# BBC Sky at Night Magazine — user reviews > 81 indexed App Store user reviews of BBC Sky at Night Magazine by Our Media Limited, rated 4.50/5 from 39 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bbc-sky-at-night-magazine/id487144498/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bbc-sky-at-night-magazine/id487144498.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 33 · 4★ 2 · 3★ 0 · 2★ 0 · 1★ 4 ## What do users think of BBC Sky at Night Magazine? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 👍 Great informative magazine - 👍 Excellent content - 👍 Good for beginners - 👍 Amazing photography - 👍 Well worth the money - 👍 Good graphics - 👍 Worthy of a five star rating **Cons** - 🐛 App crashes constantly - 🐛 App fails to download issues - 🐛 Unable to access subscription - 🐛 Subscription not recognized - 🐛 Restoring purchases fails - 🐛 App is unusable - 🐛 Does not work with older iOS versions - 🐛 No support for landscape view - 🐛 Cannot sign into account - 🐛 Content is not accessible - 🐛 App is not iPad friendly - 🐛 Misleading subscription offers - 🐛 Basic tech incompetence - 🐛 Rubbish app - 🐛 App is broken - 🐛 Useless app - 🐛 Impossibly difficult to access content - 🐛 Crashing on launch - 🐛 Issues not downloading - 🐛 Not a proper facsimile of print magazine - 🐛 Loss of old issues - 🐛 Customer service is horrible - 🐛 Bait and switch tactics - 🐛 Not optimized for digital - 🐛 Slow loading times - 🐛 Keeps asking to log in - 🐛 App revamp is a disaster - 🐛 No response to emails - 🐛 Cannot read downloaded magazines - 🐛 No refund for purchased content - 🐛 App is a con - 🐛 Does not load or run - 🐛 Lost money on updates - 🐛 Asked to pay again - 🐛 App upgrade is a failure - 🐛 Onerous download task - 🐛 Not happy with upgrade - 🐛 Cannot get into account - 🐛 Cannot access previous purchases - 🐛 Taken money under false pretenses - 🐛 Lost subscription and back issues - 🐛 App does not work - 🐛 Cannot restore data - 🐛 Crashes and freezes - 🐛 Cannot read on iMac - 🐛 Does not work with iOS 8 - 🐛 Support is unhelpful - 🐛 Magazine won't download - 🐛 Expects payment for advertising - 🐛 App is unstable - 🐛 Refuses to open - 🐛 Paid for a year, got two weeks - 🐛 Does not work with iOS 8 - 🐛 Not fully optimized for digital - 🐛 Double spread images require landscape **Commonly reported bugs** - Unable to access subscription - App crashes constantly - App fails to download issues - Subscription not recognized - Restoring purchases fails - Cannot sign into account - Content not accessible - App not iPad friendly - App is not working - App is unstable - App refuses to open - App crashes on launch - Issues not downloading - Loss of old issues - Cannot restore data - Crashes and freezes - Does not work with older iOS versions - No support for landscape view - Misleading subscription offers - Basic tech incompetence - Rubbish app - App is broken - Useless app - Impossibly difficult to access content - App revamp is a disaster - No response to emails - Cannot read downloaded magazines - No refund for purchased content - App is a con - Does not load or run - Loss of subscription and back issues - App upgrade is a failure - Onerous download task - Not happy with upgrade - Cannot get into account - Cannot access previous purchases - Taken money under false pretenses - Support is unhelpful - Magazine won't download - Expects payment for advertising - Not fully optimized for digital - Double spread images require landscape **Most requested features** - Ability to save articles or images - Link to online content - Support for landscape view - More interactive content - Option to read on iMac - Fully optimizing layout for digital medium ## Newest reviews (15 of 81) ### 3/5 — Why I have stopped my subscription *2023-03-31* The content of the magazine is excellent.. But the app has glitches which forced me to re-install it several times. With each installations I loose all the issues downloaded previously. This is VERY disappointing as the downloading takes significant time. This is the main reason why I stopped my subscription. And now, in January 2023, after two yrs after reporting about the first bug, I have lost access to the app. The app requires to log in, but there is now window to input my login information(and actually which login should submit?).. After my feedback in January 2023 the developer contacted me once and informed about “work in progress”.. Nothing happened since then. The app still is not working.. Very disappointing experience. **Developer response:** We're really sorry to hear of the trouble you're having with the app. It is certainly not the level of service we aim to deliver. Please get in touch with more details, including the table/phone model you use and iOS version and we will assist you further: apps@immediate.co.uk ### 3/5 — 购买后书籍无法下载 *2021-09-19* 购买书籍后无法下载，难过过 但是其他的免费阅读美容都可以打开，就是我买的书没法打开 ### 2/5 — Just about serves its purpose but so frustrating *2020-06-07, version 5.6.1* It’s easy enough to get to the articles but: - having subscribed for a year (via buysubscriptions.com) AND bought ALL back issues it’s ridiculous that one third of the “Library” tab is still taken up with an advert to get 12 back issues with an annual subscription! - similarly, the “Subscribe” tab is still there with a FULL PAGE offer to subscribe (via iTunes) to what I’ve already subscribed to so, probably, it would be possible, however silly it is, to have and therefore pay for two subscriptions to the same magazines at the same time! - no support for landscape view - no ability to save a copy of any articles or just images (some may be protected by copyright for third parties but the monthly night sky chart, for example, is clearly intended to be used as a ‘tool’ by the astronomy enthusiasts