Cedar Aim vs StarHop Navigator

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.

Built for real sky navigation - no extra hardware, no cables, no complicated setup. Push-to, not GoTo: StarHop Navigator guides your telescope to deep-sky objects, planets, and stars - using your iPhone's sensors. You move the scope. The app shows you the way. Mount your iPhone to the tube, calibrate on 2–3 known stars, pick a target, and follow the crosshair until the object appears in the eyepiece. Other apps show you the sky. StarHop Navigator helps you find your way through it. WHO IS IT FOR? Beginners who want to understand the night sky. Experienced observers looking for lean support in finding their targets. Anyone with a manual telescope - Dobsonian, altazimuth, or equatorial, without motors. People who love the journey as much as the destination. HOW IT WORKS • Attach your iPhone to the telescope tube • Calibrate on 2–3 known stars • Pick a target on the chart or from the catalog: nebula, galaxy, cluster, planet, or star • Follow the crosshair until the indicator turns green • Look through the eyepiece FEATURES • Manual push-to guidance with 2–3-star calibration • Interactive star chart with constellations, planets, the Moon, and deep-sky objects - printable and exportable • Messier catalog: nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters - plus planets and the Moon • iPad support - more room for the star chart, catalog, and observation planning • iCloud sync (optional) -equipment, observation log, favorites, and notes across all your devices • Observation log, favorites, and equipment management • Bortle slider - adapts star density to your sky • Seasonal observing lists and time travel for planning • StarHop Link - live pointing on iPad/Mac or LX200 connection to planetarium apps • Apple Watch: current target and centering indicator on your wrist • Works fully offline - night mode, no ads, no account needed