Heavens-Above vs SkyORB

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.

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.