AstroHelm

About AstroHelm

AstroHelm turns smartphones into precision telescope finders by using fast on-device plate solving. Mount your phone on any telescope and let it continuously identify where you're pointing in the night sky, then guide you to galaxies, nebulae, planets and stars with sub-arcminute accuracy—even under light-polluted skies and without internet.

The app works with equipment you already have, whether it's a dobsonian, DIY telescope, or telephoto lens, with no GoTo mount or proprietary hardware required. It features a curated list of great objects to observe, highlights the best ones for your location and time, and can find targets even without astronomy knowledge or constellations memorized.

AstroHelm includes on-device plate solving, push-to navigation, and access to the Moon and planets for free. Optional one-time purchases unlock access to complete star catalogs and advanced features like remote control between devices and connections to astronomy software.

• navigation
• astronomy
• telescope
• stargazing
• plate-solving
• astrophotography

FAQ

Why isn't plate solving working?

Plate solving requires a clear, dark sky with at least 8 visible stars in frame, and the phone must be mounted steady—it will not work handheld. Make sure no artificial lights are in the camera's view, as they can be mistaken for stars and produce false patterns. If using a multi-lens smartphone, try switching to the telephoto lens for better star detection in less-than-ideal conditions.

What should I do if objects aren't aligning with what I see in the eyepiece?

Confirm you have aligned the reticle against a real-world landmark before observing. Re-trigger plate solving by tapping the status indicator in the top-left corner. Verify your device clock is set automatically, as incorrect time can affect alignment.

Does AstroHelm require an internet connection?

No. AstroHelm performs all plate solving on-device, and you can use Remote without an internet connection, including out at your observing spot. No images, sky coordinates, or observing logs are transmitted to external servers.

What equipment do I need to use AstroHelm?

You need any telescope or camera you already have—a dobsonian, DIY telescope, or telephoto lens. No GoTo mount or proprietary hardware is required. AstroHelm works with all equipment types.