# Ad Astra - Star Atlas

> Comprehensive star atlas for amateur astronomers with observation lists and night vision mode. (iPhone/iPad app by Martijn de Meulder.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ad-astra-star-atlas/id906793809 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Martijn de Meulder](https://appshunter.io/developer/523445440)
- Category: Reference
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 3.90/5 from 29 App Store ratings · 20 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 108 MB
- Languages: American English, Dutch
- Released: 2014-08-13
- Data updated: 2026-08-20
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ad-astra-star-atlas/id906793809/reviews.md

## What is Ad Astra?

An essential tool for every astronomer. The star atlas that makes it really easy to pick the best objects, make your own observation list and use it when you are outside + free Apple Watch app!

Ad Astra contains detailed maps of all 88 constellations, descriptions of more than 1200 of objects: star clusters, planetary nebulae, galaxies, double stars and variable stars. All within reach of amateur telescopes and in a lot of cases, also viewable in binoculars.

If you like an object, just press the + sign next to it to add to your personal observation list. When you go outside at night, use the large maps in the special red night vision mode to find the object and start observing.

Ad Astra covers both the northern and southern skies. And supports both your iPhone and iPad, you only have to pay once to use Ad Astra on both devices!

Ad astra is made for everyone who likes to explore the heavens with a reliable tool. If you are done with planetarium apps and up for some real star gazing, this is your way to go deeper.

Ad Astra has been built upon open Astronomical data. It features deep sky objects up until visual magnitude 12. What do you want to see tonight? Start now.

We received some great reviews from around the globe, just a small sample:

Great app! *****
by rmac500000009 - Version - 1.4 - Jun 19, 2015
Great app if you want to learn the night sky. Better than any book atlas I own.

Ad Astra - A very useful app for the backyard astronomer *****
by Labelme - Version - 1.4 - Jul 11, 2015
Just discovered this very useful app. It brings all the constellations at the tip of your finger. Very nice when observing at the telescope. There are plenty of useful astronomical apps - planétariums, planning apps, etc. but very few atlases and this one is very nicely designed. The free app convinced me to get the Pro version... I suggest you give it a try...

Old school *****
by Smokin' Now - Version - 1.4 - Apr 12, 2015
Reminds me of my old Norton Star atlas, great observing notes and observation list. If you want a good guide to the night sky this is what you want.


Disclaimer
We do our utmost to deliver you the best software and data available in the market, but of course we cannot guarantee - nor will we accept any responsibility regarding - the proper functioning or accuracy of both. Data sources can change over time. You can not derive rights from this information. By downloading and using Ad Astra - Sky Atlas you accept these terms.

## Key features

- Detailed constellation maps
- 1200+ deep sky object descriptions
- Personal observation lists
- Red night vision mode
- Northern and Southern hemisphere coverage
- Apple Watch companion app

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ad Astra Pro | $1.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 20)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ad-astra-star-atlas/id906793809/reviews.md

### 2/5 — How to contact???

*2024-12-30*

1. In pro, large chart, zoomed map can’t be scrolled all the way to the bottom. Example: Orion map, zoomed all the way out, clips off Sirius & bottom axis.
2. Email button, under info, does not work.
3. In contact us form code image not loaded & reload does nothing.

### 4/5 — Apple phone app doesn’t work

*2024-09-05*

The app itself is handy. I sprung for the in- app purchase and like the more detailed star charts. When opened on the watch, no data is displayed

### 1/5 — Double dips on the unlock feature

*2024-06-17*

This app insists on you paying $1.99 for each iOS device that you want to see the large charts. This is the first time I’ve encountered this issue on any app. I reported this as well but the developer hasn’t responded. Please fix.

### 4/5 — No problems

*2024-03-09*

Easy to use though search bar would be helpful

### 4/5 — Sun Moon Data Incorrect

*2024-02-18*

Sun Moon Data Incorrect - Data is incorrect as it does not acknowledge Standard time. Also, Civil Dusk precedes Astronomical Dusk.

### 1/5 — Large maps terrible

*2023-03-28*

I bought the upgrade version to get the larger charts for each constellation. Example:  Virgo constellation on large chart is in the upper right corner of the large chart and parts of it are not viewable. There are other examples. I bought it because Wil Tirion is the cartographer but I’m disappointed with these charts as presented. The constellation chosen should be in the center of the large charts. Buyer beware. Sorry developer, nice idea but issues with this app. Maybe update the large charts to put the constellations in the center of the page.

**Developer response:** Hi Solar, that's weird. Have you tried re-installing the app? Does that fix the problem? If not please let me know at post@surfcheck.info, so I can fix it in the next update.

### 4/5 — Love the app hate the review pop up!

*2022-12-13*

App is great but EVERY time I select a new constellation it asks me to provide a review. I already reviewed the app but it continues to ask!

### 4/5 — Great charts but did not get pro upgrade when purchased

*2020-09-08, version 2.0*

I purchased the pro version add on for my iPad but the iphone version on my iPhone did not get the add on. I guess you have to buy it twice. 

