Stargazing guide

How Phone Compass Alignment Works

AR stargazing apps depend on motion sensors, compass heading, and camera orientation. Small alignment errors are normal on mobile devices.

Quick facts

Use these cues first, then confirm the pattern in the AR viewer.

Start with the brightest nearby objects, then compare Phone Compass and Stargazing with the AR overlay.

Altitude and direction change with latitude, longitude, date, and time.

If the phone compass drifts, adjust the heading controls until a known star pattern lines up.

Nearby metal, magnetic cases, vehicles, buildings, and sensor noise can make the compass less accurate.

Compare the overlay to a known bright constellation or direction, then use the heading controls or horizontal drag to fine-tune the map.

Stand away from large metal objects, hold the phone steadily, and re-check alignment when moving to a new part of the sky.

Short answers for common skywatching questions before opening the AR viewer.

Often yes if the key stars or object are bright enough, but haze, buildings, and light pollution can hide fainter details.

Mobile compass readings can drift near metal, cases, cars, and buildings. Use a known bright object to tune the heading offset.

Yes. The same object can be high, low, or below the horizon depending on your location and the current time.

Use these pages to move from reading into the AR viewer with better context.

Learn how date, time, and location shape the sky above you.

Check planets, the Moon, and bright objects before opening AR.

Understand camera, orientation, and compass alignment in the viewer.

Use the browser sky map to compare Phone Compass and Stargazing with the real sky from your location.