ISS Detector vs SkyORB

ISS Detector helps users find visible International Space Station passes and predict satellite passes for their location. For each upcoming ISS pass, it gives the local start time, direction, highest altitude, and duration, and can notify users minutes before the pass begins. It checks the local forecast and indicates when clouds may prevent a sighting. Premium features add tracking for Starlink, Hubble, rocket bodies, planets, comets, and amateur radio satellites; amateur radio tracking includes transmitter information and Doppler shift calculations. Users can share sightings on social media. ISS Detector says it combines information from NASA, Heavens-Above, the Minor Planet Center, and yr.no weather. It is listed for Android, iOS, macOS, and web. The free plan includes ads and in-app purchases; ISS Detector Pro costs $17.99, paid once and includes all extensions with no ads. Its privacy policy says location calculations happen on-device and precise location is not stored on the maker’s servers. Google Play says data can’t be deleted.

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.