Polar Scope Align Pro Watch 6.7

version 6.7

Mar 23, 2024
Version 6.7
Please support the app by reviewing or rating! You will never get annoying popups asking you in the app.
Special update for the April 2024 Solar Eclipse:
- Solar Eclipse Calculator ("other" category in the calculators list). Find and Simulate any Solar Eclipse of the past or future.
- New tool in Xasteria: Click the solar eclipse button below the weather view for a list of solar eclipses as they will be visible from your location.
- On the Xasteria weather forecast, the solar eclipse type and time of maximum will be displayed in place of the moon phase on eclipse days.
- Solar eclipse details are shown on the lunar calendar under eclipse days.
- Sun / Moon location calculation improved in the DSO DB.
Also:
- Fixed barometer for iOS 17.4 devices (requires Motion & Fitness permissions).
- Eq. Coord - Alt Az calculator auto-updates if the app time is on auto.
- Disable display sleep setting also added to daytime alignment and bubble level tool settings (but applies across the app).
- Apply/Tab buttons added to calculator keyboards.

version 6.6

Feb 18, 2024
Version 6.6
Please support the app by reviewing or rating! You will never get annoying popups asking you in the app.

- Added user-requested configurable reticle (Generic Graded/Microscope).
- Improved Generic Rifle/Finder reticle FoV configuration.
- iOptron WiFi Connect: Fixes for some CL v2.5 mounts (iOptron AZ Pro etc).
- Xasteria weather: Font shadow for stripe mode and other fixes.

version 6.5

Jul 4, 2023
Version 6.5
Please support the app by rating or reviewing! You will never get any annoying in-app popups asking you to do so.
Here's what's new:
- Added decimal degrees as an option for coordinate entry in the Location Manager.
- Improved DSO DB searching help, added button above the keyboard to access it.
- Bubble level / compass tool shows both True/Geographic and Magnetic north heading, at 0.5° resolution. 5° tick marks added to the compass.
Xasteria changes:
- Improved contrast on weather views for both text and icons.
- Fixed Sat24 zoom issue.
- Cloud Free Nights link for users in Australia/NZ.
- Show last good weather forecast on update failure.
- Avoid possible crash with bad Apple Weather data.

version 6.4

Mar 31, 2023
Version 6.4
Please support the app by rating or reviewing! You will never get any annoying in-app popups asking you to do so.
Here's what's new:
- Date Circle - Time / RA Circle conversion calculator.
- Rotated reticle view tool option for Star Adverturer to use the Date Graduation circle. Start/Stop tracking works off any rotation position with reset button added.
- Added visual hints to the main page clickable regions (e.g. coordinates).
- Xasteria changes:
-- Added a new forecast from MET Norway. It's based on the non-hydrostatic ECMWF model, which takes altitude in account to improve forecasts in regions with steep/complex terrain. It is a 10-day forecast with configurable display, options for cloud layers and more.
-- Added 3-10 forecast days control and a 4h forecast step option (Apple Weather and MET.no).
-- Zero values in 7Timer/icon mode are completely blank and option to turn off twilight timings for less cluttered display.
-- DST fix for ISS/Satellite times (affects Pacific and Alaska timezones).
-- Current GMT offset shown in settings and ISS/Satellite times.
-- Various fixes and improved weather display speed.

From April 2023, iOS 9/10 compatible submissions will not be allowed on the app store, so this is the last version I can provide for those with very old devices.

version 6.2

Nov 2, 2021 Version 6.2
Why not help out by rating the app! There are never popups to nag you (annoying!), which means fewer reviews than other apps.
What's new:
-Gyro Rotation Speed (pitch/roll/yaw) added to the Bubble Level tool (with watch support).
-Barometer display added to the Location Manager (requires "Auto Location" and iPhone/iPad with barometer).
-Collapsible Done/Back buttons in webviews & help screens.
-More configuration options for rifle scope reticle.
-Added latest version of iOptron star list (marked as v3).
-Equatorial with SHA (instead of RA) display option for Push To GoTo.
-Full support for new iPad mini & iOS 15.

version 6.1

Jun 6, 2021 Version 6.1
Why not help out by rating the app! There are never popups to nag you (annoying!), which leads to fewer reviews than other apps.
What's new:
- Daytime alignment tool option to increase precision using the Sun's shadow for compass calibration.
- iOptron WiFi Connect: Ability to connect to WiFi-enabled iOptron mounts and basic setup/control functions, including pointing-goto and DSO Database integration.
- iOptron Star list defaults to "new".
- Approximate Full/New Moon time listed in calendar overview (for the day it falls on).
- *BELOW HORIZON* shown on objects that have set on DSO DB and push to button is disabled.
- Fixed wind direction icons in Xasteria & clarified their meaning in the info screen.
- Improved handling of weather access retries when there are network connectivity issues.

