# Polar Scope Align — Telescope Polar alignment

> Telescope polar alignment tool with reticle support and atmospheric refraction correction. (iPhone/iPad app by Dimitrios Kechagias.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align/id970157965 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Dimitrios Kechagias](https://appshunter.io/developer/970157964)
- Category: Utilities
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 171 App Store ratings · 170 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 23 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2015-03-04
- Data updated: 2026-08-24
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align/id970157965/reviews.md

## What is Polar Scope Align?

Polar Scope Align is a free, ad-supported polar alignment app for iPhone and iPad.

It calculates the position of Polaris or σ Octantis in your polar scope reticle for your location, date and time, helping you get a quick and accurate polar alignment with an equatorial mount.

POLAR SCOPE ALIGNMENT
• Accurate Polaris and Sigma Octantis position for your date and location
• Atmospheric refraction correction for better accuracy, especially at lower latitudes - readings may differ slightly from simpler apps that skip this correction, but will agree with precise sources (USNO, scientific software)
• Automatic time and location
• Manual location support
• Reticle centering-error measurement and correction
• Zero-position help for common Celestron / Sky-Watcher / Orion style reticles
• Full red night-mode interface

SUPPORTED RETICLES
Polar Scope Align supports 35+ polar scope and finder reticle types, including:
iOptron, Astro-Physics RAPAS & PASILL, Takahashi (EM-10/11/200/400/500, NJP, PM-1, P2-Z), Sky-Watcher / Orion (including EQ6/AZ-EQ and Star Adventurer), Celestron, Meade, EXOS2, Bresser, Vixen (Atlux/SX/SXD/SXP/AXD/GP/GP-DX, Polarie), Astrotrac, Losmandy, Kenko, Avalon, Konus, Telrad, Rigel QuikFinder, and several older polar finders (Tuthill, Explore Scientific, Meade 9x60, Vixen Polaris, Celestron 7x50, Carton Optical).

OBSERVING TOOLS
The free version also includes:
• Moon phase
• Messier, Caldwell and bright-star database
• DSS image downloads for included database objects
• Saved, editable and printable DSO lists
• 8 astronomy calculators for observing and imaging
• Sample Pro tools available from Settings, including aurora forecast
• iOptron WiFi Connect - report mount status, set mount Time/Date/Location

LOOKING FOR ALIGNMENT WITHOUT A POLAR SCOPE?
Polar Scope Align Pro adds the advanced tools many users search for:

• Daytime / No Polar Scope Alignment
• Camera Azimuth Calibration using the Sun, Moon, planets or bright stars
• Laser / Hop Align for night alignment when Polaris is blocked
• Push To / manual GoTo for non-GoTo telescopes
• Live sky maps for Daytime Alignment, Laser / Hop Align, Push To and Hop To
• Full 22,000+ object DSO database
• Xasteria astro weather, aurora, satellite passes and widgets
• 30+ calculators
• Bubble level, compass and iOptron WiFi mount control
• Apple Watch companion app
• No ads

If you only need accurate polar-scope alignment, this free version is a capable tool. If you want alignment without a polar scope, observing planning, weather and field tools, Pro is the complete version.

## Key features

- Polaris/Sigma Octantis position calculation
- Atmospheric refraction correction
- Reticle centering error correction
- Supports numerous reticle types
- Red-color night mode
- Moon phase and astronomical databases

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

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


## What do users think of Polar Scope Align?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🎯 Extensive reticle options for various telescope mounts
- 👍 User-friendly and intuitive interface
- 🆓 Powerful free version with no popup ads
- 🔴 Red night vision mode preserves dark adaptation
- 📍 Accurate GPS-based location detection
- 🌙 Works offline without internet connection
- ⭐ Excellent customer support from developer
- 📚 Clear instructions and helpful documentation
- 🔧 Thoughtfully designed with attention to detail
- 🎨 Clean, simple design without distractions
- ⏰ Includes accurate clock with seconds for ISS tracking
- 🌍 Supports both northern and southern hemisphere alignment
- 💰 Free app with optional pro version
- 🔋 Battery-saving GPS features
- 📊 Multiple useful calculators and tools included

**Cons**

- 🐛 Inconsistent accuracy with metal mounts/tripods
- 📱 Font size too small for comfortable reading
- 🎯 Center dot in reticle obscures precise alignment
- 📍 Limited effectiveness for southern hemisphere (Sigma Octantis is dim)
- ❓ Steep learning curve for beginners without proper guidance
- 🔴 Red color not bold enough for visibility
- 📺 Lacks comprehensive video tutorials
- ⏰ Time/date dial misalignment reported
- 📢 Ad button could be smaller/less intrusive
- 🌐 Reliance on cell tower location data can be inaccurate

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Date and time dial do not match correctly
- GMT and LST times appear to be switched
- App crashes or fails to initialize for some users
- Alignment accuracy varies inconsistently between sessions
- Location detection issues with cell tower vs GPS
- Reticle display not rendering properly in some cases

**Most requested features**

- Online video tutorials demonstrating all features
- Remove or reduce center dot size in reticle
- Larger, bolder font options for better readability
- Brighter star options for southern hemisphere alignment
- Smaller ad button or ad customization
- Better beginner onboarding and instructions
- More robust alternative alignment methods for southern hemisphere

## Recent user reviews (10 of 170)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align/id970157965/reviews.md

### 5/5 — A nice app

*2026-07-17*

A very convenient app, I’d recommend it to any astrophotographer.

