DrakeEQ vs SkyORB ∞ Astronomy
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
DrakeEQ
Explore the possibility of extraterrestrial life with a visually stunning calculator based on the Drake Equation. This app allows you to manipulate the equation's parameters and visualize galaxies in motion, offering an educational and entertaining experience.
- Drake Equation calculator
- Interactive 7 parameter manipulation
- Beautiful 3D galaxy visualizations
- Galaxene Galaxy Engine
- Educational and entertaining simulator
- Universe exploration
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Are we alone? We created DrakeEQ to provide a visually elegant answer to the extraterrestrial question, using the intellectually elegant Drake Equation. We coupled this fun calculator with beautiful, 3D galaxies in motion! To help us celebrate 15 years since the first release in 2009, DrakeEQ 7.0.0 now features our Galaxene Galaxy Engine! Use this fun simulator to graphically quantify the number of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations in our Milky Way Galaxy. Travel the Universe and explore infinitely variable galaxies! Just pinch anywhere and tap the targeting indicator. Perform thought experiments with this unique visual tool; it’s both educational and entertaining. Learn about the famous Drake Equation through direct manipulation of its 7 parameters with DrakeEQ. The Drake Equation states that: N = the number of civilizations in our galaxy with which communication might be possible where: R* = the average rate of star formation in our galaxy fp = the fraction of those stars that have planets ne = the average number of planets that can potentially support life per star that has planets fℓ = the fraction of the above that actually go on to develop life at some point fi = the fraction of the above that actually go on to develop intelligent life fc = the fraction of civilizations that develop a technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space L = the length of time such civilizations release detectable signals into space. Drake Equation. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
SkyORB ∞ Astronomy
Explore the universe with an interactive 3D star map, real-time celestial positions, and a 14-day schedule of astronomical events. Identify stars and planets using augmented reality and access detailed information about celestial bodies.
- Interactive 3D star map
- Real-time celestial positions
- Augmented Reality (AR) identification
- 14-day astronomical event schedule
- Detailed planet and celestial body information
- Time shift feature for celestial events
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SkyORB ∞ — The Premium Version of SkyORB Classic SkyORB ∞ is the premium edition of SkyORB Classic, created for users who want the most complete and refined SkyORB experience. It features better sky maps, more advanced 2D and 3D charts, richer astronomy information, improved navigation, and a modern interface for exploring the night sky. Built on more than 20 years of astronomy app development, SkyORB ∞ brings together interactive 2D and 3D sky maps, real-time planet and star positions, Augmented Reality sky identification, detailed Moon and Sun information, astronomy events, Apple Watch support, and a refined interface optimized for the latest Apple devices. SkyORB ∞ is a one-time purchase with no ads, no subscriptions, and no in-app purchases. Every feature is included. ### Why choose SkyORB ∞? SkyORB Classic makes astronomy accessible to everyone. SkyORB ∞ goes further with clearer and more detailed sky maps, improved stereographic and orbit charts, a cleaner interface, deeper sky information, and premium features designed for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. ### Main Features Explore an interactive 3D sky map with stars, planets, constellations, comets, satellites, and deep-sky objects. Navigate redesigned 2D sky and orbit charts with curved labels, clearer constellation names, smart overlap reduction, panning, automatic framing, and detailed satellite and comet trails. Use Augmented Reality to identify stars, planets, and constellations by pointing your device at the sky. Follow the Sun and Moon with rise and set times, moon phases, and daily sky information for your location. Travel through time to see the sky in the past or future and prepare for upcoming celestial events. Check a 14-day astronomy calendar with Moon phases, planetary events, meteor showers, and other sky highlights. Discover detailed information about planets, the Moon, Messier objects, and famous astronomers. Stay connected with Apple Watch support, including quick access to useful astronomy information from your wrist. Enjoy a modern, refined interface designed for recent iPhone and iPad models. ### Premium, Simple, Yours SkyORB ∞ is made for users who want the best version of SkyORB: more complete, more precise, more comfortable to use, and entirely free from ads, subscriptions, and in-app purchases. Whether you are a casual stargazer, an astronomy enthusiast, or a long-time SkyORB user, SkyORB ∞ gives you a powerful and beautiful way to explore the universe. Upgrade from SkyORB Classic to SkyORB ∞ and enjoy the premium way to discover the night sky.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: SkyORB ∞ Astronomy at 4.0 against DrakeEQ's 2.7. SkyORB ∞ Astronomy also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months) and device support (5 vs 2). DrakeEQ's advantage is review sentiment (38% vs 0%) and price ($0.99 vs $2.99). On ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
DrakeEQ costs $0.99 and SkyORB ∞ Astronomy $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
SkyORB ∞ Astronomy holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 38% of DrakeEQ's written reviews are positive against 0% of SkyORB ∞ Astronomy's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
DrakeEQ ships an update every 5 months, SkyORB ∞ Astronomy every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.
| Parameter | DrakeEQ | SkyORB ∞ Astronomy |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 — better | $2.99 |
| Rating | 2.7 (3 ratings) | 4.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 37.5% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.5 | 15.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 8 MB | 303 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Onomaly LLC | Stephane Denis |
Customer experience
DrakeEQ
SkyORB ∞ Astronomy
In-app purchases
DrakeEQ
No in-app purchases
SkyORB ∞ Astronomy
No in-app purchases