version 6.0

Apr 3, 2021 Version 6.0
Why not help out by rating the app! There are never popups to nag you (annoying!), which leads to fewer reviews than other apps.
What's new:
- UI design update for better look and readability.
- DSO Database catalog additions: Solar System (Sun, Moon, planets), Barnard Catalogue, Yale Bright Stars Catalogue.
- DSO Database search supports regular expressions and shows number of results.
- Current epoch shown on DSO DB configuration screen.
- Lunar calendar shows moon & sun altitude graphs.
- Night vs day color-coded background on all altitude graphs.
- Xasteria: Added Sat24.com to "Other" sources, ability to vertically resize the main weather view - just use the arrows just below the weather view on the left.
- "Start Tracking" option in the Rotated Reticle view for Sky Adventurer, to automatically follow your polar scope rotation while you are tracking.
- Tapping the LST/UTC time display shows you various kinds of Sidereal Time: GMST, GAST, LMST, LAST.
- Fix potential crash with "Timezone from location" setting.
- Watch retina graphics on/off option for Daytime alignment tool.
- Performance improvements (for older devices).

version 5.8

Feb 27, 2021 Version 5.8
Why not help out by rating the new version! There are never popups to nag you (annoying!), which mean less reviews than other apps.
Watch app only update:
- Non-retina watch graphics option applies to weather as well, for faster response.
- Animation to indicate first connection with phone app and force retry button.
- Fixed bubble level / daytime watch buttons.
Please note that the watch app relies on the phone app for all its functions, so the phone should be within reach. The watch app will also be less responsive if the phone app is in the background (esp. on older phones and for iOS 13+).

version 5.7

Feb 19, 2021 Version 5.7
-Quick fix for the Watch app that broke for some iOS versions in the recent big update. Apologies!
Remember, you can help the app by rating the new version! There are never popups to nag you (annoying!), which mean less reviews than other apps.

version -

version 5.5

Dec 9, 2020 Version 5.5
Why not help out by rating or reviewing the new version! There are never popups inside the app to ask you (annoying!), which results to less reviews than other apps.
Here's what's new:
- Switch between decimal and min/sec Lat/Lon display on the main screen by tapping.
- Polar star graphic display on polar star info screen.
- Rotated reticle view tool option for polar aligning the Orion/Skywatcher 2012-2032 scope at mount home position.
- Presets for Telescope Limiting Magnitude calculator.
- Location Manager decimal coordinates switched to lat, lon to match popular (Google maps etc) usage.
- Experimental dark web mode that tries to apply a dark theme before showing a site (can be disabled in the popup).
- Clearer UI for the multi-selection buttons and the Calculator filters.
- Xasteria changes:
-- Light pollution button with Bortle class display, that opens a light pollution details page.
-- Added Windy.com, Astrospheric, Jetstream forecast to "Other" sources.
-- Coordinates switched to lat, lon to match Location manager.
-- Clicking the heavens-above.com bottom bar in ISS/Satellite tools opens the relevant Havens Above page.

version 5.4

Oct 30, 2020 Version 5.4
Why not help out by rating or reviewing the new version! There are never popups inside the app to ask you (annoying!), which results to less reviews than other apps. Here's what's new:
-Show location name (requires internet).
-Settings button moved for iPhone X+, some fixes for iPhone 12 Mini & Pro Max.
-Gyro calibration in Settings (for Bubble Level, Daytime Alignment, Push-To etc).
-iOS location icon to show when auto location is selected.
-Give extra time for digital compass response before the "no true heading popup".
-Xasteria changes:
--The main display shows the location name when available. Coordinates still available below and also in Location manager.
--Improved Clear Sky Chart page display.
--Replaced obsolete Iridium flares with daily bright satellite passes.
--Fix for ISS passes not returning for some locations.
--NOAA Water Vapor page got alternative links to image loops, second nearest depending on location.
--Quick Help that demonstrates how the 7Timer view is easily read.
--Fix for Green/White night mode weather icons.
--Size of main weather view is increased for most devices.

version 5.3

Oct 4, 2020 Version 5.3
Why not help out by rating or reviewing the new version! There are never popups inside the app to ask you (annoying!), which results to less reviews than other apps. Here's what's new:
- Added configurable generic rifle scope reticle.
- Larger/bold font for time/date/coordinates on main page.
- EM200/400 and Polarie style reticles: prefer device timezone (minus DST) if possible for offset calculation, improved instructions.
- Fixed issue with settings page layout on some devices.
- Improved Main Screen help.
- Fix for reversed "E/W" in Recent/Favorite location list.
- Xasteria: GOES satellite link updates, bold main page font.

