# Astro Kit — To set up your telescope. > Telescope setup assistant with GPS, compass, and astronomical calculations. (iPhone/iPad app by Jerome Diaz.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astro-kit/id432175465 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Jerome Diaz](https://appshunter.io/developer/334987620) - Category: Utilities, Reference - Price: Free - Rating: 4.60/5 from 50 App Store ratings · 8 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 17.6 · 3 MB - Languages: American English, French (France), German (Germany), European Portuguese, European Spanish - Released: 2011-04-19 - Data updated: 2026-06-01 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astro-kit/id432175465/reviews.md ## What is Astro Kit? Astro Kit is intended to provide useful informations while setting up a telescope. - gps coordinates - compass - universal time - compute polaris local hour angle ## Key features - GPS coordinates - Compass functionality - Universal time display - Polaris local hour angle computation - Telescope alignment assistance ## Recent user reviews (8 of 8) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astro-kit/id432175465/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Not sure *2026-01-15* I’ve been using this app for years and years. I use it each time I set my Astro rig up. Not sure if I like the universal time as opposed to my regular time. Hopefully I can get out soon bad try the new upstate. ### 3/5 — Wrong universal time *2023-03-26, version 1.6.3* App shows local time instead of universal time. ### 3/5 — Universal Time is Wrong *2020-10-08* Shows same time as local. ### 3/5 — Latest update has bugs *2020-04-03* Latest update does not seem to show a difference between local and universal time and Polaris HA is off by the difference between the two. ### 5/5 — Convenient scope alignment tool *2018-02-11* Have a GEM or other GOTO mount? Neat little tool to help you setup for the night! ### 3/5 — Great Start but missing a few things *2017-12-25* Would be nice to see Southern Hemisphere support (Octans) and some sort of inclinometer added to the app to make it a 1 stop app. ### 5/5 — Simple *2011-11-09* Very simple and very useful! Thanks. ### 5/5 — Handy *2011-05-23, version 1.0* Usefull little app ## Frequently asked questions about Astro Kit ### What is Astro Kit used for? Astro Kit is designed to help users set up their telescopes. It provides essential information such as GPS coordinates, universal time, and a compass to aid in alignment and observation. ### What astronomical calculations does Astro Kit perform? Astro Kit can compute the local hour angle for Polaris, which is a crucial calculation for aligning equatorial mounts and accurately pointing telescopes towards celestial objects. ### Is Astro Kit free to download and use? Yes, Astro Kit is completely free to download and use. There are no in-app purchases or subscription fees associated with this application. ### What devices is Astro Kit compatible with? Astro Kit is available for both iPhone and iPad devices, making it accessible to a wide range of Apple users who enjoy stargazing. ### How accurate is the compass in Astro Kit? The compass functionality in Astro Kit relies on the device's built-in sensors. For best accuracy, ensure your device's compass has been calibrated and you are away from strong magnetic interference. ### When was Astro Kit last updated? Astro Kit was last updated on January 6, 2026, with version 1.7.0. This indicates ongoing development and support for the application. ### What is the age rating for Astro Kit? Astro Kit has an age rating of 4+, meaning it is suitable for users of all ages. The app's content and functionality are appropriate for a general audience. ### Does Astro Kit have ads? No, Astro Kit does not contain advertisements. The app is ad-free, providing an uninterrupted user experience for telescope setup. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.7.0 — 2026-01-06 What's New: - Compass accuracy is now displayed on screen so you can see how reliable your heading measurement is - Enhanced GPS status indicators show your location and connection quality at a glance - Improved reliability and performance for a smoother stargazing experience - Better handling of location errors and connectivity issues ### 1.6.3 — 2021-01-03 Application was rewriten from scratch with swift language code. ### 1.6.2 — 2020-10-03 Application was rewriten from scratch with swift language code. ### 1.6.1 — 2020-04-01 Application was rewriten from scratch with swift language code. ### 1.6.0 — 2020-03-29 Application was rewriten from scratch with swift language code. ## Apps similar to Astro Kit | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Star Adventurer Console](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-adventurer-console/id1080398995) | 2.0 (30) | Free | Utilities | | [SynScan](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synscan/id1243086631) | 3.3 (8) | Free | Utilities | | [Compass 54 Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-54-pro/id458958949) | 3.2 (43) | Free | Utilities | | [ScopeWizard](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scopewizard/id1614476586) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Utilities | | [Bubble Level + Compass](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bubble-level-plus-compass/id1374372463) | 5.0 (34) | Free | Utilities | | [iOptron Commander (iOS)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ioptron-commander-ios/id1626958667) | 2.0 (10) | Free | Utilities | ## More apps by Jerome Diaz - [SoHO Viewer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/soho-viewer/id356679615) - [SpiderChart 3.0](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spiderchart-30/id505850426) - [SolvoKU - Sudoku](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solvoku-sudoku/id836947621) - [SDO Viewer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sdo-viewer/id913723111) All apps by Jerome Diaz: https://appshunter.io/developer/334987620 ## Related topics [polar alignment app](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/polar-alignment-app) --- *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 2026-06-01.*