# Polar Scope Align Pro — Scope alignment & astro tools

> Telescope polar alignment and astronomy toolkit with object database and calculators. (iPhone/iPad app by Dimitrios Kechagias.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align-pro/id970161373 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Dimitrios Kechagias](https://appshunter.io/developer/970157964)
- Category: Utilities
- Price: $3.99 with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.90/5 from 300 App Store ratings · 265 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 31 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2015-03-04
- Data updated: 2026-08-27
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align-pro/id970161373/reviews.md

## What is Polar Scope Align Pro?

Polar Scope Align Pro is a complete toolkit for amateur astronomers: accurate polar alignment, deep-sky observing, astro weather, push-to/manual GoTo, iOptron mount WiFi control, widgets and more. All features and updates are free forever. Optional in-app purchases are just tips to support development.

POLAR ALIGNMENT
• Calculates Polaris or σ Octantis position for 30+ reticle types: iOptron, Astro-Physics, Takahashi, Skywatcher, Vixen, Celestron, Orion, Astrotrac and others*
• Atmospheric refraction correction for accuracy at any latitude
• Works with or without a polar scope

ALIGNMENT WITHOUT A POLAR SCOPE
• Daytime / No Polar Scope Alignment: works day and night with just your phone's gyro
• Camera Azimuth Calibration: use sun/moon/stars to calibrate gyro and align accurately without a compass, immune to magnetic interference
• Laser / Hop Align: nighttime alignment for maximum accuracy with a laser or a scope with no view of Polaris
• Live sky map guides you to the celestial pole in real time
• Sun Finder helps you point your filtered telescope/telephoto to the Sun

PUSH TO (MANUAL GOTO)
• Attach your phone to any scope and convert it to manual/push GoTo
• Select from a large database and use direct push or more accurate hop-to mode

DEEP SKY OBJECT DATABASE
• 22,000+ objects with altitude graphs, rise/set times and more info
• Save and manage curated observing lists
• Filter, search, sort and push to any target

XASTERIA ASTRO WEATHER
• Hourly astronomy forecasts (7Timer, OpenWeather, MET Norway, Apple Weather)
• Aurora forecasts
• ISS and bright satellite passes with sky chart, live map tracking, and Tiangong and Hubble views
• Solar eclipse tool with past and future eclipses, live mode with audio cues
• Experimental eclipse camera for automated photoshoots of partial phase, diamond ring, Baily's beads, totality bracketing
• Light pollution data from the World Atlas and recent VIIRS satellite radiance

CALCULATORS & TOOLS
• 30+ calculators for observing and astrophotography
• Moon phase calendar with altitude graphs
• Solar eclipse calculator and simulator
• Bubble level & Compass

IOPTRON WIFI MOUNT CONTROL
• Connect to WiFi-enabled iOptron mounts (HAE, HAZ, HEM, CEM, GEM and more)
• Automatic date/time/location setup
• Switch between Equatorial and Alt-Az on mounts that support both
• Move & Sync: directional control with a live sky map
• Point GoTo: aim your phone at a patch of sky and send the mount there
• Current Point Query: find out what the mount is pointing at
• GoTo any object from the DSO Database

NIGHT-FRIENDLY
• Red, green or white night mode with dimmer

WIDGETS
• Tonight's weather, satellite passes and aurora forecast

* Full list of supported reticles:
Astro-Physics RAPAS & PASILL, iOptron, the latest Orion / Skywatcher, the Classic Skywatcher / Orion / Celestron / Meade / EXOS2 / Bresser / MSM, various versions of Takahashi EM-10/11/200/400/500, NJP, PM-1, P2-Z, the Telrad, Rigel QuikFinder, a couple for Astrotrac / Losmandy / Kenko / Avalon, the Vixen PF-L/Atlux/SX/SXD/SXP/AXD/GP/GP-DX/Polarie Polar Axis Scopes, a Konus and several Polar Finders: Tuthill, Explore Scientific 8x50, Meade 9x60, Vixen Polaris, Celestron 7x50, Carton Optical. PoleMaster help view for South Hemisphere users.

## Key features

- Accurate polar alignment calculation
- Support for numerous polar scope reticles
- Daytime/no polarscope alignment tool
- Deep Space Object database
- Astrophotography calculators
- World astro-weather report

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: $3.99.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tip 10x | $9.99 | one-time |
| Tip 4x | $3.99 | one-time |
| Tip 1x | $0.99 | one-time |


## Chart rankings

- #30 in Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

## What do users think of Polar Scope Align Pro?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Best Polar Alignment App
- 👍 Detailed Instructions and Explanations
- 👍 Fantastic App with Many Useful Features
- 👍 Intuitive and No Distractions
- 👍 Comprehensive Astronomy App
- 👍 Excellent Polar Alignment Tool
- 👍 Accurate Daytime Alignment
- 👍 Extensive Catalog Database
- 👍 Superb Astrophotography Tool
- 👍 Brilliant Polar Alignment App
- 👍 Excellent Weather Forecasting
- 👍 Versatile and Packed with Features

**Cons**

- 🐛 Compass Inaccurate
- 🐛 Location Data Inaccurate

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Weather Updates Not Working
- Compass Deflected by Mount

**Most requested features**

- Add Observation Recording Feature
- Add Push To Option for DSO Objects

## Recent user reviews (10 of 265)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align-pro/id970161373/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Perfect apps, lots of information.

