Celestial Illumination for Android

Original post 2025.08.31: 

Back in 2020, I was contacted by a company that was sourcing Android apps for the U.S. Army. I learned about the hackathon they organized and decided to compete with a few apps (apparently, developing only one was not enough for me). During the hackathon, the SolarWinds security breach was discovered, and the whole event was canceled. We didn't manage to present the apps in all competing categories; however, this one went through (and no, it did not win).

As there is no point in keeping your work on your drive only, I decided to publish it on Google Play anyway, and you know how the story goes... I got filthy rich—again (total revenue: $4.28 USD).

Today, I returned to the app after five years of neglect and updated it to comply with the latest Google Play Store policies. Yes, the app needs a complete redesign, but I'll leave that for another time, perhaps along with open-sourcing it as well.

In any case, if you are planning some kind of special forces operation, or if you are merely a search and rescue coordinator, pilot, sailor, astronomer, photographer, farmer, outdoor adventurer, event planner, researcher or scientist, you might find my app, Celestial Illumination for Android, useful.

Update 2026.07.27:

I have decided to redesign the app a bit, and probably open-source it as well. I've started by redesigning the feature graphic, and I was quite content with the final result. 

Feature graphic, before and after 

I wanted to use the same concept for the launch icon, but it just didn't work on small screens. I had to simplify it significantly. I am not very happy with the final result.

Old launch icon, desired concept, final icon

Update 2026.08.31

I've decided to refresh the app using Material Design 3 and dynamic colors. It turned out to be more work than I initially anticipated, however - I am satisfied with the results. Check them out below.
 

To be continued ...