I have the XR iPhone. Can I get pro for free since  I I bought for iPad?  

The charts are excellent because Wil Tirion is the chartist. Wish I could print the charts as needed for current studies and observations in field.

### 2/5 — Actually

*2019-03-31*

Update in response to developer: 
Fair enough. Worthless was needlessly unkind. I apologize, I’m sure you’re working hard on the app. I would find the app useful if I could see the coordinates of objects and if the app allowed me to zoom to just a section of a chart (again while showing coordinates). I’d really love that. I don’t always want the extras of an app like sky safari. Something like this app, nice and streamlined but with the additional features above (and below) would be great. 

Original review:
The free version is worthless. Given that the app hasn’t been updated in a very long time (it doesn’t fill the screen on my iPhone X), I’m hesitant to try the “pro” version. The free version gives you a static image of each map. It would be useful if you could zoom and identify the coordinates of objects. But you can’t. You can sort of eyeball coordinates but that’s not the best way to know where to point your scope. (Mine is an old school refractor, no go to mount, just setting circles so don’t go throwing your shade my way about not knowing about astronomy). This is at best a one star app. Two stars in the hope that the pro version is actually useful.

**Developer response:** Hi da-wdc, *worthless* is a bit brash, don't you think? There's a lot effort invested into building this app and making it correct. It's meant to be a modern version of a celestial pocket book, like Burnham's or Norton's, but in this case in an app. I hope that clears it up a bit. And at least the new update makes the app fill you entire iPhone X screen, in all it's beauty :)

### 4/5 — Good entry-level guide

*2019-02-20*

This is a nice entry level atlas for amateur astronomers using binoculars and small scopes. Keep up the good work. Some corrections needed, but generally a worthwhile app.

## Frequently asked questions about Ad Astra

### What is Ad Astra's primary function?

Ad Astra serves as a digital star atlas, allowing users to explore detailed maps of constellations and deep sky objects. It also facilitates the creation and use of personal observation lists for stargazing.

### What types of celestial objects are included in Ad Astra?

Ad Astra includes descriptions of over 1200 objects, such as star clusters, planetary nebulae, galaxies, double stars, and variable stars, visible with amateur telescopes or binoculars.

### Does Ad Astra offer a special mode for nighttime use?

Yes, Ad Astra features a special red night vision mode. This mode is designed to help users navigate the large maps and find objects outdoors at night without disrupting their night vision.

### On which devices can Ad Astra be used?

Ad Astra is supported on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Users only need to pay once to use the app across their iPhone and iPad devices.

### What is the age rating for Ad Astra?

Ad Astra has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for younger users interested in astronomy as well as adults.

### How often is Ad Astra updated?

The latest version of Ad Astra is 2.0, which was last updated on February 18, 2019. While the app has not been recently updated, it provides a stable set of features for its users.

### What is the user rating for Ad Astra?

Ad Astra has an average rating of 3.9 stars based on 28 ratings. User reviews highlight its usefulness for learning the night sky and its design for observing at the telescope.

### Is Ad Astra free to download?

Yes, Ad Astra is free to download and use. The app does offer in-app purchases, which may unlock additional features or content for users.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.0 — 2019-02-18

V2.0 - We have updated the app to support large screens as those in the iPhone XR en XS.
+ Updated the widget lay out to match all screen sizes.
+ Various small bug fixes. Thank you for letting us know!

### 1.7 — 2016-03-24

v1.7 - Fixed a bug that made the app show you the wrong language.
- Adapted the Apple Watch app to Watch OS 2 - it works great again!
- Fixed some tiny lay out issues. Thank you for pointing these out!

### 1.6 — 2015-11-03

1.6: fixed some issues with localization, added better support for iOS9.

### 1.5 — 2015-08-31

- Added NASA's Astronomical Events calendar + Sea and Sky extended calendar data, with today's events and the first upcoming one. You'll find it in the sun/moon/dusk/dawn windows.
- Added a great Widget for the Notification Center that provides today's Astronomical data for your location (Pro).
- Fixed large map view for the constellations Fornax, Leo, Leo Minor, Libra, Lupus, Scorpius and Triangulum.

### 1.4 — 2015-04-11

- Added free Apple Watch App! You can now check today's sun and moon rise and set, moonphases, % visible moon surface + Civil, Astronomical and Nautical dusk and dawn, straight from your watch.
- Ad Astra is now a free app + added in-app payment for using the large charts and personalized observation list. Existing users already have this upgrade.

## Apps similar to Ad Astra

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
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| [Zodiac Constellations Guide](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zodiac-constellations-guide/id1215627387) | 4.0 (38) | Free | Reference |
| [StargazingPal: Sky Planner](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stargazingpal-sky-planner/id6738318070) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Reference |
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All apps by Martijn de Meulder: https://appshunter.io/developer/523445440

## Related topics

[adastra](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/adastra)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-20.*