Privacy Policy
This policy explains what information Universe Finder (“we”, “us”) collects when you use https://universefinder.com (the “Site”), and how it is used. By using the Site you agree to this policy.
The short version
We do not require an account, and we do not ask for or store personal details like your name or address. We use privacy-respecting analytics to understand usage, and we may display advertising. Both use cookies, which you can control (see Cookie Policy).
Information we collect
Information you don't provide
The Site has no sign-up, login, or contact forms, so we do not collect names, emails, or payment information — unless you choose to email us, in which case we only use your message to reply.
Automatically collected information
Like most websites, our hosting provider and analytics may automatically record technical information such as your approximate region, browser and device type, pages viewed, and referring site. This is used in aggregate to keep the Site working and to improve it.
Analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the Site (for example, which objects are popular). Google Analytics sets cookies and processes usage data on our behalf. We have configured it to load only after you consent via our cookie banner. You can read Google's practices at policies.google.com/privacy.
Advertising
We may display advertising provided by Google AdSense on object detail views. Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on prior visits to this and other websites. Ad-related cookies are loaded only after you consent. You can opt out of personalised advertising via Google Ads Settings and aboutads.info.
Information stored on your device
To remember your progress and preferences, the Site saves a small amount of data in your browser's local storage — on your device only. This includes your “Cosmic Passport” (the objects and tours you've explored, saved favourites, milestones and mission progress) and, if you use the “Tonight's Universe” feature, the city or approximate location you choose so we can compute your local sky. This information stays in your browser and is not transmitted to us or to any third party. You can export it, clear your saved location, or reset your passport at any time from the passport panel, or remove it entirely by clearing your browser storage for this Site. If you use your device's location, it is used only in your browser to calculate what's visible in your sky and is never sent to our servers.
Cookies
Details of the cookies we use and how to control them are in our Cookie Policy. Non-essential cookies (analytics, advertising) are set only with your consent.
Third parties
We rely on third-party services to operate: our cloud hosting/CDN provider (Amazon Web Services), Google (analytics and advertising), and public astronomy data providers whose content we display. These providers process data under their own privacy policies.
Your rights
Depending on your location (for example under the GDPR in the EEA/UK or the CCPA in California), you may have rights to access, correct or delete personal data, and to withdraw consent. Because we do not maintain user accounts or profiles, we typically hold no personal data tied to you beyond aggregate analytics. To exercise any right or ask a question, contact contact@universefinder.com.
Children
The Site is general-audience and not directed at children under 13 (or the equivalent age in your jurisdiction), and we do not knowingly collect their personal information.
Changes
We may update this policy; material changes will be reflected by the “last updated” date above. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance.