# MessierMate: Night Sky Tracker — Astronomy Log & Deep Sky Guide

> Free deep-sky astronomy log and guide for tracking celestial objects. (iPhone/iPad app by CosmicFlow Labs LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/messiermate-night-sky-tracker/id6782169332 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [CosmicFlow Labs LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1882544353)
- Category: Reference, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.1 · 54 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-07-22
- Data updated: 2026-08-28
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/messiermate-night-sky-tracker/id6782169332/reviews.md

## What is MessierMate?

110 deep-sky objects. See which ones are above your horizon right now, sorted by urgency so you never miss one before it sets.

MessierMate is the complete companion for deep-sky observing, and it's completely free. No ads. No in-app purchases. Ever. Whether you're under the stars for the first time or chasing the Messier Marathon, the app tells you exactly what's visible from your location right now, helps you plan future nights, and keeps a log of every session.


TONIGHT

Open the app and instantly see which of the 110 Messier objects are above your horizon, sorted by urgency so you never miss a galaxy that's about to set. Each card shows altitude, compass direction, time until it sets, and an altitude arc so you know exactly when to look. Filter by object type (galaxies, nebulae, star clusters) and minimum altitude, and switch between three card layouts to match your observing style.


PLAN

Tap any night on the monthly calendar and see dusk time, moon phase, moonrise, and a count of how many objects are visible. Browse your targets in a list or on a timeline that shows when each object rises, peaks, and sets. Star objects to build a target list for the night. The app automatically detects Messier Marathon nights and flags them on the calendar.


LOG

Record every session with the date, location, duration, and which objects you observed. Add notes and photos to individual objects. Share a session with a friend via a short share code. No account needed on their end to view it.


YOUR SKY, YOUR PRIVACY

Your GPS coordinates never leave your device. Only your site name and Bortle class are synced to the cloud, never your exact coordinates. There are no ads and no analytics trackers. Guest mode is fully functional: the app works completely offline without an account.


BUILT FOR DARK SITES

A dark theme and a Red Night mode protect your night vision. The interface is designed to be usable by feel, with minimal taps needed to log an observation while you're at the eyepiece.


WHAT'S INSIDE

- All 110 Messier objects with real-time altitude and azimuth calculations
- Tonight view ranked by urgency, objects setting soonest appear first
- Monthly planning calendar with moon phase and object counts
- Rising, peaking, and setting timeline for any night
- Automatic Messier Marathon opportunity detection
- Session log with notes, photos, and shareable codes
- Equipment manager for telescopes, eyepieces, filters, and cameras
- Bortle scale support for accurate sky darkness settings
- Red Night mode for dark site use
- Works offline, no internet connection required for sky calculations
- Free, with no ads and no in-app purchases

Whether you're hunting your first galaxy or completing the catalog for the tenth time, MessierMate keeps you focused on what matters: the sky.

## Key features

- Track 110 Messier objects
- Real-time altitude and azimuth
- Urgency-based object sorting
- Monthly planning calendar
- Session logging with notes and photos
- Offline functionality
- Red Night mode

## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/messiermate-night-sky-tracker/id6782169332/reviews.md

### 5/5 — The best astronomy guide!

*2026-08-20*

This is such a great app, it has all the info for anyone interested in astronomy. It clearly lists what is observable today, where exactly to look for it and what the visibility is like. The app also allows me to log my every observation. If you are into astronomy this is a must have!

**Developer response:** Hi Laura, 

We are glad that you are enjoying the app. Thanks for your review. 

Clear skies! 🌌

## Frequently asked questions about MessierMate

### What is MessierMate?

MessierMate is a free astronomy app designed for deep-sky observers. It helps you identify and track the 110 Messier objects, plan your observing sessions, and log your observations with detailed notes and photos.

### Is MessierMate free to use?

Yes, MessierMate is completely free to use. The app explicitly states 'No ads. No in-app purchases. Ever.' and is available at no cost.

### Does MessierMate have ads?

No, MessierMate is ad-free. The app's description clearly states that there are no advertisements included.

### Can I use MessierMate offline?

Yes, MessierMate works completely offline. Sky calculations and all core features are available without an internet connection, making it ideal for remote observing locations.

### What devices does MessierMate support?

MessierMate is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed to function across Apple's mobile ecosystem.

### How often is MessierMate updated?

The latest version of MessierMate is 1.1.0, which was last updated on August 21, 2026. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing development and support.

### What is the age rating for MessierMate?

MessierMate has an age rating of 4+. This means it is considered suitable for children aged 4 and older, with no mature content.

### How does MessierMate help with planning observing sessions?

MessierMate provides a monthly planning calendar that shows moon phase, dusk time, and the number of visible objects. It also offers a timeline view for when each object rises, peaks, and sets, and can automatically detect Messier Marathon nights.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.1.0 — 2026-08-21

New in this update:
- Add observing sites by search, map tap, pasted Google Maps link, or coordinates
- Bug fixes and UX polish

### 1.0 — 2026-07-23

No release notes.

## More apps by CosmicFlow Labs LLC

- [HerHabits: Cycle Habit Tracker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/herhabits-cycle-habit-tracker/id6760084683)
- [Girgit - Find the fake](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/girgit-find-the-fake/id6799258451)

All apps by CosmicFlow Labs LLC: https://appshunter.io/developer/1882544353

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*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 2026-08-28.*