Comparison

Observer Pro vs NYAAStarfest

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Observer Pro

This app helps advanced astronomers and astrophotographers plan their observing sessions. It predicts object visibility, factoring in local obstructions, and provides weather forecasts. Manage observing lists and favorite sites to maximize your stargazing time.

Highlights
  • 14,000+ deep sky objects with photos
  • Local horizon profile measurement
  • Object visibility prediction charts
  • Featured object recommendations
  • Favorite observing site management
  • Astronomical weather forecasts
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Observer Pro is an indispensable app for advanced astronomy observing and astrophotography planning. No more guessing when that galaxy emerges from behind that tree. No more estimating how many hours you'll be able to image an object. Observer Pro gives every astronomer the info they need to make the most of their observing right at their fingertips! What astronomers are saying: "Every astronomer with an iPhone should own this app!" - Astronomy Technology Today magazine "Observer Pro is the most impressive astronomy app that I have tried out. I enthusiastically commend it to you!" - Tom Mote, Professor Emeritus, Astronomy "I have been using it since the day it first became available and I cannot live without it now." - Sedat B., Cloudy Nights forum Feature highlights: • Over 14,000 deep sky objects included, all with closeup reference photos. No need to download anything after install! Sorting and search make it easy to sift through all of them to find which objects belong on your observing list. • Measure your local horizon profile in minutes with your iPhone. • Unique charts completely take the guesswork out of predicting object visibility. Your house, trees, mountains, or any other obstructions are completely factored in to all visibility charts. • New to astronomy? The Featured object list shows a list of objects specific to your location and local horizon that are great for observing right now. • Keep a list of your favorite observing sites, each with their own local horizon profile. Compare object visibility between sites to find the best spot to setup your scope. • There's a lot to observe! Observer Pro gives you a place to maintain a list of your favorite objects as well as an observing list that you can take with you to the eyepiece. • 7Timer! astronomical weather forecasts for your observing sites are viewable without leaving Observer Pro. They give you the outlook on cloud cover, seeing, transparency, and more. • Check out the in-app help to learn more about how to use the many features that come with Observer Pro. Keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Observer Pro blog: http://observer.pro/blog

About

NYAAStarfest

Features
Read full description

Starfest is Canada's largest annual amateur astronomy conference and star party attracting hundreds of astronomy enthusiasts from Ontario, neighbouring provinces and the USA. It has been ranked among the top star parties in North America by Sky and Telescope magazine. Astronomy is an amazing hobby for those of all ages. Beginner or more experienced, Starfest is for YOU. Come join the camaraderie of viewing the night sky with fellow astronomy enthusiasts. Fun activities for the whole family! Starfest offers a variety of observing-oriented activities that address the needs and interests of experienced observers and astrophotographers, as well as those new to the hobby: • Observing sessions • Guided sky tour • Leading-edge speakers • Workshops • Children's activities • Commercial exhibits with hands-on displays • Astrophotography THE OFFICIAL STARFEST APP Everything you need for the weekend, in your pocket: • Full schedule of talks, workshops and activities, by day and venue • Speaker bios and talk details • Now & Next — see what's on and what's coming up at a glance • Add any session to your calendar with a reminder • Camper Map — drop, find and share campsite pins • Weather — live radar, satellite and detailed sky forecasts for the site • Push alerts for schedule changes, announcements and weather • Live audience polls during the event • Meals and dining info, sponsors and exhibitors • Night mode (red) to protect your dark adaptation at the eyepiece

Screenshots

Observer Pro4 screens
NYAAStarfest4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: NYAAStarfest at Free against Observer Pro's $13.99. NYAAStarfest also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 6 months) and device support (3 vs 1). Observer Pro's advantage is chart position (#173 vs unranked). On ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

NYAAStarfest is free to download; Observer Pro costs $13.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Observer Pro ships an update every 6 months, NYAAStarfest every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
Observer Pro versus NYAAStarfest: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterObserver ProNYAAStarfest
Price$13.99Free — better
Rating4.6 (49 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews79.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings49 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 monthsEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
Best chart rank#173 — better—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.415.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size241 MB113 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJoshua BuryMalcolm Park

Bugs and requests

Observer Pro

Reported bugs

10 issues
  • App crashes when selecting catalog groupings (Galaxy, Planetary Nebulae, etc.)
  • iOS keyboard doesn't dismiss on iPad after clicking Done
  • Observer lists and custom data disappearing after app closure
  • Search feature missing in version 1.4
  • Continuous crashes since recent updates
Show 5 more
  • Horizon drawing feature unreliable - drifts while drawing
  • Menu items on far right side of screen unresponsive
  • Incompatibility with iOS 8 (historical)
  • App crashes on startup with certain iOS versions
  • Weather feature broken

Requested features

16 requests
  • iPad native app with landscape mode support
  • Search functionality restoration/improvement
  • Export observer lists to other apps (Sky Safari, etc.)
  • Support for planets, comets, and asteroids
  • Observing notes and session logging
Show 11 more
  • Field of view/scope focal length comparison
  • Color object photographs
  • Additional catalogs (Sharpless, etc.)
  • Moon visibility in sky view
  • Azimuth-based sorting for telescope positioning
  • Filter options for object types
  • Cross-device syncing between iPhone and iPad
  • Print functionality for observing plans
  • User-created custom catalogs
  • Screen auto-rotation support
  • Weather forecast integration

NYAAStarfest

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Observer Pro

No in-app purchases

None

NYAAStarfest

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Observer Pro free?
Observer Pro costs $13.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is NYAAStarfest free?
NYAAStarfest is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Observer Pro or NYAAStarfest have ads?
Neither Observer Pro nor NYAAStarfest shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Observer Pro or NYAAStarfest?
Observer Pro ships an update every 6 months, and NYAAStarfest every 2 days. Most recently, Observer Pro was updated on October 17, 2026 and NYAAStarfest on October 12, 2026.

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