---
title: "Celestial Navigation — App Overview"
url: https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/navigation/de-merkel-celestial-navigation
category: Navigation
developer: Dr. Harald Merkel
platforms: ios, android
rating: 3.4 (28 ratings)
pricing: freemium
report_level: overview
generated: 2026-04-23
---

<!-- SECTION: Key Insight -->
> **Key Insight:** This is a technical navigation utility that offers advanced celestial calculation tools, with extended celestial body support locked behind a premium subscription.

<!-- SECTION: Quick Facts -->
| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Category | Navigation |
| Rating | 3.4 ★ (28) |
| Pricing | freemium |
| Platforms | iOS, Android |
| Latest Version (iOS) | 1.4 |
| Latest Version (Android) | 1.8 |
| Developer | Dr. Harald Merkel |

<!-- SECTION: Summary -->
## What is Celestial Navigation?

Celestial Navigation is a specialized tool for mariners that facilitates the calculation of position fixes using sextant sights and the intercept method. It provides internal ephemerides for the 58 navigational stars and offers graphical plotting of lines of position (LoPs) with fix error ellipses. The app integrates with the Sextant Frame companion app to streamline data entry and sight reduction.

<!-- SECTION: Key Features -->
## Key Features

- **Sight Reduction**: Calculates position fixes for the 58 navigational stars using internally computed ephemerides.
- **Graphical LoP Plotting**: Visualizes lines of position relative to an assumed position, including a calculated fix error ellipse.
- **Realtime Horizon Projection**: Provides a panoramic view for star identification, sight preparation, and true bearing calculations.
- **Companion Integration**: Supports direct import of sight data captured via the Sextant Frame camera-based app.

<!-- SECTION: Target Audience -->
## Who is it for?

Professional mariners and celestial navigation enthusiasts requiring precise, chart-based position fixing.

<!-- SECTION: Links -->
## Links

- [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/celestial-navigation/id1458513224?uo=2)
- [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sharpitor.astronavwatch&hl=en&gl=us)
- [Full Intelligence Report](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/navigation/de-merkel-celestial-navigation)

---
*This is an overview report. Sentiment analysis, competitive landscape, and SWOT analysis are available in the [full intelligence report](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/navigation/de-merkel-celestial-navigation).*
*Generated by [Marlvel.ai](https://marlvel.ai) — Independent app intelligence.*