Starmap - Astronomy Apps for iPhone and iPad

Standard Versions

Is Starmap compatible with all iPhones and iPod touches ?
Can I upgrade the application to PRO or for iPad ?
The accelerometer or the compass are not working.
Can I get a copy of Starmap outside iTunes or the AppStore ?
Is it working on PC or Mac?
How do I make comments and report issues ?
Can I run Starmap on other phones ?
Does Starmap work for every location on Earth?
Does Starmap need the internet ?
Some objects are missing in the Tonight’s view
Does Starmap have all Messier objects, why can’t I see them in the search list?
Are constellation names avaiblable in latin?
Will future releases be free?
Are the positions of the planets satellites real or is it just an image ?
How does it help astronomers ?
Is the map fast, even with so many stars and objects ?
What is the eye piece view ?
What about the battery life ?
Can notes be sent to the computer ?
How accurate is Starmap ?

Is Starmap compatible with all iPhones and iPod touches ?

Yes. The system version should be higher than 3.0

Can I upgrade the application to PRO or for iPad ?

The AppStore does not provide any way of upgrading from one version to another. This is out of the hands of developpers.

The accelerometer or the compass are not working.

First activate the accelerometer/compass in the navigation settings. Touches prevail on the accelerometer action. Wait 5 seconds since the last touch to see the map moving automatically. Note that the accelerometer is not acting on the map for zooms greater that 200 %. For more details, please refer to the documentation here

Can I get a copy of Starmap outside iTunes or the AppStore ?

No, Starmap is only distributed through the AppStore.

Is it working on PC or Mac?

No, Starmap is compatible with iOS, for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

How do I make comments and report issues ?

Use the support page. We are located in France and will answer as fast as possible.

Can I run Starmap on other phones ?

No, Starmap is exclusively designed for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad

Does Starmap work for every location on Earth?

Yes it does. If you wish to check it, just send us your location in the contact form below and we’ll send you a screenshot of today’s sky map : )

Does Starmap need the internet ?

No. All data are local. Starmap is designed such that it works on the field, without Wifi. It accesses the internet for comet and asteroids updates, getting StarmapShare images or the Simbad database.

Some objects are missing in the Tonight’s view

Starmap filters chooses objects whose trajectories pass higher than 15°, between the astronomical dusk and dawn. Some objects can still be visible but not reported as “best visible”.

Does Starmap have all Messier objects, why can’t I see them in the search list?

Starmap has all Messier objects included. If you cannot see them in the search list, it’s because they are under the horizon. Go to the search list, click on the All button and you will see the full catalogue. Objects under the horizon are grayed.

Are constellation names avaiblable in latin?

Yes, they are, as well as abbreviations. Look into the stars settings, under constellation names.

Will future releases be free?

Yes, they will.

Are the positions of the planets satellites real or is it just an image ?

Satellites position are those for the selected observation time, as if you were observing them in a telescope. Saturn rings are correctly oriented.

How does it help astronomers ?

The simple fact of having a full sky map, with ocular views at the eye piece changes a lot. Our telescope mounts are not always as precise as we’d expect. Using the Telrad, finder and ocular view helps you in locating very faint objects using star patterns. Observing sometimes imply very uncomfortable positions. Avoiding to stand up and go to the computer is a great increase of comfort.

Is the map fast, even with so many stars and objects ?

Yes. Full accelerated graphics. You can sometimes have very short stops when zooming, when Starmap loads the data, but this is almost not perceivable. Basically, the number of frames per seconds (FPS) of the map depends on the number of displayed stars. In average, the refresh rate is 20 FPS. In some regions of the Milky Way, where many stars are displayed at once, at a 10° field of view, the rate can drop to 4 FPS. The best answer to this question is provided by this film of Starmap Pro in action.

What is the eye piece view ?

Select your optics configuration, and view on your device what you see in real. Sizes, info, names, etc … a “GPS” for your telescope : )

What about the battery life ?

Starmap is not greedy in computing power. When the map is moved, 100 % CPU is used. It is almost idle the rest of the time. From experience, using Starmap throughout the night is not a problem. Even when listening to music during exposures : )

Can notes be sent to the computer ?

Not yet. I consider that the notes/logbook/photos timers will evolve a lot when in contact with the users. I wait for user input before releasing more functionality there.

How accurate is Starmap ?

Starmap uses professional star catalogues and ephemeris algorithms for its calculations. The precision is up to the tenth of a pixel, for the maximum zoom. Starmap has been conceived by an astrophysicist.