# Celestron StarSense Explorer

> Reference

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1368600689](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1368600689)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id1368600689`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Celestron, LLC
- **Category:** Reference
- **Rating:** 3.30 / 5 (164 ratings)
- **Version:** 2.0.2
- **Last updated:** 2026-05-20
- **First published:** 2020-01-07
- **Size:** 741 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-23
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/celestron-starsense-explorer/id1368600689)
- **Website:** [https://www.celestron.com/collections/starsense-explorer-smartphone-app-enabled-telescopes](https://www.celestron.com/collections/starsense-explorer-smartphone-app-enabled-telescopes)
- **Privacy policy:** [http://www.celestron.com/support/warranties](http://www.celestron.com/support/warranties)

## Description

Celestron StarSense Explorer unleashes the power of your smartphone to guide you through the night sky. Using patent-pending StarSense Sky Recognition and plate-solving techniques, it analyzes star patterns to calculate the telescope’s pointing in real time with pinpoint accuracy when used with a StarSense Explorer telescope (sold separately). It tells you which objects are visible and shows how to move the telescope to place them in the eyepiece, helping beginners and seasoned observers alike.

The easy-to-use planetarium interface lets you scan for targets or search the database, and Tonight's Best lists suggest what to view from your location. You can access detailed information, images, and audio descriptions for popular objects, and the app supports English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese and Russian. It’s compatible with iPhone 6 and higher.

## Rankings

- #127,940 — Overall

## Review summary

Reviewers repeatedly praise the app for helping locate planets and sky targets and for easy setup once alignment is correct, with many noting targets land in or near the eyepiece after proper alignment. However, they report recurring issues: unreliable calibration, inaccurate or misdirected sky data, faulty or invalid setup codes, and compatibility problems with certain telescopes and newer iPhones. Some critique the UI as poorly designed. Overall success hinges on robust alignment, accurate sky data, and broad device compatibility; without these, the app can be frustrating rather than helpful.

### Pros

- Helps identify and locate planets and other sky targets.
- Easy to set up and user-friendly once you follow the setup steps.
- When properly aligned, it places targets in or near the eyepiece view.
- Makes visual astronomy easier and more efficient.

### Cons

- Alignment/calibration is flaky and unreliable across sessions.
- Sky positioning is often inaccurate, with objects appearing in the wrong direction or far from the expected location.
- Invalid or faulty setup codes disrupt initial setup.
- Compatibility issues with some telescopes and newer iPhone models.
- User interface/UX is criticized as lacking.

## Similar extensions and apps

- [Celestron Origin](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1523697872) — 4.10 / 5
- [Star Gazer & Night Sky Map](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6748605136) — 4.70 / 5
- [Seestar](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6447429891) — 4.20 / 5
- [Celestron SkyPortal](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id877780544) — 3.60 / 5
- [StarHi](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6504804274)
- [Sky Guide](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id576588894) — 4.80 / 5
- [AR-Telescope-B](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6746920025)
- [StellarEye](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6768561538)
- [SpaceNerd](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6760432915) — 5.00 / 5
- [StarHop Navigator](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6760609083) — 5.00 / 5
- [Star Reacher](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6760774900) — 5.00 / 5
- [StarTrail: StarPath](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6782247435)

---

Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1368600689)