Welcome to the Nova DSO Altitude Tracker project!
This website and the accompanying application (`app.nova-tracker.com`) were developed by Anton Gutscher as a personal project driven by a passion for astronomy and astrophotography.
The goal of the Nova app is to provide amateur astronomers with a helpful tool to plan their observation sessions. It calculates and visualizes the altitude and azimuth of deep-sky objects (DSOs) based on user-selected locations and times, tracks the Moon’s position and phase, and helps determine optimal viewing windows. Data is sourced from astronomical databases like SIMBAD, and calculations leverage libraries like Astropy and Ephem.
This project is shared freely with the astronomy community in the hope that it proves useful for maximizing time under the stars.
Privacy Policy
This policy outlines how data is handled for the `nova-tracker.com` website and the `app.nova-tracker.com` application (collectively referred to as “the Service”).
Last Updated: 28. April 2025
1. Information Collected
We aim to collect minimal personal information necessary for the Service to function and improve.
User Accounts (Nova App): If multi-user mode is enabled on a specific instance of the Nova app, the application stores the username and password you provide solely for the purpose of logging you into that instance. Passwords are handled securely using standard hashing techniques. In single-user mode or guest mode, no account information is stored.
Configuration Data (Nova App): The application stores configuration details you provide (locations, object lists, settings) locally on the server where the app instance is running. This data is necessary for the app’s core functionality.
Website Analytics: We may use analytics services (like Google Analytics) on `nova-tracker.com to understand how visitors use the site (e.g., which pages are popular, general geographic location of visitors, browser types). These services typically collect information such as your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on site. This data is generally anonymized or aggregated and helps improve the website and application.
Server Logs: Like most websites, the web server hosting the Service automatically logs basic information for requests, which may include your IP address, browser type, requested URL, and timestamps. These logs are used for standard server administration, security monitoring, and troubleshooting.
Cookies:
Session Cookies (Nova App): If user accounts are enabled, a temporary session cookie may be used to keep you logged in while you navigate the application. This cookie typically expires when you close your browser.
Analytics Cookies: If analytics services are used, they may place cookies on your device to help track website usage patterns.
WordPress Cookies: The main `nova-tracker.com` website runs on WordPress, which may use standard cookies for its operation (e.g., for logged-in users or commenters, if applicable).
2. How Information is Used
- To provide the core functionality of the Nova app (calculating astronomical data based on your configuration).
- To manage user accounts and sessions (if applicable).
- To monitor and improve the performance, security, and usability of the Service through analytics and server logs.
- To respond to inquiries sent to the contact email address.
3. Data Sharing
We do not sell or rent your personal information. Data is generally not shared with third parties, except:
Analytics Providers: Anonymized or aggregated data is processed by analytics providers (e.g., Google) according to their privacy policies.
Legal Requirements: If required by law, subpoena, or other legal process.
4. Data Security
Reasonable technical measures are taken to protect the data stored and processed by the Service. However, no internet transmission or electronic storage is 100% secure.
5. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights regarding your personal data. If you have questions about your data or wish to make a request, please use the contact form.
6. Changes to This Policy
This policy may be updated occasionally. The “Last Updated” date at the top will indicate the latest revision.