### 5/5 — Skywatcher star adventure

*2026-06-01, version 6.9*

GTI goto e propirtdc

### 5/5 — Great app for polar alignment!

*2026-04-29*

This app is doing what it is intended for and in addition explains a lot of useful information, tips and tricks around the alignment process.

Recommended! 👍

### 4/5 — Polar Scope Align

*2026-03-15, version 6.9*

Buona app, funziona bene e non ho avuto nessun tipo di problema

### 5/5 — Gracias

*2026-03-13, version 6.9*

Personas en las calles

### 5/5 — Parfait !

*2026-01-10*

Utilisée avec une monture iOptron SkyGuider Pro, cette application fait de l’alignement polaire est un jeu d’enfant !

### 5/5 — Cool

*2025-10-08, version 6.9*

Cool

### 5/5 — Amazing Reticle Options

*2025-08-30*

This is one of the few apps I’ve found that has a ton of options for reticles. Has all the mounts you can think of. Free version is phenomenal and you should consider supporting the devs!

### 5/5 — Fantastic

*2025-07-29, version 6.9*

Extremely User Friendly

### 5/5 — Awesome

*2025-07-22, version 6.9*

Great for older scopes!

## Frequently asked questions about Polar Scope Align

### What does Polar Scope Align do?

Polar Scope Align calculates the exact position of Polaris or Sigma Octantis within your telescope's polar scope reticle. This allows for quick and accurate polar alignment of your telescope, crucial for astrophotography and precise viewing. It accounts for your specific location and atmospheric conditions for enhanced accuracy.

### How accurate is the polar alignment with this app?

The app provides highly accurate polar alignment, especially at lower latitudes, by correcting for atmospheric refraction and other celestial effects. It aims for precision comparable to scientific software, distinguishing it from simpler alignment apps. The accuracy is detailed in the app's help section.

### What is the cost of Polar Scope Align?

The app offers a free, ad-supported version with core polar alignment features. An optional ad-free Pro version is available for purchase, which includes additional advanced features like manual time/location entry, zoomable reticles, and daytime alignment tools.

### What types of telescope reticles are supported?

The app supports a vast collection of reticles from various manufacturers, including iOptron, Astro-Physics, Takahashi, Orion, Skywatcher, Celestron, Meade, Vixen, and many more. Users can select the reticle that matches their specific polar scope.

### Can this app help with alignment in the Southern Hemisphere?

Yes, the app provides assistance for Southern Hemisphere users by calculating the position of Sigma Octantis. It also includes a 'PoleMaster help view' specifically for South Hemisphere users to aid in their polar alignment process.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 7.1 — 2026-08-09

• DSO Database: new Double / Multiple Stars category.
• iOptron WiFi Connect:
   ◦ Support for all the newer mounts (HAE, HAZ, HEM and others)
   ◦ Set mount time/date/location
Remember, the app never nags you with popups, so it gets very few ratings/reviews. Support it by rating it!

### 7.0 — 2026-07-13

• Aurora forecast added to the sample Pro tools available in the Settings screen.
• Tools night mode can be turned off (default is auto mode depending on day/night). 
• DSO Database lists can be saved, edited by swiping, and printed.
• New onboarding screens and improved help.
• 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 — 2025-07-09

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.
- 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:
- Barlow/Reducer option added to 4 calculators (Eyepiece Magnification, Eyepiece Projection Focal Length, FoV for Imaging System, Actual Size of Lunar View).

### 6.7 — 2024-03-25

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). Calculate the details of any Solar Eclipse of the past or future for your location.
- Apply/Tab buttons added to calculator keyboards.
- Further reduced app size.

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## More apps by Dimitrios Kechagias

- [Polar Scope Align Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align-pro/id970161373)
- [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](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ioptron) · [ioptron optical polar scope](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ioptron-optical-polar-scope) · [ipolar](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ipolar) · [star adventurer mini console](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/star-adventurer-mini-console) · [dimitrios kechagias](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dimitrios-kechagias) · [polestar parallax](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/polestar-parallax) · [ephorpolar](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ephorpolar) · [celestron](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/celestron) · [tegsoft telescope](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/tegsoft-telescope)

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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 2026-08-24.*