SkyORB

SkyORB is an astronomy app for exploring the sky, Solar System, and celestial events. SkyORB ∞ provides a real-time 3D planetarium and sky chart with augmented reality that overlays astronomical information on the surroundings. Users can set an observation location or allow location access, then view the sky at different dates and times. Its event calendar and notifications cover occurrences such as meteor showers, eclipses, sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset. The app also tracks satellites and provides information about planets, asteroids, and deep-space objects. SkyORB Classic includes a star catalog, an interactive sky map with multiple projections, meteor-shower forecasts, and solar and lunar data. The maker lists SkyORB on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows; SkyORB ∞ is also listed for Apple Watch and tvOS. SkyORB Classic is free. SkyORB ∞ is listed at $4.99, paid once for iOS, tvOS, and Apple Watch, and $6.99, paid once for Mac. The maker says the app does not collect personal information, require an account, track users, or store usage data on its servers.

SkyORB offers sky charts, event information, and satellite tracking across its Classic and ∞ editions. Check the platform-specific listed prices and widget availability when choosing an edition.

SkyORB suits people interested in exploring the night sky, tracking satellites, and following astronomical events. Its Classic edition includes sky maps and astronomy data, while SkyORB ∞ adds 3D and augmented-reality views.

SkyORB is an astronomy app for exploring the sky, tracking satellites and planning around celestial events. It suits curious observers who want charts and object information on mobile or desktop devices. Its free Classic edition is a sensible starting point; SkyORB ∞ adds augmented reality and more tracking tools for a one-time purchase.

Overview

SkyORB brings together a 3D planetarium, a live sky chart and information about objects from planets to deep-space targets. Users can set an observation location or let the app use their location, then change the date and time to see how the sky will appear. That makes it useful for both identifying what is overhead and planning a later observation.

SkyORB ∞ overlays astronomical data on the user's surroundings through augmented reality. Compass-oriented directions and celestial coordinate trends help with orientation, while event schedules and notifications keep upcoming phenomena in view. The privacy policy says the app does not collect personal information, require an account, track users or store usage data on company servers.

Key features

Sky maps and augmented reality

The real-time chart and 3D planetarium give SkyORB ∞ a strong basis for casual exploration. AR overlays can connect the chart to the sky around the user, and date and time controls make the app useful beyond a quick look at current conditions. These tools will appeal to observers who want a visual guide; the Classic edition instead emphasizes a star catalog and an interactive map with multiple projections.

Events, objects and tracking

SkyORB covers events such as meteor showers, eclipses, sunrise and moonrise, with calendar entries and notifications. Satellite tracking and information on planets, asteroids and deep-space objects broaden its use beyond identifying stars. That range makes it a capable general astronomy companion, though the strongest feature set depends on choosing ∞.

Widgets and night viewing

The maker lists a night mode and customizable widgets for iOS and macOS, but its comparison page describes the ∞ version as lacking those widgets, with support only planned. Buyers who rely on home-screen widgets should check the edition and platform carefully rather than assume they are included.

Pricing

SkyORB uses a freemium model. SkyORB Classic is free, and its 2026 update is also described as free. Its star catalog, interactive sky map, meteor-shower forecasts, and solar and lunar data make it a practical way to explore the app without paying, though it does not carry the full ∞ feature set.

SkyORB ∞ for iOS, tvOS and Apple Watch costs $4.99, paid once. The Mac edition costs $6.99, paid once. The maker states that ∞ has no subscription fees, and no in-app purchases are stated for these editions. Choose the iOS, tvOS and Apple Watch edition for those devices, or the Mac edition for desktop use; both bring the ∞ features without recurring charges. A complimentary App Clip offers an iOS preview before purchase.

Platforms

SkyORB spans Android, iOS, macOS and Windows, but the ∞ platform list is more specific: iOS, Apple Watch, macOS, tvOS and Windows Store. The maker also describes ARKit-based automatic location detection. Since edition and feature coverage vary by platform, confirm the relevant version before buying, especially if widgets are important.

Who it's for

SkyORB fits beginners and curious observers who want a visual introduction to celestial objects, as well as hobbyists planning when and where to look. The maker describes its audience as people aged 7 to 77, and its mix of charts, event notices and object information supports that broad appeal. More specialized observers may want to compare its planning tools with apps focused on a narrower task.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Useful range in one app: charts, a 3D planetarium, event notices, object information and satellite tracking cover several common observing needs.
• Free entry point: Classic provides a star catalog, map, forecasts and solar and lunar data at no charge.
• No recurring fee for ∞: The iOS-family and Mac editions are one-time purchases, with no subscriptions stated.
• Privacy-conscious policy: The maker says the app does not collect personal information or track users.

Cons

• Edition differences complicate the choice: Classic and ∞ have different feature sets, and platform coverage is not uniform.
• Widget support is uncertain: The comparison page says ∞ lacks iOS and macOS widgets, despite the maker listing customizable widgets elsewhere.
• Paid pricing varies by device: The Mac edition costs more than the iOS, tvOS and Apple Watch edition.

Alternatives

Browse astronomy apps to compare more options. Cosmic Watch is a free-plan alternative with sky, Earth and solar-system views, a sky guide, layers, star names, a world clock and notifications; its monthly plan is $0.99 a month for readers seeking a recurring option.

Solar System Scope is worth considering for a browser-based desktop experience or broader platform coverage, including web and Windows. DWARFLAB App is a free choice for owners of DWARFLAB smart telescopes. Heavens-Above may suit Android users who want a satellite-focused option, with a free ad-supported edition and a $4.99 one-time Pro version that removes adverts.

ISS Detector offers a free satellite-tracking edition and a $17.99 one-time Pro edition with all extensions and no ads. NASA Eyes is a free browser-based option for readers who can use it with an internet connection. Night Sky is another freemium astronomy app for iOS, macOS and Android. Singularity is free on Android and iOS, with most features requiring a connected Vaonis telescope.

Verdict

SkyORB is a good fit for curious observers who want one app to combine sky charts, event planning, object information and satellite tracking. Start with Classic if its core maps and astronomy data are enough; choose ∞ for augmented reality and its wider set of tracking and event tools without a subscription. Look elsewhere if you need dependable iOS or macOS widgets or a platform-specific feature set that SkyORB's editions do not provide.