Support & Contact

How do I add an observation photo?

1. Go to the "Catalogs" tab
2. Select a catalog (Messier, Caldwell, NGC, or Solar System)
3. Tap on a celestial object
4. Tap the "+" button to add a photo from your gallery
5. The capture date will be automatically extracted from EXIF metadata

Can I add multiple photos per object?

Yes! Since version 1.9, you can associate as many photos as you want with each celestial object.

• Horizontal gallery: Your photos appear in a scrollable strip below the object information
• Full-screen navigation: Swipe horizontally to browse all your photos
• Date sorting: Photos are automatically sorted by capture date (most recent first)
• Individual deletion: Select a thumbnail in the gallery then tap the trash icon

The feed now displays all your photos, not just one per object.

What is the favorite photo (star)?

When you have multiple photos for an object, you can designate one as the favorite by tapping the ★ icon in full-screen view.

• Cover photo: The favorite is displayed as the thumbnail in catalogs and grids
• Default: The first photo added is automatically set as favorite
• Easy to change: Tap ★ on any photo to make it the favorite
• Preserved: Favorite status is saved in exports and iCloud sync

Tip: If you delete the favorite photo, the most recent photo automatically becomes the favorite.

Does the app detect duplicate photos?

Yes. AstroCollect uses a digital fingerprint (SHA-256 hash) to detect duplicates:

• A warning appears if you try to import an identical photo
• During import, duplicates are automatically skipped in merge mode
• Detection is based on image content, not filename

Is my data saved in the cloud?

It's your choice. By default, all your data stays exclusively on your device.

iCloud Sync (optional): Since version 1.7, you can enable iCloud sync in Settings. Your observations will then be automatically synchronized across all your Apple devices. Data stays in your private iCloud account, encrypted by Apple.

Manual export: You can also export your data as a ZIP file via Settings → Export to save it wherever you want.

How do I transfer my observations to another device?

Recommended method - iCloud Sync:
1. Enable iCloud sync in Settings on your first device
2. Install AstroCollect on your new device (same iCloud account)
3. Enable iCloud sync: your observations appear automatically

Alternative method - Export/Import:
1. On the source device, go to Settings → Export
2. Share the created ZIP file via AirDrop, iCloud Drive, or email
3. On the target device, open the ZIP file with AstroCollect

How does iCloud sync work?

iCloud sync (optional) allows you to share your observations across all your Apple devices:

• Automatic: Photos and metadata are synced in the background
• Offline mode: Add observations without connection, they'll sync when reconnected
• Conflict management: If you modify the same observation on two devices, you can choose which version to keep
• Private: Your data stays in your personal iCloud account, we have no access to it

Enable in Settings → iCloud Sync. On first activation, a wizard guides you to migrate your local data.

Does the app record my GPS location?

No, by default. GPS coordinates from photos are NOT extracted by default.

Observation Planner: The app may request access to your location to calculate celestial object visibility and display local weather. This permission is optional and your position is never permanently stored.

Photo GPS: If you want to record where you took your photos (for example, an observation site), you can enable "Save location data" in Settings. This is entirely optional. Even when enabled, your coordinates stay on your device and are never transmitted.

Why is my photo's date incorrect?

AstroCollect uses a hierarchy of sources to determine the capture date:

1. PHAsset creationDate - Creation date in the Photos library
2. EXIF DateTimeOriginal - Original shooting date
3. PNG tEXt metadata - For screenshots and edited images
4. Current date - If no metadata is available

If the date is incorrect, it's probably because the photo's EXIF metadata is missing or incorrect. This often happens with screenshots or images downloaded from the Internet.

How do I search for a celestial object?

In a catalog's detail view, use the search bar at the top. The search is case-insensitive and accent-insensitive. You can search by:

• Object name (e.g., "Andromeda", "Orion")
• Catalog number (e.g., "M31", "NGC224")

You can also filter results by status (all/observed/unobserved).

How do I find objects visible tonight?

Use the new Search tab (magnifying glass icon) to discover celestial objects observable from your location.

Time Window

• Now: Objects visible at this moment
• This night: From sunset to sunrise

Sorting Options

• Max altitude: Objects that will rise highest in the sky
• Magnitude: Brightest objects (easier to observe)
• Type: Grouped by category (galaxies, nebulae, clusters...)

Filters

• Filter by object type or catalog
• "Unobserved only" option to discover new targets

Each object displays its maximum altitude, visibility times, and a detailed description.

How do I create an observation session?

