Comparison

Telescope Assist vs Cedar Aim

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

Head to head
About

Telescope Assist

Features
Read full description

This app helps to align your telescope with the target celestial object.  Input target's equatorial coordinates, then this app can convert equatorial coordinates to horizontal coordinates using device's geolocation and orientation data. Once you align your phone with telescope, your can compare the coordinates and phone orientation. Enjoy your celestial photo shooting! The azimuth angle starts from the North.

About

Cedar Aim

This app connects to a specialized finder device to help you precisely locate celestial objects with your telescope. It uses star pattern recognition for real-time position detection and provides intuitive guidance for fast object finding. Enjoy seamless operation without an internet connection.

Highlights
  • Real-time telescope position detection
  • Fast star pattern recognition
  • Intuitive directional guidance
  • Comprehensive celestial object database
  • Works with any telescope mount
  • Completely local operation
  • Seamless wireless connection
Features
Read full description

Cedar Aim™ is the companion mobile app for the Hopper™ electronic finder from Clear Skies Astro. Cedar Aim helps you point your telescope precisely towards any celestial object with ease. How It Works Cedar Aim connects to your Hopper device, which captures real-time images of the sky where your telescope is pointed. By matching star patterns, Cedar Aim instantly determines your telescope's exact position in the sky. Choose your target object and follow the guidance on your mobile device to move your telescope precisely to your selection. Key Features • Real-time telescope position detection through fast star pattern recognition • Intuitive directional guidance system for fast object location • Access to comprehensive celestial object database including Messier, NGC, IC, and planetary targets • Works with any telescope mount - no motorization required • Completely local operation - no internet connection needed during use • Seamless wireless connection to your Hopper device Perfect For • Amateur astronomers seeking efficient object location • Stargazing sessions with family and friends • Astronomy educators and club outreach events • Anyone who wants to spend more time observing and less time searching Requirements • Hopper™ electronic finder device (sold separately by Clear Skies Astro) • Telescope (any mount type - no motorization required) • iOS device with GPS and WiFi capability • Clear view of the night sky Cedar Aim eliminates the frustration of traditional star-hopping by providing precise, automated guidance to thousands of celestial objects. Whether you're hunting down faint galaxies or showing Saturn to curious children, Cedar Aim ensures you'll find your targets quickly and confidently. Experience the future of visual astronomy with Cedar Aim and Hopper— where technology meets the timeless wonder of stargazing.

Screenshots

Telescope Assist3 screens
Cedar Aim4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Cedar Aim at none against Telescope Assist's shown. Cedar Aim also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.4). Telescope Assist's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 9 days). On price and in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Telescope Assist ships an update every 3 days, Cedar Aim every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 5 level
Telescope Assist versus Cedar Aim: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTelescope AssistCedar Aim
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 9 days
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.415.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB52 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYuki HagiwaraClear Skies Astro LLC

In-app purchases

None

Telescope Assist

No in-app purchases

None

Cedar Aim

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Telescope Assist free?
Telescope Assist is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Cedar Aim free?
Cedar Aim is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Telescope Assist or Cedar Aim have ads?
Telescope Assist shows ads; Cedar Aim does not.
Which is updated more often, Telescope Assist or Cedar Aim?
Telescope Assist ships an update every 3 days, and Cedar Aim every 9 days. Most recently, Telescope Assist was updated on October 5, 2026 and Cedar Aim on October 24, 2026.

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