SkyPortal
SkyPortal is a free planetarium and telescope-control app for Android and iOS, developed with the SkySafari app developers.
What SkyPortal is
SkyPortal is a free planetarium and telescope-control app for Android and iOS, developed with the SkySafari app developers. Its catalog includes the Solar System, 120,000 stars, more than 200 star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and dozens of asteroids, comets, and satellites, including the ISS. The app can simulate the sky up to 100 years in the past or future and provide a list of celestial objects based on time, date, and location. Observation tools include Compass Mode, Night Vision Mode, hundreds of astronomical and NASA spacecraft images, and more than four hours of audio narration. With a compatible Celestron WiFi telescope, users can align the telescope and tap an object to center it in the eyepiece. SkyPortal also works with the separately sold SkyPortal WiFi Module and StarSense AutoAlign, but not third-party WiFi telescopes or modules. Listed requirements are Android 12 or later and iOS 18 or newer, including iPhone XR and newer. Version 3.1.0.9067 lists All-Star Polar Alignment, tilt-to-slew, French and Italian localization, and augmented reality on iOS.
Good
- Free app for Android and iOS
- Sky simulation spans up to 100 years past or future
- Includes narrated audio and astronomical images
- Compatible telescopes can be aligned and directed to objects
Watch out
- Does not support third-party WiFi telescopes or modules
- Telescope control requires compatible Celestron equipment
- Listed requirements are Android 12+ and iOS 18+
- Older phones cannot reinstall after uninstalling
Who it suits
SkyPortal suits people exploring the night sky on a supported Android or iOS device. Telescope control is for users with a compatible Celestron WiFi telescope or the separately sold SkyPortal WiFi Module.
Verdict
SkyPortal combines a broad sky catalog and observing aids with control for compatible Celestron equipment. Check device and telescope compatibility before relying on it for an observing setup.
Plans and prices
From SkyPortal's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| SkyPortal | Free | Free app · telescope control requires compatible Celestron WiFi telescope or SkyPortal WiFi Module, sold separately |
The facts
Each one read from SkyPortal's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Compatibility limit
- SkyPortal does not work with third-party WiFi telescopes or WiFi modules.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Current features
- Version 3.1.0.9067 lists All-Star Polar Alignment, tilt-to-slew, French and Italian localization, and augmented reality on iOS.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Data safety
- Google Play says the app may share device or other IDs with third parties, may collect personal information, and encrypts data in transit.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- SkyPortal works with compatible Celestron WiFi telescopes, the separately sold SkyPortal WiFi Module, and StarSense AutoAlign.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Observation features
- Features include Compass Mode, Night Vision Mode, hundreds of astronomical and NASA spacecraft images, and more than four hours of audio narration.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- SkyPortal is a planetarium app and telescope control solution developed with SkySafari app developers.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Sky catalog
- It covers the Solar System, 120,000 stars, more than 200 star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and dozens of asteroids, comets, and satellites, including the ISS.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Sky simulation
- The app simulates the night sky up to 100 years in the past or future and provides a custom list of celestial objects based on time, date, and location.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- Celestron offers technical support through live chat, email, or phone, alongside a knowledge base with frequently asked questions.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Telescope control
- With compatible Celestron WiFi telescopes, users can align the telescope and tap an object to center it in the eyepiece.checked 8 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Device requirements
- The page lists Android 12 and later and iOS 18 and newer, including iPhone XR and newer; users with older phones cannot reinstall after uninstalling.checked 8 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 1960checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Torrance, California, United Stateschecked 28 Sep 2026
- Maker location
- The Google Play developer listing gives Celestron Acquisition, LLC's address as 2835 Columbia St, Torrance, CA 90503-3877, United States.checked 8 Oct 2026
Alternatives to SkyPortal
- 1
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SkyORB
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Cosmic Watch
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Gaia Sky
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