Solar System Scope
solarsystemscope.com
What it is
Solar System Scope models the Solar System, night sky and outer space, showing object positions alongside related facts. Its 3D encyclopedia covers planets, dwarf planets and major moons with visualizations. The night-sky view can show stars and constellations from a chosen location on Earth and simulate skies from past or future times; the mobile version also lets users point a device toward the sky to find celestial objects. The maker says its calculations use NASA-published orbital parameters, and its planet and moon maps use NASA elevation and imagery data, with colors tuned against spacecraft and Hubble imagery. The Android encyclopedia is available in 19 languages. Solar System Scope runs on Android, iOS, macOS, web and Windows. The online version is free, as are mobile apps with optional in-app purchases. The Windows and Mac desktop app costs $9.80, paid once and includes fullscreen and offline modes. The maker also provides embed code for websites and textures for image viewing or 3D rendering.
Spec sheet
- Product
- Solar System Scope models the Solar System, night sky and outer space in real time, with object positions and related facts.Read 30 Sep 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Support
- The maker lists [email protected] for support and feedback.Read 30 Sep 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Headquarters
- Bratislava, SlovakiaRead 28 Sep 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Founded
- 2011Read 28 Sep 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- 3D encyclopedia
- Its encyclopedia covers planets, dwarf planets and major moons with accompanying 3D visualizations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
- Analytics and advertising
- The privacy policy names Google Analytics, Firebase and Unity Analytics, and lists Google and Unity advertising services.Read 30 Sep 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Browser requirements
- The online model lists Chrome 57, Firefox 52 or Safari 10.1 and requires desktop WebGL.Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Company headquarters and size
- LinkedIn lists INOVE in Bratislava with 2–10 employees.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sk.linkedin.com
- Company identity
- The product site identifies INOVE as the inventor and developer of Solar System Scope.Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Company legal activity
- FinStat classifies INOVE under software publishing and retail of computers, peripherals and software.Read 15 Oct 2026 · finstat.sk
- Desktop offline use
- The purchased desktop app works offline after one-time activation and supports fullscreen operation.Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Desktop purchase processing
- Checkout is handled through FastSpring and accepts credit cards or PayPal.Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Desktop requirement
- The desktop app page lists Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 or Mac OS X and 2 GB RAM as minimum requirements.Read 30 Sep 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Desktop system requirements
- Minimum desktop requirements include Windows 7/8.1/10 or Mac OS X, 2 GB RAM, supported 256 MB graphics and 300 MB free disk space.Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Developer
- The product is invented and developed by INOVE, and its About page describes the team as mostly from an EU software company.Read 30 Sep 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Embed minimum size
- The embedding page states that correct operation requires at least 500 by 400 pixels.Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Embedding integration
- A website can embed the model with a supplied iframe URL and customizable dimensions and CSS.Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Languages
- The Android encyclopedia is offered in 19 languages.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
- Legal company founding
- Slovak company records list INOVE, s. r. o. as established on 6 May 2006.Read 15 Oct 2026 · finstat.sk
- Limit: date navigation
- An iPad reviewer said the app lacks direct date entry and makes precise historical or future positioning difficult to reach.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Limit: incomplete moons
- An App Store reviewer complained that Jupiter and Saturn show only a subset of their confirmed moons and lack fuller encyclopedia detail.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Limit: orientation and crashes
- App Store reviews report upside-down iPad orientation, crashes and occasional shutdowns on some devices.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Limit: paid upgrades
- Some reviewers complain that higher-quality maps or upgrades require in-app payment and ask for lower prices.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- NASA data
- Planetary orbital parameters and map data are based on NASA publications, elevation data and imagery.Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Night sky
- The night sky view supports viewing stars and constellations from a location on Earth and simulating past or future skies.Read 30 Sep 2026 · play.google.com
- Night-sky observatory
- The mobile app shows stars and constellations from a selected Earth location and can simulate past or future skies.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Notable release
- The official changelog says the December 2018 app release added a Messier explorer, Milky Way view, distance meter, expanded search and movement controls.Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Orbital data
- The maker says its celestial calculations use orbital parameters published by NASA and can simulate positions at any time.Read 30 Sep 2026 · play.google.com
- Payment handling
- The privacy policy says payment card details are provided directly to third-party processors and are not stored or collected by INOVE.Read 30 Sep 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Phone sky pointing
- Mobile users can point a device at the sky to identify objects in their proper positions.Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Planetary maps
