BXA vs Heavens-Above
BXA
johannesbuchner.github.ioHeavens-Above
heavens-above.comSide by side
| Figure | BXA | Heavens-Above |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Astronomy Apps | 7.9 (#12) | 8.4 (#7) |
| Purpose | BXA connects Xspec and Sherpa X-ray spectral analysis environments to UltraNest for Bayesian parameter estimation and model comparison. | Heavens-Above provides predictions and information for observing satellites and other objects in the sky. |
| Support | The project directs users to file bug reports and feedback as GitHub issues and asks bug reports to include operating system, Sherpa or Xspec version, setup details, and reproduction steps. | The FAQ welcomes suggestions, corrections, and bug reports, but says the team cannot reply to every email and only understands email written in English. |
Plans
In their own words
Heavens-Above
Heavens-Above provides satellite predictions and sky information through Android, iOS and web access. The website lists 10-day predictions for selected satellites, daily predictions for brighter satellites and Starlink passes from a launch. It also offers a live sky view, interactive sky chart, dynamic 3D Starlink orbit display and interactive 3D ISS visualization. Charts and information cover the Sun, Moon, planets, comets, asteroids and constellations. The Android app includes predictions for the ISS, visible satellites and radio satellites, plus orbit and ground-track views, night mode and an orientation-based tracker. Selected passes can be added to a device calendar. Predictions run locally, with a data connection needed every few days. The free plan costs nothing; Heavens-Above Pro costs $4.99, paid once and removes Android adverts. Predictions become less accurate farther from the current date.