Privacy Policy

Effective September 7, 2026

Deep Sky Object Finder uses your device's location and sensors to draw the sky in the correct direction. Precise location, motion readings, and camera imagery are processed on your device and are not sent to us. We use Firebase Analytics to understand general app usage and improve the app.

Who we are

This policy applies to the Deep Sky Object Finder mobile application (the “App”), provided by Andreas Oesterer (“we,” “us,” or “our”).

Information used for app functionality

• Location: With your permission, the App uses latitude and longitude to calculate which celestial objects are visible and where they appear. Precise coordinates are processed on the device and are not included in our analytics events.
• Motion and orientation: Device heading, elevation, and motion-sensor readings align the sky map as you aim your device. These readings are processed on the device and are not sent to us.
• Camera: If you enable camera-assisted aiming, the App displays the live camera view behind the sky map. The App does not record, store, or transmit camera images or video.
• Searches and selections: Search text remains on the device. When you select a result or identify a celestial object, an analytics event may include the object's catalog identifier and category, but not your search text.

Analytics information

We use Google Analytics for Firebase to understand how the App is used. Firebase may collect an app-instance identifier, device and operating-system information, app version, approximate session timing, engagement information, first opens, and interactions such as using search, selecting an object, changing a display option, zooming, dragging the map, adjusting observation time, opening Wikipedia, or enabling the camera view.

We use this information for analytics and product improvement. We do not use it for third-party advertising, and the App uses the Firebase Analytics configuration that excludes Apple's advertising identifier (IDFA). We do not sell personal information or use data to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies.

Sharing and service providers

Analytics information is processed by Google through Firebase and Google Analytics on our behalf. Google acts under its applicable data-protection and security terms. We may also disclose information when required by law, to protect rights and safety, or as part of a business transfer. We do not otherwise share information with data brokers or advertising networks.

Learn more in the Google Privacy Policy and the Firebase Privacy and Security documentation.

Your choices

Location, motion, and camera access are controlled by iOS or iPadOS. You can review or revoke access at any time in Settings → Privacy & Security, or in the App's entry in Settings. Camera access is optional; without location or motion access, live sky alignment may not function. You can also stop all future collection by uninstalling the App.

Retention and deletion

We retain analytics information only as long as reasonably necessary to understand usage, improve the App, meet legal obligations, and protect the service. Retention is also governed by the settings and policies of Firebase and Google Analytics; aggregated or de-identified reports may be retained longer. The App does not create user accounts or store a user profile with us. To ask about deletion of analytics data associated with your installation, contact us using the address below. Because we do not know your identity from the App, we may need information from you to determine whether a request can be fulfilled.

External links

The App can open Wikipedia pages in your browser. External websites operate under their own privacy policies, and information your browser sends to those sites is outside our control.

Children's privacy

The App is a general-audience astronomy tool and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us so we can investigate and take appropriate action.

Security and international processing

We use reasonable safeguards appropriate to the information involved. No transmission or storage system can be guaranteed completely secure. Google may process analytics information in countries other than your own, subject to its contractual and legal safeguards.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy when the App or applicable requirements change. The revised policy will be posted on this page with a new effective date. Material changes will be communicated where required.

Contact us

For privacy questions or requests, email oesterer@gmail.com.