Nico Carver

Mini Review: PS Align Pro (iOS App)

Added 2020-01-10 07:56:22 +0000 UTC

At $1.99, this app is a no-brainer if you own an iOS device (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad). Personally, I use this app on my iPhone 6s. It is the one of just a few apps I am likely to use every astrophotography session. At first glance at the home screen (above), it is clear that the main function is to aid in polar alignment by showing you where you should position Polaris on the polar scope reticule (all major brands included) given your location and the date/time. The location (GPS) and date/time are normally pulled automatically from your iOS device. If for some reason, you need to set them manually that is an option. This polar alignment feature is the reason I bought the app, and it works beautifully. After buying the app, I realized it has many other useful features including:

Moon phase & lunar Calendar with solar/lunar rise/set and twilight times.
Approximate daytime / no polarscope polar alignment tool. Great for solar imaging (including eclipses).
Bubble level (using either gyro or accelerometer) and Compass heading, as well as magnetic declination reading.
Over 25 calculators useful for observing and astrophotography, from eyepiece magnification and field of view, to imaging resolution and reducers.
Xasteria: World astro-weather report based on 7Timer! data.
Red 'flashlight' - makes the screen bright red.

I have used all these features frequently and some features have replaced other apps I had previously used frequently.

I really have no complaints with this app, and have no reservations in recommending it!