Observation sessions allow you to document your astronomy evenings:

1. Go to the Sessions tab
2. Tap + to create a new session
3. Fill in the date, location, and conditions (seeing, clouds, light pollution, temperature, humidity)
4. Add observed objects by selecting them from your photos
5. Optional: associate your equipment used and tags

Sessions are synced with iCloud if sync is enabled.

How do I manage my equipment?

Create a list of your observation gear to associate with your sessions:

1. Go to Settings → Equipment
2. Tap + to add an item (telescope, mount, eyepieces, camera...)
3. Enter a name and optional description

You can then select your equipment when creating an observation session.

How do I add notes to an object?

You can associate personal notes with each celestial object:

1. Open a celestial object's detail view
2. Scroll down to the Notes section
3. Tap to edit and add your personal observations

Notes are ideal for recording your remarks, special conditions, or objectives for your next observation.

How do badges work?

AstroCollect features 25 badges across 5 categories that reward your progress:

• First Steps: First photo, 10/25/50/100 objects observed
• Object Types: First galaxy, nebula, cluster, solar exploration
• Catalogs: Messier progress (25%/50%/100%), Caldwell complete, NGC
• Sessions: First session, night sessions, long sessions
• Specials: 100 photos, 3 locations, equipment, iCloud sync

Badges are calculated automatically and dates match your actual observations. Check your progress in the Statistics tab.

Disabling: Badge notifications (toast + haptic) can be disabled in Settings. Badges continue to be calculated silently.

How do I reset my data?

AstroCollect offers two reset options in Settings → Maintenance:

Local Reset

• Deletes only data on this device
• If iCloud Sync is enabled, data remains in the cloud and on your other devices
• Useful for freeing up space or troubleshooting issues on a single device

Complete Reset

• Deletes local data AND iCloud data (if sync is enabled)
• Other synced devices will also lose their data
• Irreversible action, use with caution

Tip: Export your data before any reset to keep a backup.

What is the app's price?

7-day free trial, then $2.99 / €2.99 (one-time purchase). AstroCollect contains:

• No additional in-app purchases
• No ads
• No subscriptions
• Full access to all features

Which catalogs are included?

AstroCollect includes 6 astronomical catalogs:

• Solar System - 10 objects (planets, Moon, Sun)
• Messier Catalog - 110 objects (galaxies, nebulae, clusters)
• Caldwell Catalog - 109 objects (complement to Messier)
• NGC Catalog - 224 deep-sky objects
• Index Catalogue (IC) - 88 deep-sky objects
• Point Objects - 5 objects (notable comets and asteroids)

In total, 394 unique celestial objects with automatic cross-references between catalogs.

Does the app work offline?

Yes, 100% offline. All features work without an internet connection:

• Browse catalogs
• Add/remove photos
• Search and filter
• Export/Import
• Observation Planner (astronomical calculations)

With iCloud Sync enabled: Observations added offline are queued and automatically synced when reconnected.

How do Smart Suggestions work?

AstroCollect analyzes celestial object visibility and offers personalized suggestions:

Types of Suggestions

• Well-placed objects: "Tonight, X unobserved objects are well placed" - shows objects visible with altitude ≥ 30°, duration ≥ 2h, and magnitude ≤ 10
• Better conditions: "This object is better placed than your last observation" - signals an altitude improvement ≥ 20° compared to your previous observation
• Moon impact: Warning when the Moon interferes with deep sky objects (illumination > 50%, separation < 60°)

Optimal Comfort Zone

Suggestions prioritize altitudes between 30° and 80°. Above 80° (near zenith), observation can be uncomfortable depending on the equipment used.

How do I use Siri Shortcuts?

AstroCollect integrates with Siri and the Apple Shortcuts app for quick access to your observations.

Available Voice Commands

• "Show well-placed objects with AstroCollect" - Displays the list of unobserved objects visible tonight
• "Show the best object with AstroCollect" - Opens directly the best-placed object for observation
• "Create a new observation session with AstroCollect" - Starts a new observation session

Quick Actions

A long press on the app icon shows quick shortcuts to directly access well-placed objects.

Shortcuts App

AstroCollect actions appear in Apple's Shortcuts app. You can integrate them into your personal automations (for example, an "Astro night" shortcut that launches AstroCollect with the list of well-placed objects, then opens your weather app).

Can I contribute or suggest features?

Absolutely! We're always happy to hear your suggestions. Send us an email at astrocollect@teissonniere.eu with your ideas, comments, or bug reports.