The Star Hop Trainer App was created for iOS and Android to help those new to using a telescope learn how to find objects to view. While seasoned observers may take it for granted, star hopping is the skill of learning to find telescope targets by following patterns in the stars to get to the object. This app helps to teach those skills so that the time you get out with the telescope is more productive.
As the publisher notes, “When I bought my first manual telescope (a used 18” Obsession) I lucked out. It was a clear night the next night! Then I went outside with it and spent 45 minutes trying to find my first DSO. Pointing the tiny, tiny view into the big sky accurately was a lot harder than I thought. So, after a 3-hour session I had seen 4 objects! Then it was cloudy for 3 weeks straight. And I live in Arizona! I thought then it would be great to have a tool to help people learn how to hop from star to star while comfy inside or during the day or on those cloudy nights! 7 years later and I finally have the Star Hop Trainer App working and up for both IOS and Android.”
There is a have a Standard version of the Star Hop Trainer App which is free and a Pro version which provides more advanced features.
The iOS app is available here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/star-hop-pro/id1660056372
The Android app is available here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.starhop.free
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