Celestia vs SkyORB
Celestia
celestiaproject.spaceSkyORB
skyorb.appSide by side
| Figure | Celestia | SkyORB |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · Astronomy Apps | 8.3 (#8) | 8.9 (#2) |
| Privacy | The site states that Celestia collects data only for analytic and diagnostic purposes. | The privacy policy says the app does not collect personal information, require an account, track users, or store usage data on company servers. |
| Support | The original project directs users to its forum or GitHub discussions, while frontend and website feedback can go through in-app feedback, GitHub issues, or email. | The maker directs users to contact SkyORB support at [email protected]. |
Plans
SkyORB
- SkyORB ClassicFree
- SkyORB ∞ for iOS, tvOS and Apple Watch$4.99, paid once
- SkyORB ∞ for Mac$6.99, paid once
In their own words
Celestia
Celestia is free, open-source software for visualizing space in 3D. It simulates objects ranging from planets and moons to star clusters and galaxies, which can be viewed from different positions in space and at different times. Solar system positions and movements are calculated in real time, and users can choose the rate of motion. Celestia also works as a planetarium: users can travel to celestial worlds, land on their surfaces, and see solar system objects in the sky. Add-ons expand the catalogues with objects, high-resolution textures, 3D models, spacecraft, and fictional objects. Celestia is licensed under the GNU General Public License and is available for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. The browser option is a lite version. Installation routes differ: Android versions are offered through Google Play, GitHub APK, and alternative markets; Apple versions are on the App Store, with a direct GitHub download for macOS. Windows users can use the Microsoft Store or sideload a GitHub version. The latest stable original-project release for Linux is listed as source code.
SkyORB
SkyORB is an astronomy app for exploring the sky, the Solar System, and astronomical events. SkyORB ∞ combines a real-time 3D planetarium and sky chart with augmented reality, so astronomical information can be viewed over the surroundings. Users can choose an observation location or allow location access, then view the sky at different dates and times. Its event calendar and notifications cover occasions including 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 map with multiple projections, meteor-shower forecasts, and solar and lunar data. The maker lists Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows; SkyORB ∞ is also listed for Apple Watch and tvOS. SkyORB Classic is free. SkyORB ∞ for iOS, tvOS and Apple Watch is $4.99, paid once, and SkyORB ∞ for Mac is $6.99, paid once.