Privacy & Cookies Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Geolocation Data

The App requests your device geolocation (latitude, longitude, and, where available, altitude) to calculate celestial transits. You may set this manually, use GPS, or select a point on the map. We do not store your location on any server; it is processed locally in the browser.

1.2 Credentials in sessionStorage

To retrieve flight data from third-party providers (OpenSky, ADS-B Exchange, ADS-B One), you supply your own credentials or API keys where required. These values are stored only in your browser’s sessionStorage for the duration of the session and are forwarded solely to the chosen data provider at request-time. They are never logged or persisted on our servers.

We don’t store your location or credentials after your session ends.

Your API keys are not encrypted but remain only in your browser and disappear when you close the tab.

1.3 Local Storage for Logs

All flight-detection logs (timestamps, callsigns, azimuth, altitude, etc.) are stored locally in your browser’s localStorage. They remain on your device unless you explicitly download or share them. You may clear logs at any time via the “Clear Log” function.

1.4 Cookies & Similar Technologies

We use only essential, short-lived cookies to maintain UI state. No third-party tracking or analytics cookies are set. Details appear in Section 4.

2. How We Use Your Information

• Geolocation – to compute and display real-time celestial transit events based on your position. You can provide this manually, via GPS, or by using the map.
• Credentials – to authenticate with flight-data providers (OpenSky, ADS-B Exchange, ADS-B One). They are not reused for any other purpose.
• Logs – to keep a local history of transit events, stored only on your device.
• App Functionality – essential cookies/storage to remember UI choices (e.g., selected tab, auto-refresh countdown).

We do not sell, rent, or lease your personal information to third parties.

3. Third-Party Services & Data Sharing

We integrate with these services; by using the App you also agree to their terms:

• SunCalc – open-source library (MIT) for Sun/Moon positions.
• OpenSky Network API – flight data retrieved via your OpenSky credentials, forwarded through opensky-proxy.onrender.com.
• ADS-B Exchange – optional; requires your RapidAPI key/host. Governed by ADS-B Exchange ToS.
• ADS-B One – optional; uses publicly available endpoint (api.adsb.one).

We forward your credentials only to the selected provider for each request and do not store provider responses on our servers.

4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

4.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored by websites or apps to remember preferences or session state.

4.2 Cookies We Use

• Essential Session Cookies to manage UI state (e.g., which tab is open). These expire when you close your browser.
• No Third-Party Analytics Cookies – we don’t use Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, etc.
• localStorage & sessionStorage hold logs and credentials, respectively. Clearing them may disable some features.

4.3 Managing Cookies

You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings. Blocking essential cookies or disabling sessionStorage may impair functionality.

5. How We Protect Your Information

• All traffic is transmitted over HTTPS/TLS.
• API requests are proxied without credential logging.
• Credentials stay in browser sessionStorage.
• No geolocation or flight logs are stored server-side.

No method is 100% secure; use at your own risk.

6. Your Choices & Rights

You can clear geolocation permission, credentials, and logs at any time via your browser settings or in-app controls.

7. Special Modes: Plane-on-Plane & Contrail

The App includes additional modes:

• ✈️ Plane-on-Plane – detects overlapping aircraft paths for silhouette alignment opportunities. This mode uses relative aircraft positions and does not require celestial body data or prediction logic.
• ✈️💨 Contrail Alignment – identifies aircraft with trails that appear to visually align for artistic compositions. This mode is purely visual and does not use position prediction or enhanced logic.

These modes do not change the privacy model or require extra permissions.

8. Children’s Privacy

The App is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children. Contact us if you believe a child has provided personal data.

9. Third-Party Links

The App may link to external sites (OpenSky, ADS-B Exchange, ADS-B One). We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. The “Effective Date” will reflect the latest revision.

11. Contact

Rey Sandu Godakumbura
Website: lifebeyondstars.com
Email: sandu.godakumbura@gmail.com