Galactic Compass

Galactic Compass

To the middle of the Milky Way

64 ratings
35 reviews
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • February 14, 2024
  • September 17, 2024

Features

Galactic Compass screenshot #1 for iPhone
Galactic Compass screenshot #2 for iPhone
Galactic Compass screenshot #3 for iPhone
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About

This app provides a floating arrow to guide you towards the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, Sagittarius A*. It calculates the direction based on your location, time of day, and Earth's orbital position, making it easy to find your way.

Points to Sagittarius A*
Dynamic direction calculation
Location-based guidance
Time-of-day adjustment
Earth orbit consideration
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What's New in Galactic Compass

1.5

September 17, 2024

- Always On mode! Tap the compass to brighten the screen and prevent your phone from sleeping. Now you can keep the compass open all day and see the arrow ever so slowly turn (keep your phone plugged in) - Updated icons! The app icon now supports the new dark and tinted Home Screen appearances in iOS 18

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User reviews

Surprisingly grounding

Just try occasionally opening it, orienting yourself, and really sitting in the feeling it gives you. I’m often surprised by how grounding it can be. Perhaps only for the kind of nerds for whom it’s easy to conjure an image of the galaxy and our place in it, but if you definitely give it a try!

Photo Mode

Have you tried it with the camera feed as background?

My favorite app.

This is my single favorite app on the iPhone. It’s simple, it’s profound, it collects no user data. It’s just a pure little nugget of fun that represents exactly what the App Store should be. Thank you for it, and if you release a premium version that includes no more features other than the price, I’ll still be one of your first customers
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iPad problem

Shows wrong direction on iPad in landscape

I use it often

Performs as advertised. Does the job and does it well. Handy dopamine burst.

FAQ

What does Galactic Compass do?

Galactic Compass provides a floating arrow that indicates the direction of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. It helps users easily determine this direction, which is difficult to calculate manually.

How does the app determine the direction?

The app calculates the direction to Sagittarius A* based on three key factors: your current location, the time of day, and the Earth's position in its orbit around the sun. This ensures an accurate and up-to-date directional guide.

Is Galactic Compass free to use?

Yes, Galactic Compass is a free application. There are no costs associated with downloading or using its core functionality to find the direction of the galactic center.

What kind of information does the app use?

The app utilizes your device's location services, the current time, and information about Earth's orbital position to accurately calculate and display the direction to the center of the Milky Way. It does not require any astronomical knowledge from the user.

Who would find this app useful?

This app is useful for amateur astronomers, space enthusiasts, educators, or anyone curious about the orientation of our galaxy. It provides a simple and accessible way to visualize the direction of the galactic core from anywhere on Earth.