version 5.2

Sep 3, 2020 Version 5.2
Why not help out by rating or reviewing the new version! There are never popups inside the app to ask you (annoying!), which results to less reviews than other apps. Here's what's new:
- Major Xasteria astro weather update:
- Added the hourly Dark Sky forecast service for more accurate short-term forecasts.
- Access to nearest Clear Sky Charts for North American users.
- Access to light pollution maps.
- Choice of wind speed units (in stripe/text viewing mode).
- "At a glance" help for several reticles.
- Bayer names for star hop list.
- Clearer math formula view in calculators.
- Faster Apple Watch frame rate (no retina) option for Bubble Level.

version 5.2

3 Sep 2020 Version 5.2
Why not help out by rating or reviewing the new version! There are never popups inside the app to ask you (annoying!), which results to less reviews than other apps. Here's what's new:
- Major Xasteria astro weather update:
- Added the hourly Dark Sky forecast service for more accurate short-term forecasts.
- Access to nearest Clear Sky Charts for North American users.
- Access to light pollution maps.
- Choice of wind speed units (in stripe/text viewing mode).
- "At a glance" help for several reticles.
- Bayer names for star hop list.
- Clearer math formula view in calculators.
- Faster Apple Watch frame rate (no retina) option for Bubble Level.

version 5.1

Jun 17, 2020 Version 5.1
Why not help out by rating or reviewing the new version! There are never popups inside the app to ask you (annoying!), which results to less reviews than other apps. Here's what's new:
- New experimental "Push To" functionality added to the Deep Space Object Database. Attach your phone to your non-GoTo telescope, select a target and the app will work as a digital finderscope / manual GoTo to help you aim at targets. There is a "star hopping" option to make up for the low precision of your phone compass.
- Small refinements to the daytime alignment tool, including compass calibration status.
- The bubble in the bubble level tool stays in view even at excessive tilt.
- Improved response for watch buttons that switch between app functions.
- Give more time to the digital compass to wake (to stop the no true heading popup).
- Equatorial coordinate epoch conversion / precession calculator.
- Fixes and tweaks for the DSO Database tool, including select all/none buttons, slider for min. altitude filter.
- Corrected the center coordinates on the DSS image view info.
- Improved search bar contrast.

version 5.1

17 Jun 2020 Version 5.1
Why not help out by rating or reviewing the new version! There are never popups inside the app to ask you (annoying!), which results to less reviews than other apps. Here's what's new:
- New experimental "Push To" functionality added to the Deep Space Object Database. Attach your phone to your non-GoTo telescope, select a target and the app will work as a digital finderscope / manual GoTo to help you aim at targets. There is a "star hopping" option to make up for the low precision of your phone compass.
- Small refinements to the daytime alignment tool, including compass calibration status.
- The bubble in the bubble level tool stays in view even at excessive tilt.
- Improved response for watch buttons that switch between app functions.
- Give more time to the digital compass to wake (to stop the no true heading popup).
- Equatorial coordinate epoch conversion / precession calculator.
- Fixes and tweaks for the DSO Database tool, including select all/none buttons, slider for min. altitude filter.
- Corrected the center coordinates on the DSS image view info.
- Improved search bar contrast.

version 5.0

18. Apr. 2020 Version 5.0
Why not help out by rating or reviewing the new version! There are never popups inside the app to ask you (annoying!), which results to less reviews than other apps. Here's what's new:
- DSS (Digitized Sky Survey) image downloads for all objects in the Deep Space Object database and a specialized astro image viewer.
- Other DSO DB changes:
-- DSO DB list items get a "collapse" button after they are expanded.
-- The altitude graph shows "ground" (0 degrees or less).
-- If in DSO display settings you select "Alt-Az", you can now see on the listings whether the object is E or W of the meridian.
-- Fix sort by RA & Dec options.
- Alternative color night modes: Green and White (the latter will let you use iOS's color filters to choose your own tint).
- Daytime alignment required the device to not be tilted left/right for accurate azimuth reading (limitation of the iOS compass) when altitude was over 45 degrees. The gyro is now used to compensate for any device tilt.
-Changed keyboard to non-numeric variant for some calculator fields that can take negative numbers.
-More & easier access help screens.

version 5.0

Apr 18, 2020 Version 5.0
Why not help out by rating or reviewing the new version! There are never popups inside the app to ask you (annoying!), which results to less reviews than other apps. Here's what's new:
- DSS (Digitized Sky Survey) image downloads for all objects in the Deep Space Object database and a specialized astro image viewer.
- Other DSO DB changes:
-- DSO DB list items get a "collapse" button after they are expanded.
-- The altitude graph shows "ground" (0 degrees or less).
-- If in DSO display settings you select "Alt-Az", you can now see on the listings whether the object is E or W of the meridian.
-- Fix sort by RA & Dec options.
- Alternative color night modes: Green and White (the latter will let you use iOS's color filters to choose your own tint).
- Daytime alignment required the device to not be tilted left/right for accurate azimuth reading (limitation of the iOS compass) when altitude was over 45 degrees. The gyro is now used to compensate for any device tilt.
-Changed keyboard to non-numeric variant for some calculator fields that can take negative numbers.
-More & easier access help screens.

