions, captures with exposure details, and manage your equipment.
Events & Alerts
PREMIUMMeteor showers, oppositions, conjunctions, and lunar phases with notification support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I restore my purchase on a new device?
Open AstroTool and tap the ⋯ button in the top-right corner of the Sky Map. Then tap Restore Purchase. Make sure you're signed into the same Apple ID you used when you originally purchased. If the restore doesn't work, contact us at info@theastromanual.com with your Apple ID email and we'll help sort it out.
Is AstroTool a subscription?
No. AstroTool Premium is a one-time purchase. You pay once and own the premium features forever — including all future updates. There are no recurring fees, no annual renewals, and no subscription to manage.
Why does the app need my location?
AstroTool uses your location solely to calculate the positions of stars, planets, the Moon, and the Sun as seen from where you are. This calculation happens entirely on your device — your location is never sent anywhere. You can deny location access and the app will use a default location, though accuracy will be reduced.
The sky map doesn't match the real sky — what's wrong?
A few things to check: make sure location access is enabled in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → AstroTool. If you're indoors, the compass may be off — try tapping the north arrow button to re-lock tracking, or step outside. The sky map updates in real time, so the view is always calculated for the current moment.
How accurate are the twilight and rise/set times?
All times are calculated using standard astronomical algorithms based on your GPS coordinates and the current date. Accuracy is within about one minute for most locations. Times are shown in your local time zone.
Can I use AstroTool without an internet connection?
Yes — entirely. All sky calculations, the catalog, the planner, the calculator, and the session logger work completely offline. An internet connection is only required to complete an in-app purchase.
How do I log a session?
Tap the Sessions tab (requires Premium) and tap the + button to create a new session. Enter the date, location, Bortle scale, seeing, and transparency. Once the session is created, tap it to open the detail view and tap Add Object to log individual captures with exposure settings, sub count, gain, filter, and equipment.
How do I add my telescope or camera to the Calculator?
Go to the Sessions tab → Equipment (top-left button) and add your gear there. Once saved, your telescopes and cameras appear as quick-fill chips at the top of the FOV Calculator — tap them to auto-populate your focal length and sensor specs.
I found a bug. How do I report it?
Email us at info@theastromanual.com with a description of what happened, what you expected, and your iOS version (Settings → General → About). Screenshots are always helpful.
Will AstroTool come to Android?
An Android version is planned. No release date yet — follow updates at info@theastromanual.com.