*2026-08-04, version 7.0*

Highly accuracy, include many necessary sky observation information.
If world tide time table could be included, it would be the best❣️
Highly recommend!

### 5/5 — Full Featured Well Designed, Great Functions

*2026-07-23, version 7.0*

Something for everyone, observers and astrophotographers.  I appreciate the DSO section- the ability to generate custom observing lists, and the “Push To” feature to orient my scope in Alt Az mode.

### 5/5 — Mandatory app

*2026-07-17, version 7.0*

If you do outreach or even move your telescope in and out of the garage or the house, this is an incredibly helpful setup tool for the night session or a solar session

### 5/5 — Lingua italiana

*2026-07-14, version 7.0*

Bellissima app potrà un giorno essere in lingua italiana 
Grazie

### 5/5 — Great for phone based polar alignment

*2026-07-11, version 7.0*

I have been using phone apps to polar align my star trackers for a number of years as here in the southern hemisphere we don’t have a polestar to use. The update of this app (July 26) is a game changer as it totally removes the reliance on the magnetic compass and allows you to calibrate azimuth with a known star. I can get clean 10 minute tracks using 50 mm lens no problems with minimal hassle during set up (2 min). The developer has to be given huge kudos for a great job. Still some improvement I would like to see,  but the app does the job brilliantly.

### 5/5 — Excelente

*2026-07-11, version 7.0*

Excelente aplicación

### 5/5 — Astrophotographers of all levels: this app is a must have

*2026-07-06, version 7.0*

If you are into astrophotography, from getting started to advanced, you need this app. It's a toolbox to align your telescope and to make sure it's aligned correctly. The latest version especially beings tools to another level that afaik doesn't exist elsewhere.

### 5/5 — Exceptional

*2026-05-24, version 6.9*

Use it to set up a Dwarflab Mini polar alignment on my tripod. 
So easy to use for direction and inclination.

### 5/5 — super helpful

*2026-03-25*

I love the App. It was extremely helpful with my HEQ5 and is now also very helpful with my AM5.
It shows you exactly what you need to see to be aligned and it has quite precise daytime alignment features.

### 5/5 — Best Polar Alignment App Ever!

*2026-01-31, version 6.9*

I am new to astronomy.  Learning to align my Sky-Watcher mount has not been easy. This app, with it’s detailed instructions and explanations, is just what I needed to get perfect polar alignment with my mount.  Thank you so much!

## Frequently asked questions about Polar Scope Align Pro

### What does Polar Scope Align Pro do?

This app provides highly accurate polar alignment for telescopes, even in lower latitudes, by calculating the precise position of celestial poles for your location. It also functions as a comprehensive astronomy toolkit, offering features like a deep space object database, numerous calculators for observing and astrophotography, and an astro-weather report.

### How accurate is the polar alignment?

The app offers accurate polar alignment by calculating the position of Polaris or Sigma Octantis, correcting for atmospheric refraction and other astronomical effects. It aims for precision comparable to scientific software, distinguishing itself from simpler alignment apps.

### Is Polar Scope Align Pro free to use?

Yes, all core features and updates are provided for free indefinitely. The only in-app purchases available are voluntary donations, often referred to as a 'tip jar', allowing users to support the developer.

### What devices is Polar Scope Align Pro compatible with?

The app utilizes your phone's GPS and time/date, and can be used with a wide variety of polar scope reticles from different telescope manufacturers. It is designed to be a versatile tool for astronomers using various equipment.

### What are the main use cases for this app?

The primary use case is achieving precise polar alignment for telescopes, crucial for long-exposure astrophotography and accurate tracking. Additionally, it serves as a valuable resource for general astronomy observation, object finding, and planning sessions with its integrated databases and calculators.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 7.1 — 2026-08-09