- Planet and moon maps use NASA elevation and imagery data, with colors tuned using spacecraft and Hubble imagery.Read 30 Sep 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Planetary textures
- Texture colors are tuned from true-color imagery by Messenger, Viking, Cassini, New Horizons and Hubble.Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Point at sky
- The mobile version lets users point their device at the sky to find constellations and celestial objects.Read 30 Sep 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Praise: educational value
- App Store reviewers repeatedly describe the app as highly educational, realistic and useful for learning astronomy.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Praise: visuals and exploration
- Google Play reviewers praise its attractive graphics, interactive exploration and usefulness for children and students.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
- Privacy and security
- The privacy policy says the service may collect personal, usage and location data, and says it cannot guarantee absolute data security.Read 30 Sep 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Privacy practice
- The general privacy policy says INOVE uses collected data to operate, support, analyze and troubleshoot the service and may transfer it to Slovakia.Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Product purpose
- Solar System Scope models the Solar System, night sky and outer space in real time with object positions and explanatory facts.Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Rating on Apple App Store
- 4.4 out of 5 from 891 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Rating on Google Play
- 4.4 out of 5 from 154000 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
- Real-time simulation
- The model lets users explore celestial positions for different times using orbital calculations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Search and objects
- The app includes searchable stars, spacecraft, Messier objects, comets and other celestial objects.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Spacecraft data
- Satellite positions use two-line-element datasets published by CelesTrak and NORAD.Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Textures
- The maker offers planetary and space textures for use in 3D rendering or viewing in an image viewer.Read 30 Sep 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Website embedding
- The maker provides iframe code to place the Solar System Scope model on a website, with a stated minimum resolution of 500 by 400 pixels.Read 30 Sep 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
- Windows privacy
- The Windows policy says approximate network location is used for local sky views and that collected Windows-app data is not sold.Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
Plans and prices
Free online version Free Runs in a desktop browser with WebGL; listed browser versions include Chrome 57, Firefox 52 and Safari 10.1 Read 30 Sep 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
Mobile version Free iOS and Android · optional in-app purchases · sky pointing Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
Mobile Version Free Free with optional in-app purchases · Android and iOS Read 30 Sep 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
Online model Free browser-based · desktop WebGL required Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
Desktop App $9.80, paid once Windows and Mac · fullscreen · offline mode · 300 MB free disk space minimum Read 30 Sep 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
Desktop version $9.80, paid once one-time purchase Windows and Mac · offline mode · fullscreen · higher graphics Read 15 Oct 2026 · solarsystemscope.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- 3D encyclopedia covers planets and major moons
- Night skies can be simulated across times
- Mobile sky view identifies celestial objects
- Free online and mobile versions
- Desktop app includes offline mode
Limits
- Desktop app costs $9.80, paid once
- Privacy policy says absolute data security cannot be guaranteed
- Website embed requires at least 500 by 400 pixels
Who it suits
It suits people who want an interactive view of the Solar System and night sky, including learners exploring celestial objects and their positions. The location-based sky view and mobile pointing feature may also suit casual sky identification.
Solar System Scope in depth
Read the full write-up
Solar System Scope brings together a 3D Solar System model, an interactive night sky and an encyclopedia of celestial objects. It is best for curious learners and casual sky-watchers who want to explore both planets and the sky above them. The free web and mobile versions make it approachable; the $9.80 desktop app is the choice for fullscreen, offline use.
Overview
The product spans real-time views of the Solar System and outer space, location-based sky viewing, and reference material. That breadth makes it a useful learning tool for people moving between planetary objects and constellations, but less suited to anyone seeking a narrowly focused astronomy utility. INOVE, the developer, describes its team as mostly from an EU software company; the product dates to 2011 and the company is based in Bratislava, Slovakia.
The privacy policy says the service may collect personal, usage and location data, and names Google Analytics, Firebase and Unity Analytics, as well as Google and Unity advertising services. It says payment card details go directly to third-party processors and are not stored or collected by INOVE. The policy also says absolute data security cannot be guaranteed, worth considering when using location-based views.
Key features
Explore planets and moons
The 3D encyclopedia covers planets, dwarf planets, major moons and other objects with realistic visualizations. It gives learners a visual way to connect objects to their place in the Solar System. Planet and moon maps draw on NASA elevation and imagery data, with colors tuned using spacecraft and Hubble imagery; the maker says its orbital calculations use NASA-published parameters and can simulate positions at any time.
