# KeckWatch > Interactive astronomy guide with real-time telescope data and celestial object information. (iPhone/iPad app by Mike Smithwick.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/keckwatch/id953228443 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Mike Smithwick](https://appshunter.io/developer/294198918) - Category: Education, Lifestyle - Price: Free - Rating: 4.30/5 from 9 App Store ratings · 6 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 7.1 · 147 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2015-05-23 - Data updated: 2026-08-16 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/keckwatch/id953228443/reviews.md ## What is KeckWatch? KeckWatch is brought to you by W. M. Keck Observatory, which operates the two largest optical/infrared telescopes on Earth from nearly 14,000 feet on Maunakea in Hawaii. Since first science in 1993 they have become the two most scientifically productive telescopes on Earth. With KeckWatch, you can share in their discoveries. Sporting thousands of stars, all 8 (sorry, Pluto) planets, galaxies, nebula and star clusters, along with status updates and news from Keck Observatory you’ll learn where Orion might be, or what planet was shimmering above the house last night. Features include: •No Internet required. Just a sense of wonder. •Up to date Keck news •See the current status of each telescope, what instruments are in use and what organization is booked for that evening’s observing •See where each scope is currently aimed. •Stars are shown with both standard and traditional Hawaiian names •Zoom in on the planets, see Jupiter and her moons or the rings of Saturn. •See where other users with Beacons. •Compass aware, just aim and gaze. •Thousands of pinpoint stars scintillating like diamond dust in the palm of your hand •Realistic ghostly band of the Milky Way •Stories behind each constellation •Viewpoint Lock keeps any planet centered •Galaxies, nebula and star clusters •Hubble Space Telescope images •All 8 planets (Pluto is optional) •GPS aware •Red interface to preserve your night vision •What's Up? Gives a quick one snapshot overview of where all of the important stuff is •Touching the sky to reveal hidden data for each object •Planetary data and information ## Key features - Offline celestial exploration - Real-time telescope status - Compass and GPS integration - Detailed object information - Hawaiian star names - Night vision red interface - Keck Observatory news ## Recent user reviews (6 of 6) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/keckwatch/id953228443/reviews.md ### 2/5 — Very Unintuitive UI *2023-10-30* I’ve used many different night sky apps and this one has got to be the least intuitive to navigate around the sky. You don’t know what direction you’re looking because you can’t find direction markers; I have no idea where the horizon is or what’s in relation to what. The labeling on the sky chart is all over the place in terms of font size, style, color… preferences allow you to turn things on the sky chart on and off such as mythological figures, object names, etc. it’s clear this app has all kinds of cool features but IMO they’re clumsily rendered. It’s just confusing to use. My go to night sky app is SkySafari - it’s waaaaaay better in every way with superior features, way better sky chart, more intuitive interface, way more settings, millions object database, outstanding simulations, and on and on. Keck Watch could be a contender but it’s got a long way to go rethinking their presentation and user controls. Other good ones are Stellarium, Luminos, GoSkyWatch, Sky View, Sky Walk. ### 5/5 — Really Awesome App *2021-06-13* I don’t know if any free apps that are worth a hoot. They have pop-ups or you press a name for more information on the celestial object and a pop up greets you wanting more money. This one is different. Not sure what their motive was other than to share fun, because there is no money involved with this in any way whatsoever. As a single dad, in college at 38 years old (and have been for 5 years now- and almost done!!) 3$ or 4$ is more than I can spare. Seriously. A year from now that should be a different story, but for now, I can’t. And I am so appreciative of this app first for being free, 2nd because my 11 year old daughter has this app and two other astronomy apps on her phone and nothing else. She loves it. I love that it needs zero adult supervision and my daughter and I have spent so many hours outside with this app according to her screen app time and mine. On my phone in the last year I have 305 hours of screen time. She has 780 hours screen objects that you can see with (or up to) a REALLY good 4” refractor, this app MORE than suffices. Great job Keck-People!!! ### 5/5 — More than just a stargazing app *2015-08-12* By far my favorite stargazing app! This app has it all from stargazing on the beach to keeping me up to date with the observatory and telescopes. This app is packed with useful information! ### 5/5 — 🚀🌻🎯5⭐️ *2015-07-18* Thanks ‼️ ### 5/5 — Wow. Very cool. *2015-07-18* I was surprised how well the pointing works. It got great info on the Kecks - my favorite telescope. ### 5/5 — Great app! *2015-07-16* What a great app for stargazing & also learning more about what's going on with the Keck! ## Frequently asked questions about KeckWatch ### What is KeckWatch? KeckWatch is an educational astronomy application that allows users to explore stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae. It provides real-time data from the W. M. Keck Observatory and features like compass awareness for easy navigation. ### Does KeckWatch require an internet connection? No, KeckWatch does not require an internet connection to function. Users can explore celestial objects and access its features with just a sense of wonder, making it ideal for offline use. ### What kind of celestial objects can I see with KeckWatch? KeckWatch displays thousands of stars, all 8 planets (with Pluto as an option), galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. It also includes the Milky Way and offers stories behind constellations. ### How does KeckWatch help with stargazing? KeckWatch is compass and GPS aware, allowing users to aim their device at the sky and identify celestial objects. The 'What's Up?' feature provides a quick overview of important objects, and Viewpoint Lock keeps planets centered. ### What is the age rating for KeckWatch? KeckWatch has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users, including children and adults interested in learning about space. ### What information is available about the W. M. Keck Observatory? The app provides up-to-date news from the Keck Observatory, the current status of each telescope, instruments in use, and booking information for observing nights. You can also see where the telescopes are currently aimed. ### Does KeckWatch have ads? No, KeckWatch is ad-free. It is a free application that focuses on providing educational content without interruptions from advertisements. ### On which devices can I use KeckWatch? KeckWatch is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed to offer a comprehensive stargazing experience across these Apple platforms. ## Version history (last 3 releases) ### 20082 — 2015-07-16 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. •Added pointing information for each the scopes. ### 1.0.1 — 2015-05-23 ● Added the traditional Hawaiian names of over 40 of the major stars to compliment the observatory's location on top of Mauna Kea in Hawaii ### 1.0.0 — 2015-05-05 No release notes. ## Apps similar to KeckWatch | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [全脑教育-左右脑智力潜能开发](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id866932020) | 1.0 (1) | Free | Education | | [Novenas](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/novenas/id943061440) | 5.0 (3) | $1.99 | Education | | [Vidya School](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vidya-school/id944964840) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Education | | [Welsh for Adults](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/welsh-for-adults/id908629120) | — | Free | Education | | [Bible Questions & Answers -FAQ](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bible-questions-and-answers-faq/id910797800) | 4.3 (208) | Free | Education | | [Rembrandt 174 Paintings HD 170M+ Ad-free](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rembrandt-174-paintings-hd-170m-plus-ad-free/id866641420) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Education | ## More apps by Mike Smithwick - [Distant Suns 5](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/distant-suns-5/id363418936) - [Apollo360-VR](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/apollo360-vr/id1568902206) - [Cloqworks](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cloqworks/id6475178682) - [CattGPT](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cattgpt/id6747798457) All apps by Mike Smithwick: https://appshunter.io/developer/294198918 ## Related topics [keckwatch](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/keckwatch) --- *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 2026-08-16.*