A little closer
to the stars.

A sky grounded in place.

Star positions and constellation figures: D3-Celestial / Olaf Frohn, using Hipparcos catalogue data. Catalogue downloads require internet access.

This is an educational sky chart, not a live camera or weather forecast. Approximate geometric positions use J2000 coordinates and sidereal rotation; precession, refraction, terrain and light pollution are not modelled. Constellation figures are traditional guides, not physical connections. Planet positions use NASA/JPL approximate orbital elements for 1800–2050, calculated locally. They are geometric geocentric estimates; light-time, aberration, parallax and detailed perturbations are omitted. Planet markers are enlarged symbols, not their apparent sizes or brightnesses. Above the horizon does not guarantee visibility in daylight or twilight. Planets are hidden for dates outside 1800–2050. An above-horizon label refers to the figure’s centre; some stars may still be below the horizon. Below-horizon targets are shown only as direction guides. Common English names are shown alongside Latin names. The Plough / Big Dipper and Northern Cross are asterisms within larger constellations.

The Moon uses Paul Schlyter’s approximate lunar theory with its principal perturbations and observer parallax. Lunar phase icons are schematic. The ISS uses Where the ISS at? orbit-model data at five-second intervals, interpolated between samples. It is live-only and disappears when there is no valid data; its marker does not guarantee a visible pass. Internet is required for ISS updates. Satellite manoeuvres, feed delays and outages can affect accuracy.

Camera sky needs an HTTPS website opened directly in Safari or another supported browser. Downloaded HTML previews cannot provide this mode. Rear-camera and orientation permissions are requested only when you tap Enable camera. Camera frames remain on the device and are not recorded or uploaded. GPS is optional. A sensor-guided overlay is an approximate guide, not image recognition: compass interference, magnetic north, camera field of view and sensor quality can shift labels. Use alignment controls against a known star or distant landmark. Manual alignment is available when absolute orientation is unavailable. Camera mode follows the current time only, and stops the camera when hidden or exited.

Drag or use arrow keys to look around. Scroll, pinch, or use +/− to zoom. Choose Tonight to jump to 10 pm in the selected location.

Your place under the stars.

Find a town or enter exact coordinates. Your choice is remembered on this browser.

Place search: Open-Meteo / GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Search terms are sent to this service. Manual coordinates work without place search.

The universe, overlaid.

Use the rear camera to see star names, constellation figures, planets, the Moon and the ISS over your view. Orientation tracking depends on your phone’s compass and motion sensors.

Check the observer location before starting. Allow camera and motion/orientation access when prompted. Keep your phone upright, away from magnets and metal, then adjust alignment against a known object.

Requires an HTTPS website opened directly in Safari / Chrome. Camera images stay on your device. Compass alignment is approximate; manual adjustment is available. Do not use a telescope or binoculars near the Sun.

The map, observation time and camera frame stay still while you read. Resume when you are ready to explore again.