Look up and back in the sky
The night-sky view shows stars and constellations from a location on Earth and can simulate past or future skies. On mobile, users can point their device at the sky to identify constellations and celestial objects. This combination suits casual observation and exploration, while the location-data collection described in the privacy policy may matter to privacy-conscious users.
Use the material beyond the app
The Android encyclopedia is available in 19 languages. INOVE also provides iframe code for embedding the model on a website, with a minimum resolution of 500 by 400 pixels, and planetary and space textures for 3D rendering or image viewing. These extras make the product relevant to educators and creators as well as individual learners, though the embedding requirement sets a floor for the display area.
Pricing
Solar System Scope is freemium, with free web and mobile options and a paid desktop app. The Free online version costs nothing and runs in a desktop browser with WebGL; listed browser versions include Chrome 57, Firefox 52 and Safari 10.1. It is the simplest way to explore without paying, but it is browser-based rather than an offline desktop installation.
The Mobile Version costs nothing on Android and iOS, with optional in-app purchases. It includes the mobile sky-pointing feature, making it the natural choice for identifying objects outdoors; optional purchases mean not every mobile offering is necessarily part of the free tier.
The Desktop App costs $9.80, paid once for Windows and Mac. It adds fullscreen viewing and offline mode, so it suits users who want a dedicated desktop version or need access without an internet connection. The listed minimum requirements are Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 or Mac OS X, 2 GB RAM and 300 MB of free disk space. The one-time price avoids a recurring subscription.
Platforms
Solar System Scope runs on Android, iOS, macOS, web and Windows. The free browser edition requires WebGL, while offline access is offered with the paid desktop app. The mobile version also provides an augmented-reality sky view.
Who it's for
Choose Solar System Scope if you want one visual tool for learning about planetary bodies and exploring the night sky, particularly if the mix of mobile sky identification and a desktop offline option is useful. Educators and website owners may also value the multilingual Android encyclopedia, embed code and textures. It is a weaker fit if you need only a free, open-source astronomy program or a simple sky guide rather than a combined Solar System model and reference.
Pros and cons
Broad educational coverage: The model, encyclopedia and location-based sky view connect planets, moons, stars and constellations in one product.
Free entry points: The browser and mobile versions cost nothing, so users can start without buying the desktop app.
Offline desktop access: A one-time 9.80 USD purchase adds fullscreen and offline use, useful when internet access is unavailable.
Location and advertising data: The privacy policy describes collection of personal, usage and location data and names analytics and advertising services, a meaningful trade-off for users concerned about privacy.
Desktop constraints: The browser edition needs WebGL, and the desktop app has minimum OS, memory and storage requirements that older or lower-spec machines may not meet.
Alternatives
Browse astronomy apps for more choices in the category. Choose Celestia if open-source software and broader platform coverage, including Linux, matter more than Solar System Scope's combined sky and encyclopedia offering. NASA Eyes is a free browser-based alternative that requires an internet connection. Pick Cosmic Watch if its free tier's sky, Earth and Solar System views, sky guide, layers, star names, world clock and notifications match your needs. Star Walk 2 is another free mobile option, with ads and premium content available through in-app purchases. Star Chart suits readers looking for a free offering described as including every feature and upgrade without subscriptions or paywalls. Star Chart is also available as a free app with in-app upgrades. Night Sky is a further freemium option for Android, iOS and macOS. Seestar App is a free alternative available on Android, iOS, macOS and Windows.
Verdict
Solar System Scope is a strong fit for learners and casual sky-watchers who want a single place to explore the Solar System and identify what is overhead. Its free web and mobile editions make that breadth easy to access, and the desktop app adds offline viewing for a one-time 9.80 USD. Look elsewhere if open-source licensing, a simpler sky-viewing focus or a different privacy trade-off is more important than its combined educational and observing features.
Verdict
Solar System Scope combines a 3D Solar System model with a location-based night-sky view and educational reference material. The free online and mobile versions cover the basics, while the paid desktop app adds offline access.
Where Specifiction places it
- Astronomy Apps#3 of 358.9
Alternatives to Solar System ScopeAll alternatives →
Cosmic Watch From $0.42/mo · Free plan 8.6 Visit 
Celestia Free plan 8.3 Visit