version 4.10

Jan 1, 2020 Version 4.10
Why not help out by rating or reviewing the new version. There are never popups inside the app to ask you (annoying!), which results to less reviews than other apps. Here's what's new:
-Meteoblue fix for eastern longitudes.
-Upgraded to World Magnetic Model 2020 (magnetic declination calculated for 2020-2025).

version 5.4

2020年10月30日 Version 5.4
Why not help out by rating or reviewing the new version! There are never popups inside the app to ask you (annoying!), which results to less reviews than other apps. Here's what's new:
-Show location name (requires internet).
-Settings button moved for iPhone X+, some fixes for iPhone 12 Mini & Pro Max.
-Gyro calibration in Settings (for Bubble Level, Daytime Alignment, Push-To etc).
-iOS location icon to show when auto location is selected.
-Give extra time for digital compass response before the "no true heading popup".
-Xasteria changes:
--The main display shows the location name when available. Coordinates still available below and also in Location manager.
--Improved Clear Sky Chart page display.
--Replaced obsolete Iridium flares with daily bright satellite passes.
--Fix for ISS passes not returning for some locations.
--NOAA Water Vapor page got alternative links to image loops, second nearest depending on location.
--Quick Help that demonstrates how the 7Timer view is easily read.
--Fix for Green/White night mode weather icons.
--Size of main weather view is increased for most devices.

version 5.1

2020年6月17日 Version 5.1
Why not help out by rating or reviewing the new version! There are never popups inside the app to ask you (annoying!), which results to less reviews than other apps. Here's what's new:
- New experimental "Push To" functionality added to the Deep Space Object Database. Attach your phone to your non-GoTo telescope, select a target and the app will work as a digital finderscope / manual GoTo to help you aim at targets. There is a "star hopping" option to make up for the low precision of your phone compass.
- Small refinements to the daytime alignment tool, including compass calibration status.
- The bubble in the bubble level tool stays in view even at excessive tilt.
- Improved response for watch buttons that switch between app functions.
- Give more time to the digital compass to wake (to stop the no true heading popup).
- Equatorial coordinate epoch conversion / precession calculator.
- Fixes and tweaks for the DSO Database tool, including select all/none buttons, slider for min. altitude filter.
- Corrected the center coordinates on the DSS image view info.
- Improved search bar contrast.

version 5.5

2020年12月9日 Version 5.5
Why not help out by rating or reviewing the new version! There are never popups inside the app to ask you (annoying!), which results to less reviews than other apps.
Here's what's new:
- Switch between decimal and min/sec Lat/Lon display on the main screen by tapping.
- Polar star graphic display on polar star info screen.
- Rotated reticle view tool option for polar aligning the Orion/Skywatcher 2012-2032 scope at mount home position.
- Presets for Telescope Limiting Magnitude calculator.
- Location Manager decimal coordinates switched to lat, lon to match popular (Google maps etc) usage.
- Experimental dark web mode that tries to apply a dark theme before showing a site (can be disabled in the popup).
- Clearer UI for the multi-selection buttons and the Calculator filters.
- Xasteria changes:
-- Light pollution button with Bortle class display, that opens a light pollution details page.
-- Added Windy.com, Astrospheric, Jetstream forecast to "Other" sources.
-- Coordinates switched to lat, lon to match Location manager.
-- Clicking the heavens-above.com bottom bar in ISS/Satellite tools opens the relevant Havens Above page.

version 5.1

17 июня 2020 г. Version 5.1
Why not help out by rating or reviewing the new version! There are never popups inside the app to ask you (annoying!), which results to less reviews than other apps. Here's what's new:
- New experimental "Push To" functionality added to the Deep Space Object Database. Attach your phone to your non-GoTo telescope, select a target and the app will work as a digital finderscope / manual GoTo to help you aim at targets. There is a "star hopping" option to make up for the low precision of your phone compass.
- Small refinements to the daytime alignment tool, including compass calibration status.
- The bubble in the bubble level tool stays in view even at excessive tilt.
- Improved response for watch buttons that switch between app functions.
- Give more time to the digital compass to wake (to stop the no true heading popup).
- Equatorial coordinate epoch conversion / precession calculator.
- Fixes and tweaks for the DSO Database tool, including select all/none buttons, slider for min. altitude filter.
- Corrected the center coordinates on the DSS image view info.
- Improved search bar contrast.