# Polar Scope Align vs NASA SpaceTime

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NASA SpaceTime at none against Polar Scope Align's 3. NASA SpaceTime also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). Polar Scope Align's advantage is ratings volume (171 vs 7). On price and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Polar Scope Align sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. NASA SpaceTime asks for nothing beyond the download.

NASA SpaceTime holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Polar Scope Align has 171 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 91% of Polar Scope Align's written reviews are positive against 100% of NASA SpaceTime's.

Polar Scope Align ships an update every 2 months, NASA SpaceTime every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Polar Scope Align | NASA SpaceTime |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (171 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align/id970157965/reviews) | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nasa-spacetime/id1553555795/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **171** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 91.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 23 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dimitrios Kechagias](https://appshunter.io/developer/970157964) | [Jet Propulsion Laboratory](https://appshunter.io/developer/347075767) |

## What reviewers say

### Polar Scope Align

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align/id970157965)

This app calculates the precise position of celestial poles in your telescope's polar scope reticle for accurate alignment. It supports a wide range of reticles and corrects for atmospheric refraction, offering precision even at lower latitudes. Features include night mode, moon phase, and astronomical databases.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

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

**What reviewers like**

- 🎯 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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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

**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

**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


### NASA SpaceTime

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nasa-spacetime/id1553555795)

Track the current time on Mars for NASA's Perseverance and Curiosity rovers. View mission event schedules and operational meetings. Supports Siri integration for quick time queries.

**Highlights:** Mars time display, Earth time display, Rover mission schedules, Operational meeting views, Siri integration

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Polar Scope Align free?

Polar Scope Align is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is NASA SpaceTime free?

NASA SpaceTime is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Polar Scope Align or NASA SpaceTime?

NASA SpaceTime is rated higher. Polar Scope Align averages 4.7 out of 5 from 171 ratings, while NASA SpaceTime averages 5.0 from 7 ratings.

### Do Polar Scope Align or NASA SpaceTime have ads?

Polar Scope Align shows ads; NASA SpaceTime does not.

### Which is updated more often, Polar Scope Align or NASA SpaceTime?

Polar Scope Align ships an update every 2 months, and NASA SpaceTime every 4 weeks. Most recently, Polar Scope Align was updated on October 14, 2026 and NASA SpaceTime on October 20, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*