Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how SkyPointer - Night Sky Guide ("the App") handles information when you use its astronomy, sky map, celestial object tracking, and stargazing features. We respect your privacy and aim to process only the information needed to provide the App's functionality.

1. Information We May Process

Depending on the features you use and the permissions you grant, the App may process the following types of information:

• Location information: Your approximate or precise device location, if location access is enabled, to calculate sky visibility, celestial positions, and local astronomical rise and set times.
• Camera information: Camera access, if enabled, to display the live camera view for augmented reality (AR) sky navigation.
• Device sensor information: Compass, orientation, and motion sensor readings used to align the interactive sky map with the direction your device is pointing.
• Saved app information: Favorite celestial objects, observation checklists, session logs, equipment notes, and preferences that you choose to save.
• Online information requests: If supported online features are used, the App may request weather, cloud cover, visibility, or other relevant information from external services.

2. Location Permission

Location access may be used to calculate astronomical information relevant to your observing location, including planetary positions, celestial object altitude and azimuth, and rise and set times. It may also be used by location-based stargazing or weather features.

You can manage or revoke location permission at any time through your Android device settings. Some location-dependent features may not work correctly if permission is denied.

3. Camera Permission and AR Features

If you use the AR sky navigation feature, the App may request camera permission to show a live camera preview with astronomical information overlaid on the screen.

Camera access is intended to support the AR viewing experience. The App's actual camera data handling depends on the installed version and its enabled features. Please review the permissions requested by the App on your device.

4. Device Sensors

The App may use supported device sensors, such as the compass, accelerometer, and gyroscope, to determine device orientation and help align the sky map with the direction you are viewing. Sensor readings are used to support these interactive features.

5. How We Use Information

Information processed by the App may be used to:

• Display an interactive sky map based on your viewing direction.
• Calculate celestial object positions and visibility.
• Support AR-based sky navigation.
• Display planetary positions and lunar phase information.
• Provide local astronomical rise and set time estimates.
• Show weather and stargazing conditions where available.
• Save favorites, observation checklists, and session logs.
• Provide astronomy lessons and interactive learning features.

6. Data Storage

Favorites, observation logs, checklists, equipment notes, and preferences may be stored locally on your device to support the App's features.

The App does not require an account or sign-in for its core functionality. Local information may be removed by clearing the App's data or uninstalling it, subject to Android backup settings and any copies you have exported.

7. Internet and Third-Party Services

Core astronomical calculations and selected learning or sky-map features may work offline. An internet connection may be required for features that retrieve current weather, cloud cover, visibility, or other online information.

Such requests may involve sharing relevant technical or location information with the service provider, depending on how the feature is implemented. Third-party services operate under their own privacy policies and terms.

If the App includes advertising, analytics, crash reporting, or other third-party SDKs, those providers may process information according to their own policies. The relevant disclosures should be reviewed in the app's store listing and Data Safety information.

8. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. Information may be processed by external service providers when you use features that depend on online weather or other third-party services. Any such sharing should be limited to what is needed for the relevant feature, according to the actual implementation.

9. Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect information handled by the App. However, no method of electronic storage or transmission is completely secure. You should keep your device protected and avoid including sensitive personal information in observation notes or equipment descriptions.

10. Data Retention and Deletion

Locally stored favorites, preferences, and observation records remain on your device until you delete them, clear the App's data, or uninstall the App. Data handled by external service providers, if any, is subject to their respective retention and deletion policies.

11. Children's Privacy

SkyPointer is an astronomy and educational companion. The App does not knowingly collect personal information from children through its core features. If you believe personal information has been collected through a service associated with the App, please contact us.

12. Your Privacy Choices

You can manage your privacy choices by:

• Managing location and camera permissions in Android settings.
• Disabling permissions for features you do not wish to use.
• Deleting saved favorites and observation records where supported.
• Clearing the App's data or uninstalling the App.
• Managing internet access through your device settings.

13. Accuracy Disclaimer

Astronomical positions, visibility estimates, weather information, and event timings may be based on calculations, available data, and device sensor readings. Results can vary due to device accuracy, sensor calibration, atmospheric conditions, light pollution, and the precision of the underlying astronomical models.

SkyPointer is intended for educational and general stargazing purposes. It should not be treated as a certified scientific measurement instrument or a substitute for professional astronomical equipment.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the App, its features, or applicable requirements. Any updates will be published on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or the App's privacy practices, contact us:

App Name: SkyPointer - Night Sky Guide
Email: digitalfrontierfoundation@gmail.com