but is not practically useable on the limited space on an iPhone screen so really NEEDS to be printed) - at the bottom of the monthly sky chart article and other articles it says, “More online” but how and where? There’s no link provided. In addition (not directly related to the app but readers should be aware): - the buysubscriptions.com website is not at all intuitive - even thought I bought the subscription through them, the subscription itself didn’t show on my account portal until I clicked the “Create an Account” button (why would an account portal have a “Create an ACCOUNT” button?) and actually gave it my SUBSCRIPTION number and my surname! - the buysubscriptions.com team have not responded to any of my questions. I understand they may be affected by COVID-19 right now but it’s been over two weeks; that’s not acceptable. ### 4/5 — Trial didn’t work as I had a subscription in the past. *2020-01-29, version 5.6.0* Somehow I was billed for a full year. I wanted the trial at £4.99. Be aware if this. The developer responded and I understand that I had a trial in the past. But, this should be made clear in the small print. ### 1/5 — App doesn‘t work since months *2019-07-14* App doesn‘t work since months and I cannot read a single magazine though I have already paid for it!!! Don‘t buy !!! ### 1/5 — Not impressed with this ‘magazine’. *2019-07-07, version 5.4.4* I made the mistake of believing that this was a proper facsimile of the Sky at Night magazine, as I had subscribed to in the past, but it isn’t. It’s more like a collection of features and articles from the current edition, which totally loses its original look and feel. Unfortunately, I foolishly bought a 12 month sub, which came with the proviso that I couldn’t cancel once I had used it - this didn’t bother me as I thought it was the proper magazine facsimile, so by the time I realised it wasn’t, it was too late. BTW, I was not given a free trial, which would have solved the problem. I assume this was because I had subscribed in the past, but it was a different format then, so I’m not happy. ### 1/5 — Absolute rubbish *2019-02-14, version 5.3.9* Library function working - no Landscape viewing - no iPhone X support - no Bookmark Button usable - no And the list goes on. Absolute piece of rubbish. It barely functions as a an Interactive PDF viewer. There isn’t a single positive thing I could say about this app. The price for a digital copy is a ripoff too. Buy the paper copy. This app is irredeemably flawed. And no matter how many complaints and negative reviews, the developer is either too arrogant or too inept to fix the problems - and they’ve been here a long time. ### 1/5 — Terrible app *2018-12-20, version 5.3.7* This app doesn't change to landscape mode at all. This is essential in my opinion. Note that the Astronomy Now app does change to landscape mode. I will be deleting this app. You can’t make landscape pictures fill the screen. The kindle edition has larger fonts than this version, although the kindle edition is more expensive. ### 2/5 — “Viewer’s Views” *2018-12-15* “A Best Channel” Do Express Full Gallentry to their Subscriber ;- BBC might learn the Open Umbrella Service from NASA ,.. They Never ever charged to see their advancement in Space Photos ### 1/5 — Continually crashing *2018-05-31, version 5.0.6* Until I downloaded the latest version, the app worked reasonably well (I would have given that version 4 stars - it wasn't perfect, if you tried to read a complete issue, it would usually crash part way through. However as I tended to read only one or two articles each time I opened the app, that was ok for me). Since the update, I have not been able to access anything - it just keeps crashing - I have only once got as far as it requesting my details before it crashed again. Surely app updates should be tested before release (by someone other than the writer) to ensure that you can reach the menu and read at least one or two articles on any iPad the app is supposed to run on. Not impressed with this update, please do something about it quickly, or you will lose another subscriber. ### 1/5 — It’s a pity, updates produce problems. May 18 *2018-05-30, version 5.0.6* I used to subscribe and buy specials but stopped after the new format came out about a year ago. I didn’t like the magazine layout. Turned to print subscription. Now, after May 18 update, it just constantly crashes. I can’t even view my specials now. I’m not impressed and can’t recommend it. ### 1/5 — Endless crashes on iPad mini 2 *2018-05-28, version 5.0.6* It’s very frustrating to find such a good magazine doesn’t work digitally. 12 months of restarts to download a set that cannot be viewed. It’s theft really. ### 1/5 — Doesn’t Recognise iTunes Subscription *2018-04-03, version 4.8.0* I only give this app 1 star, because I have to delete and restore it each month. This is due to the fact that I have a renewable iTunes subscription and when a new issue becomes available it doesn’t recognise my subscription despite using the restore function. This works perfectly when I delete and re-download the app! Please sort this out as it is really annoying and affects both the iPhone and iPad versions. I have reported this several times but the problem persists. ### 1/5 — Not iPad friendly *2017-09-22, version 4.6.4* This is nearly a great app - BUT I am unable to zoom text or pictures using gestures ( or any other method). I was looking forward examining your images at high magnification and this was my main reason for purchase. The Guardian online app had the same problem when launched. But it was fixed after about 1 year. If they could do it so can you! Without this fix I will not be renewing my subscription But let me know if an when you fix this. ### 3/5 — Love the magazine, hate the app! *2017-08-18* I love the content of the magazine and the app does work fine. I do not like the format of the magazine and I keep having problems downloading it so it is available online. