Starmap
Starmap is a free astronomy reference app for visual observers and field use on iOS and macOS.
What Starmap is
Starmap is a free astronomy reference app for visual observers and field use on iOS and macOS. Its live chart follows a phone’s compass and orientation and points toward selected objects. The on-device catalogue contains 2.5 million stars to limiting magnitude 15 and 24,000 deep-sky objects, including 13,226 NGC/IC entries. Users can configure unlimited telescopes and eyepieces while Starmap computes magnification and true field of view. Live information connects to SIMBAD, NOAA SWPC, and the Minor Planet Center; solar data includes active and plage regions, F10.7 flux, GOES X-ray data, and Kp forecasts. iCal integration and current-month seasonal charts are listed. The app works offline, with no ads, analytics, accounts, in-app purchases, or tracking. Settings and saved equipment remain on the device.
Good
- 2.5 million on-device stars
- 24,000 deep-sky objects listed
- Unlimited telescope and eyepiece setups
- Works offline
- No ads, accounts, or tracking
Watch out
- Available only on iOS and macOS
- Astronomy data requests include device IP address
- No telescope control
Who it suits
Starmap suits visual observers who need a field reference on iOS or macOS. It is also useful for telescope users wanting catalogue depth and calculated viewing fields.
Verdict
Starmap provides extensive offline catalogues, orientation guidance, telescope calculations, and live astronomy data at no cost. Its mobile platform coverage and privacy details should be considered before use.
Plans and prices
From Starmap's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Starmap | Free | No tier-locked catalogues · no in-app purchases · Free; no subscriptions |
The facts
Each one read from Starmap's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Astronomy integrations
- The app connects to SIMBAD, NOAA SWPC, and the Minor Planet Center for live astronomy information.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Calendar
- The feature list names iCal calendar integration.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Charts
- Seasonal sky charts are generated for the current month and are free for personal and educational use with credit to Starmap.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Deep sky catalogue
- The app lists 24,000 on-device deep-sky objects, including 13,226 NGC/IC objects.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Live-data privacy
- Requests to astronomy data providers include the device IP address and query, while the developer says it does not send a user’s name, account, or contact information.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Live sky map
- The sky chart follows the phone’s compass and orientation, with an arrow to guide users to objects.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Local data
- Settings, saved locations, equipment, and recently viewed objects are stored locally on the device.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The app has no ads, analytics, accounts, in-app purchases, or tracking, and says location and calendar information stays on the device.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Starmap is an astronomy reference app made for visual observers and field use.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Solar data
- Live NOAA SWPC data includes active regions, plage regions, F10.7 flux, GOES X-ray data, and Kp forecasts.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Star catalogue
- The app includes 2.5 million on-device stars and has a limiting magnitude of 15.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker invites bug reports, suggestions, and field observations through a contact form and says it will reply as soon as possible.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Telescope tools
- Users can configure unlimited telescopes and eyepieces, and the app computes magnification and true field of view.checked 9 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker
- The site identifies F. D.Author as a professional astronomer and sole developer.checked 9 Oct 2026
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