• Xasteria astro weather:
   ◦ Solar Eclipse tool improvements, including past eclipses and audio cues in live mode.
   ◦ Experimental Camera tool in the Eclipse simulator for automated eclipse photoshoots: diamond ring, Baily's beads and bracketed totality exposures.
   ◦ New light pollution data option, extrapolated from the World Atlas using VIIRS 2025 satellite night-light radiance.
   ◦ Live map tracking of the ISS and satellites, pass simulation, and dedicated Tiangong and Hubble views.
   ◦ New Sunrise / Twilight setting for the weather tonight widgets.
   ◦ Weather tonight complication and widget for Apple Watch.
• Daytime Alignment: crosshair / target can now be adjusted on the Camera Azimuth Calibration confirmation screen.
• Sun Finder added: a Push To that guides you to the Sun (found in Daytime Alignment).
• DSO Database: new Double / Multiple Stars category.
• iOptron WiFi Connect:
   ◦ Support for all the newer mounts (HAE, HAZ, HEM and others), with switching between Equatorial and Alt-Az on mounts that support both.
   ◦ New Move & Sync Mount tool and Point GoTo tool, both with sky maps.
   ◦ Current Point Query updated with a sky map.
   ◦ Mount time and location set automatically.
• Elevation can be entered for manual locations, and UTC is available as a time zone option.
• UI improvements, most notably a clickable location dropdown and a new landscape setting on iPhone that lets most tools work in landscape.
• Fixes, including the Hop To / Laser Align targeting display.
Remember, the app never nags you with popups, so it gets very few ratings/reviews. Support it by rating it!

### 7.0 — 2026-07-05

Version 7 brings improved daytime alignment and many more tools and features:
• Camera Azimuth Calibration added for Daytime / No Polar Scope alignment, using the Sun, Moon, planets or bright stars for higher accuracy instead of relying on the compass. 
• Improved Daytime Alignment, Laser / Hop Align, and Push To compass/magnetometer handling.
• Phone mounting orientation options added for alignment and Push To tools.
• Sky maps added to Push To, Hop To, Laser / Hop Align, and Daytime Alignment.
• DSO Database lists can be saved, edited by swiping, and printed.
• Xasteria updates: Widgets available (weather, satellite pass and aurora), OpenWeather forecast, aurora forecast map, improved weather display with sun/moon altitude arcs, in-app satellite trajectories, and updated light pollution map.
• Bubble Level adds incline/slope percentage mode and Camera Az calibration support.
• Auto Night Mode added.
• New onboarding screens and improved help, especially for daytime calibration.
• Magnetic declination calculation restored.
• Various small fixes, including settings screen and iOS 26 compatibility updates.
Remember, the app never nags you with popups, so it gets very few ratings/reviews. Support it by rating it!

### 6.9 — 2025-07-08

Please support the app by reviewing or rating! You will never get annoying popups asking you in the app.
What's new:
- Fixed DSS image downloads, backup server added.
- Xasteria improvements including higher contrast main weather view.
- Reduced app size.

### 6.8 — 2024-04-16

Please support the app by reviewing or rating! You will never get annoying popups asking you in the app.
What's new:
- Added Alt-Az Field Rotation calculator.
- Barlow/Reducer option added to 6 calculators (Eyepiece Magnification, Eyepiece Projection Focal Length, FoV for Imaging System, Actual Size of Lunar View, Eyepiece Field of View, Arcsec/px for Imaging System).
- Updated Sat24 and Clear Sky Chart locations for Xasteria Weather.

### 6.7 — 2024-03-23

Please support the app by reviewing or rating! You will never get annoying popups asking you in the app.
Special update for the April 2024 Solar Eclipse:
- Solar Eclipse Calculator ("other" category in the calculators list). Find and Simulate any Solar Eclipse of the past or future.
- New tool in Xasteria: Click the solar eclipse button below the weather view for a list of solar eclipses as they will be visible from your location.
- On the Xasteria weather forecast, the solar eclipse type and time of maximum will be displayed in place of the moon phase on eclipse days.
- Solar eclipse details are shown on the lunar calendar under eclipse days.
- Sun / Moon location calculation improved in the DSO DB.
Also:
- Fixed barometer for iOS 17.4 devices (requires Motion & Fitness permissions).
- Eq. Coord - Alt Az calculator auto-updates if the app time is on auto.
- Disable display sleep setting also added to daytime alignment and bubble level tool settings (but applies across the app).
- Apply/Tab buttons added to calculator keyboards.

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## More apps by Dimitrios Kechagias

- [Polar Scope Align](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align/id970157965)
- [Xasteria: Astronomy Weather](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xasteria-astronomy-weather/id985030722)
- [Polar Scope Align Pro Watch](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align-pro-watch/id986082042)
- [Bubble Level + Compass Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bubble-level-plus-compass-pro/id988590222)
- [Xasteria Plus - Astro Weather](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xasteria-plus-astro-weather/id1053736323)

All apps by Dimitrios Kechagias: https://appshunter.io/developer/970157964

## Related topics

[ioptron optical polar scope](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ioptron-optical-polar-scope) · [dimitrios kechagias](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dimitrios-kechagias) · [ipolar](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ipolar) · [ioptron](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ioptron) · [ksolar pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ksolar-pro)

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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 2026-08-27.*