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Emerald Observatory for iPad

Emerald Observatory for iPad

by Bjorn Freeman-Benson

84 ratings
145 reviews
📚 Education
🔧 Utilities
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • April 1, 2010
  • September 19, 2026

Features

Developer

Bjorn Freeman-Benson
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Reviews summary↘︎
⭐145
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🔄6+ apps
Alternatives↘︎
❓5 answered
FAQ↘︎
📦~ in 4 months
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About

This app provides a comprehensive astronomical display on a single screen, offering detailed information about celestial bodies and timekeeping. It features a heliocentric orrery, rise and set times, twilight information, and moon phase details. Users can navigate through time and set alarms for astronomical events.

✓Astronomical information display
✓Heliocentric orrery
✓Rise and set times for Sun, Moon, planets
✓Twilight times
✓Moon phase and orientation
✓World map of day/night regions
✓Eclipse simulator
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What users say

Summarized from real user reviews of Emerald Observatory for iPad. Based on 84 reviews and a 4.9/5 average, it highlights the 14 positives and 4 negatives reviewers mention most about this Utilities app.

Positive things

  • ✨Visually stunning and beautiful design
  • 💡Extremely informative and data-rich
  • 👍Elegant and exquisite user interface
  • 🚀Flawless UX and intuitive design
  • 🌟Unique and nonpareil functionality
  • 🕰️Excellent timepiece and clock functionality
  • 🔭Great for astronomy enthusiasts
  • 🎨Masterpiece of form and function
  • 💯Perfection in design and information display
  • 💎A work of art and a feast for the eyes
  • ✅Does exactly what it says, and does it well
  • 💰Incredible value for the price
  • 📚Educational and informative
  • 🖼️Great as a display or wallpaper

Negative things

  • ⏳Last update a year ago
  • 🤔Interface can be tough to decipher initially
  • 🔄Lack of recent updates
  • 📱Not available on iPhone/Apple Watch
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What's New in Emerald Observatory for iPad

1.6.1

September 19, 2026

Fixes some small visual bugs (colors, screen size).

User reviews

Most RecentHighest RatedLowest Rated

So glad it’s back…

I love this app and was disappointed when it left the store.
But now it’s back I’m so happy, love it. Thanks for bringing it back..
KirkupKirkup

Saved from the app graveyard

I’ve used this app ever since Andy Ihnatko reviewed it some 15 years ago. I still use it to see when sunrises and sunsets will occur to set light timers at my house. When I read the original developers were shutting it down I was sad because no other app can really do what this one can. I am ecstatic to see that its development was picked up and I had an update today. Thank you for picking up the torch!
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FWGMillsFWGMills

Thank you

for continuing development and refinement. It’s appreciated.
Kailua-KonaKailua-Kona

A++++++++

So glad this is back. One of the BEST apps ever. Thanks.
llaindellorracllaindellorrac

Thanks!

Thank you for reviving one of my favorite apps.
Byek RyederByek Ryeder
See 140 more reviews

User experience

✨

Requested Features

14 requests

Port to screen wallpaper

Feature

Large wall clock version

Feature

Apple TV version

Feature

Support for Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto

Feature

iPhone and Apple Watch versions

Feature

Alarm functionality

Feature

Screen dimming for night use

Feature

Numeric display of values

Feature

Switch altitude/azimuth by touching planet

Feature

Push notifications for specific events

Feature

Custom chime sounds for events

Feature

Round earth display to match moon display

Feature

iPad version of Chronometer iPhone app

Feature

Tutorial mode or on-screen help

Feature

FAQ

What does Emerald Observatory do?

Emerald Observatory displays a wide range of astronomical information on a single screen. This includes clock times, rise and set times for celestial bodies, twilight periods, a heliocentric orrery showing planetary orbits, and details about the Moon's phase and appearance. It also shows day and night regions on a world map and simulates eclipses.

What are the key features of Emerald Observatory?

Key features include a heliocentric orrery, times for the rise and set of the Sun, Moon, and planets, twilight times, current moon phase and orientation, a world map showing day and night, and an eclipse simulator. It also offers various time displays like solar, UTC, and sidereal time, and allows for daily alarms.

How much does Emerald Observatory cost?

Based on the provided information, Emerald Observatory is a paid application. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or a subscription model, indicating a one-time purchase price.

What devices is Emerald Observatory compatible with?

The application is specifically designed for the iPad. It utilizes iPad location services or allows manual setting of latitude and longitude. It also requires an internet connection for NTP synchronization.

How can I navigate through time in the app?

You can navigate through time by tapping on the display. Tapping allows you to move forward by a month, day, hour, or minute. This feature enables users to explore astronomical events and positions at different points in time.