Everything you need to go from a fresh install to your first ranked target list, in about five minutes.
Before you start: the first time you launch the app, connect to Wi-Fi or cellular. Deep Sky Scanner needs one successful connection to download the full star catalog — after that, it works offline indefinitely and refreshes itself automatically whenever you're back online.
On first launch, allow Location and Motion & Orientation access. Location is used to calculate what's above your horizon; motion sensors are what let the app know which way you're pointing. Neither ever leaves your device.
Tap the gear icon on the main screen and choose your Seestar model (S30, S30 Pro, S50, or S50 Pro). This sets the correct field of view for frame-fit scoring, so ranked results actually reflect what your telescope can capture.
You can also set your default field of view, magnitude limit, and planning-mode start time here.
Hold your device toward the sky and tap Scan. Every catalog object in your field of view appears, ranked by altitude trajectory, brightness, or how well it fits your telescope's frame — switch ranking with the sort button above the list.
Tap any result for its full detail view: rise time and best imaging window, an integration-time payoff curve, a quick reference summary, and processing tips for that object type — all in one place.
Know what you're after? Tap Find and search by name. The compass needle points you toward it; tap Lock to freeze the reading while you get your telescope aligned.
Switch to Plan mode and drag the time slider to preview the sky at any hour — decide what's worth setting up for before you ever step outside.
A few small tags appear next to objects in your results — here's what they mean:
This object fits comfortably within your telescope's field of view.
The object is noticeably smaller than your frame — still capturable, just with more empty space around it.
Shows whether the object is still climbing toward a better altitude or has already passed its peak for tonight.
Chasing something outside the standard catalog — a dark nebula, a faint IFN field, anything from a specialty list? Add it yourself under Settings → Custom Objects. Once added, it's ranked and scored right alongside everything else.