Moon Pointer — Support
Questions? We're happy to help.
Moon Pointer is a privacy-first iOS app that tells you where to aim your phone to find the Moon or the Sun, using your device's compass and augmented reality. Switch between the two with one tap. No account required, no data collected — everything runs on your device.
1. Getting Started
When you first open Moon Pointer, a short onboarding sequence introduces the app. After that, iOS asks for these permissions when the app first needs them:
- Location — used to calculate where the Moon and the Sun are relative to your position on Earth, and their rise and set times. Used only while the app is open.
- Camera — asked the first time you open the AR tab, and used only for the AR view that overlays the selected target's direction on the live camera feed.
The compass view and the Moon and Sun pages work without the camera. If you decline camera access, the AR tab explains why it is blank and offers a button to open Settings; the rest of the app keeps working. The compass sensor needs no permission.
2. Features
Compass View
A classic compass interface that continuously shows the selected target's (Moon or Sun) current azimuth (compass direction) and altitude (angle above the horizon). Follow the arrow and the on-screen instructions; the app tells you when you are facing the target.
AR View
Augmented reality overlay built with ARKit. Hold your device up and the sky is drawn over the camera image: the horizon, the selected target, its path across the sky today, and an arrow at the screen edge when it is out of frame. The position is calculated, not detected in the picture, so clouds do not change it.
Moon Info
A dedicated tab showing detailed astronomical data:
- Current moon phase and illumination percentage
- Moonrise and moonset times for today
- Distance from Earth
- Azimuth and altitude updated in real time
Sun Page
Sunrise and sunset with compass directions, solar noon, day length, golden hour and blue hour, and nautical and astronomical twilight, for any date from 1900 to 2100. Near the poles the page says when the Sun does not rise or does not set.
Never look directly at the Sun. Moon Pointer only tells you which direction it is in; use the compass and the on-screen arrow, not your eyes. Looking at the Sun, with or without a phone camera or optics, can permanently damage your eyes.
Settings
Switch between metric and imperial units, and toggle between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats.
3. Permissions
Location (When In Use)
Moon Pointer requests location access only while the app is open. Your coordinates are used locally, in real time, to compute the azimuth and altitude of the Moon and the Sun for your exact position. Location data is never stored, logged, or transmitted anywhere.
Camera
The camera is used exclusively as a live viewfinder for the AR view. No photos or videos are taken, saved, or uploaded.
You can revoke either permission at any time in Settings → Privacy & Security on your device. If location is revoked, Moon Pointer cannot calculate positions. If camera is revoked, only the AR tab is affected.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
The compass seems off — is that normal?
Compass accuracy depends on your device's magnetometer. Metal objects, cases with magnets, and nearby electronics can cause interference. Try calibrating your compass by moving your device in a figure-eight motion. Also ensure you have granted location permission, as the compass needs it to account for magnetic declination.
Why can't I see the Moon in the AR view?
The AR view shows the selected target's calculated direction whether it is above or below the horizon. If it is currently below the horizon, it may be outside your camera view — follow the edge arrow and the on-screen instructions. Check the Moon and Sun pages for rise and set times.
The AR view shows a blank screen
Make sure camera permission has been granted in Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera; the AR tab also offers a button that opens Settings. The AR view also needs location access. If the issue persists, try force-quitting and reopening the app.
The app requires iOS 17.6 — why?
Moon Pointer uses modern SwiftUI features and ARKit capabilities that are only available on iOS 17.6 and later. This ensures the best performance and accuracy on supported devices.
Does the app work on iPad?
Yes. Moon Pointer supports iPhone and iPad. On iPad, both portrait and landscape orientations are supported.
Does it work without an internet connection?
Yes, completely. All astronomical calculations are performed on-device. No internet connection is needed at any time.
The position looks slightly inaccurate
Positions are computed on your device from the date, time and your coordinates, and the Moon's calculation was checked against JPL Horizons reference data. The limit in practice is the phone's compass, which can drift by several degrees; the app counts you as on target within 15°. Calibrate the compass by moving the phone in a figure-eight, and keep it away from magnets and metal.
5. Privacy
Moon Pointer collects no personal data. There are no analytics, no crash reporting services, no advertising SDKs, and no servers receiving data from the app. Your location is used only for these calculations and stays on your device.
For full details, see the Privacy Policy.
6. Contact Support
If you have a question not answered here, found a bug, or have a feature suggestion, please get in touch:
- By email: [email protected]
- In the app: Settings → Support
I read every message and aim to respond within a few business days.