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — App is broken *2025-05-22* I am unable to access my subscription. I have been billed. Done a reinstall and restore my purchases and I get a message to contact support via the app. I have done this 3 times and never received a response. Avoid this App. ### 1/5 — Recent update now even worse *2022-11-02, version 7.0.2* Update. I emailed the editor of the magazine almost a month ago. No response. I guess if the editor is unable or unwilling to respond then things will never be resolved. The cycle of developer “sorry tell us what’s wrong we’re sorry” which ends in “uninstall and re install” is not worth the effort. Astronomy Now app has always worked. So no point in renewing my subscription. The presenters and contributors if they read this may wonder what’s going on. I somehow doubt the developers will be challenged. ### 1/5 — Useless *2022-06-04, version 7.0* A useless app. Unable to sign into my account. Zero stars but not able give zero. ### 1/5 — Impossibly difficult to access subscribed content *2021-11-22, version 7.0* The app is impossible to use. The access to content I have purchased by annual subscription is virtually impossible to access. It seems if I go to menu and randomly click sky magazines there is an option for a sign in. but then It never seems to let me sign in properly even when I reset my password via this sky site. About to cancel my subscription and delete app. Shame as the print magazine is a good read most months… thought this would be a better option as online but in reality appear to demonstrate basic tech incompetence. ### 1/5 — Sky at night App review *2021-09-20, version 5.6.7* I’ve downloaded the latest above app, which seems to crash on an almost constant rate. The reasons for this are unknown to me but I’ve now decided not to waste any more time and effort to get this to work. This will also undoubtedly be a reason for me not to continue with my current subscription which is due to finish in the next few months. In a single word of your app - Rubbish ### 1/5 — Awful *2020-10-03, version 5.6.4* This app keeps failing. The very latest update (2020 September) will not even open on an iPad 3. Have made many contacts with support over the months (rarely get a response) yet each issue requires at least one reinstall. Have several other magazine and journal subscriptions that work well on the iPad. This is by far the most troublesome. Please get it fixed. ### 1/5 — Sorry guys also crashing *2020-03-06, version 5.6.1* To let you know it is crashing for me also. Shows current issue tab then dies. Have updated app. ios version 13.3. 10.5inch Model FPMG2B/A pity wanted to know this months highlights and the moon looks interesting. ### 1/5 — Beware Misleading Subscription Offer *2020-02-22, version 5.6.1* Beware of the digital subscription offer in this app... it’s only on offer to new subscribers. I fell for the advertising hype & missed the tiny hidden exclusion clause. It didn’t confirm the price when buying the In App Purchase either, so I had no idea I’d actually paid full price. Very misleading. Shame because I really like Sky At Night Magazine. I’ll stick to the print version in future. I hope they can find a better digital publisher & improve their advertising. I managed to get a full refund from Apple, but only after a lot of hassle. Not a good experience. ### 1/5 — Curious about your Star’s *2020-01-24* How is it that this has a 5 star rating with when all the the ratings are 1 star? ### 1/5 — Impossible to download issues *2019-08-27* I have purchased all past issues and special collection. Will not download. Have restarted, removed app, etc. nothing works - very frustrating. Happens on iPhone and ipad. Please fix. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Magazine subscription *2021-08-29, version 5.6.7* Sky at night is a really good informative magazine I really like Astronomy and I always learn things I didn’t know about space and the planets keep up good work by the way lower your subscriptions some of prices are ridiculous you’d expect a free gift for what you have to fork out ### 5/5 — Great stuff *2019-11-27, version 5.5.3* A great addition to a long tradition. Simply the finest astronomy magazine going. ### 5/5 — Great *2019-07-20, version 5.4.4* Great... ### 5/5 — Can’t Wait til Next Edition *2019-04-29* Wonderful Astro magazine and as soon as I’m finished with the current edition, I can’t wait for the next. Well done. ### 5/5 — Constant crashing a thing of the past *2017-12-08, version 4.7.0* Well done S-A-N. You've finally cured the blessed curse. Problem is, I'm petrified to update the app in case it starts all over again! Kev B ### 5/5 — Works perfectly *2017-06-25, version 4.6.2* Great app from one of my favourite magazine. Not experienced any issues as others seem to have reviewed on. Spot on so far. ### 5/5 — Review *2016-09-24, version 3.3.60* I've been using this for a while now and I can honestly say that I'm impressed. It's a user friendly interaction with the Sky at Night program and it's contributors. ### 5/5 — Excellent *2016-09-09, version 3.3.59* Does the job perfectly. Worthy of a five star rating. ### 5/5 — Great magazine *2016-09-08, version 3.3.60* Great magazine with some really good special editions. Well worth the money. ### 5/5 — The Best *2016-09-07, version 3.3.60* I've paid subscriptions to other astronomy magazines, but this is the best. --- *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 2026-09-09.*