Polar Align

Support

Need a hand getting aligned, found a bug, or have an idea for a feature? Send an email and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Getting started

1. Park your mount so its polar axis points roughly north or south, depending on your hemisphere.
2. Open Polar Align and allow location access when asked.
3. Choose Saddle or Upright to match how your phone sits on the mount.
4. Place your phone on the mount and follow the arrow. Turn and raise the mount until the circles line up and the screen turns green.
5. For precise alignment, finish with your polar scope or a plate solving routine.

Common questions

What do Saddle and Upright mean?

Saddle is for laying your phone flat along your mount's saddle. Upright is for standing your phone upright against the mount, which suits star trackers.

Why does the reading jump around or look wrong?

Phone compasses are sensitive to nearby metal and magnets. Keep your phone clear of counterweights, cars, power banks and magnetic cases or MagSafe accessories. If the compass dots in the app aren't all filled, move your phone slowly in a figure of eight to recalibrate it.

What does the calibration button do?

Once your mount is precisely aligned with a polar scope or plate solving, tap the calibration button and the app will centre itself to match. The correction is saved, so your next session starts from a more accurate reading. It's worth recalibrating if you change your mount, tripod or imaging site.

How accurate is it?

Close enough to find the pole quickly, but phone compasses aren't precise enough for long exposures on their own. Use the app to get close, then finish with your polar scope or a plate solving routine.

Do I need to be able to see the stars?

No. The app works from your location and your phone's sensors, so you can get roughly aligned at dusk before any stars appear.

Does it work in the northern hemisphere?

Yes. The app uses your location to choose the north or south celestial pole automatically.

Does my location leave my phone?

No. Everything is worked out on your device. See the privacy policy for details.