Honest Answers
Every question we get asked.
How Skymap works, what's accurate, what isn't, and everything between.
Using Skymap
Do I need internet?
Only for the initial download. After that, Skymap works fully offline. Your GPS, compass, and gyroscope do all the computation locally. It's designed for places without signal — campsites, dark-sky sites, transatlantic flights.
How accurate is the AR positioning?
Within ±1° on a calibrated iPhone — well within naked-eye precision. If you notice drift, calibrate the compass by waving the phone in a figure-8 motion (iOS will prompt you), and step away from metal objects and electronics.
Can I see planets?
Yes — Skymap tracks the Sun, Moon, and all 8 planets (with apologies to Pluto). Each has a real-time altitude/azimuth display so you know if it's currently above the horizon and visible.
What about deep-sky objects?
We include the bright Messier objects (Andromeda, Orion Nebula, Pleiades) and the brighter NGC catalog. Most deep-sky targets aren't visible to the naked eye but it's useful to know where to point a telescope.
Display + Comfort
Is there a red night-vision mode?
Yes. Settings → Display → Red mode tints the entire UI red, preserving your dark-adapted vision. Use it when you're at a dark-sky site or stargazing for more than 20 minutes.
Will it drain my battery?
AR mode uses the camera plus sensors, which is moderate battery use. We include a "list mode" without AR for quick lookups (planet positions, rise/set times) that uses almost no battery.
The Science
Where do you get the star data?
We use the Hipparcos and Tycho-2 catalogs (down to magnitude 6 — naked-eye limit) for stars, the VSOP87 planetary theory for planet positions, and the IAU's official 88 constellations with classical line patterns.
Why do constellations look different on the app vs the sky?
The shapes are mostly drawn at smaller scale than the sky to fit on screen. The relative positions are exact. If a constellation looks "compressed" it's because you're seeing the diagram, not life-size projection.
Does it work in the Southern Hemisphere?
Absolutely. All 88 constellations are included — northern, southern, equatorial. The Southern Cross, Centaurus, and the Magellanic Clouds are all there.
Money + Privacy
Is it really free?
Yes. The full app is free with zero ads. No subscription, no premium tier locked behind a paywall. If you love it, leaving a review is the only "thank you" we ask for.
What data do you collect?
None that identifies you. Your location is used only to determine which sky you should see — it never leaves your device. Crash reports through Apple are anonymous.
Support
How do I contact you?
Email harmonyastroapp@gmail.com. We answer within 48 hours — usually faster.