Frequently asked questions
Getting set up
Do I need an account?
No, with one exception. Location Planner asks you to sign in so your saved pins can be stored. Every other tool works without an account.
How do I set my location?
Use the Location picker at the top of a tool. Choose Current Location (the app will ask for location permission), pick a saved location, or use Add Location. Until a location is set, results that depend on it show a dash or a prompt to set one.
Why does a tool show a dash or ask me to set a location?
Sun, moon, sky, and weather results depend on where you are. Set a location and the values fill in. Moon Phase, Star Trails, and Comet Tracker are exceptions: the moon phase itself, the star trail calculator, and the comet list do not need a location.
Offline use
Which tools work without an internet connection?
The sun, moon, eclipse, comet, star trails, and Milky Way calculations run on your device, so they work offline. Aurora Visibility's threshold estimate and dark window also work offline.
Which tools need a connection?
Weather, Tides, and Lens Fog Risk load live data, so they need a connection. In Aurora Visibility, the live Kp reading and the forecast map need one, and if they cannot load, the rest of the screen keeps working. Location Planner needs a connection for the map, place search, and saving pins.
Units
How do I switch between Metric and Imperial?
Open Settings then Units. This changes distances, temperatures, wind, and similar values in the tools that show them. Focal length always stays in millimeters.
How do I change the pressure unit?
In Settings then Units, under Pressure Unit, choose hPa, inHg, or mmHg. Barometer and Weather use it.
Accuracy
How accurate are the tide times?
If a NOAA tide station is within 50 miles of your location, the tide screen shows that station's published predictions and names the station. Farther away, it shows a rough Moon-based estimate and labels it Estimated. Do not use the estimate for navigation or safety.
What does Lens Fog Risk mean?
It compares the air temperature with the dew point. Risk is High when they are within 4°F of each other, Moderate up to 10°F, and Low beyond that. It is a practical rule of thumb for when gear is likely to fog, not a guarantee.
Does Comet Tracker tell me if a comet is visible from my location?
No. It lists upcoming comets with their expected peak brightness and viewing notes. It does not calculate visibility for your location, and the predicted brightness values are estimates.
Is the Aurora "Kp needed" a guarantee?
No. It is an approximation of how strong geomagnetic activity has to be for aurora to be visible at your latitude. Use it together with the live Kp reading and the forecast map.
Devices
Why don't I see Compass or Barometer?
Compass and Barometer are for iPhone only. Neither appears in the web version.
Why does Compass not show a live heading in a simulator?
A live heading needs a real magnetometer, which simulators do not have. Use a physical phone.
Your data
How do I back up my data?
Open Settings, then Your Data, then Backup & Restore.
How do I delete my account?
Open Settings then Account, or use Delete Account under Danger Zone. This permanently deletes your account and its synced data.
What does Reset All do?
Under Danger Zone, Reset All erases your settings, saved locations, favorites, custom profiles, and tool inputs on this device, plus the synced copy if you are signed in, and starts fresh. It cannot be undone, so use Backup & Restore first if you want to keep anything.
Still stuck? Contact us.