Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy explains how Sky Near Me uses cookies and similar technologies to recognize you when you visit our website.
Last updated: August 3, 2025
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small data files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. Cookies are widely used by website owners to make their websites work, or to work more efficiently, as well as to provide reporting information.
Cookies set by the website owner (in this case, Sky Near Me) are called "first-party cookies." Cookies set by parties other than the website owner are called "third-party cookies."
Why Do We Use Cookies?
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, remember your preferences, analyze how you use our website, and show you relevant content and advertisements.
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly and cannot be switched off in our systems.
- Location preferences (city/country selection)
- User interface preferences (theme, language)
- Security and authentication cookies
- Load balancing cookies
Duration: These cookies are typically session-based or expire within 30 days.
Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously.
- Google Analytics cookies (page views, session duration)
- User behavior tracking (clicks, scrolling, feature usage)
- Performance monitoring (load times, errors)
- Popular content and feature analysis
Duration: Typically 1-2 years. Data is anonymized and aggregated.
Advertising Cookies
These cookies are used to make advertising messages more relevant to you and your interests.
- Google AdSense cookies (ad personalization)
- Interest-based advertising preferences
- Ad performance tracking
- Frequency capping (limiting ad repetition)
Duration: Up to 2 years. You can opt out of personalized advertising.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enhance the functionality of our website but are not essential for its operation.
- Social media sharing preferences
- Embedded content settings (videos, maps)
- User preference storage
- Recently viewed locations
Duration: Usually 30 days to 1 year, depending on the specific function.
Third-Party Cookies
In addition to our own cookies, we may also use various third-party cookies to report usage statistics of the Service and deliver advertisements.
Google Analytics
Helps us understand how users interact with our website.
Cookies: _ga, _ga_*, _gid, _gat
Google AdSense
Delivers relevant advertisements based on your interests.
Cookies: __Secure-1PAPISID, __Secure-3PAPISID, and others
External Content
Our website may embed content from external services (such as astronomy APIs, image providers, or social media platforms) which may set their own cookies. We do not control these cookies.
How to Manage Cookies
Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings preferences. You can set your browser to:
- Block all cookies
- Block third-party cookies only
- Delete cookies when the browser is closed
- Notify you before a cookie is stored
Browser-Specific Instructions
Chrome
Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
Firefox
Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
Safari
Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
Edge
Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
Opt-Out of Advertising Cookies
You can opt out of interest-based advertising through these services:
- Google Ad Settings: adssettings.google.com
- Network Advertising Initiative: optout.networkadvertising.org
- Digital Advertising Alliance: optout.aboutads.info
Important Note
Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of Sky Near Me. Some features may not work properly if essential cookies are blocked. However, you can still use the basic features of our astronomy service.
Cookie Consent
When you first visit Sky Near Me, you may see a cookie consent banner. This allows you to choose which types of cookies you're comfortable with.
Your Choices
- Accept All: Allow all cookies for the best experience
- Essential Only: Allow only necessary cookies for basic functionality
- Customize: Choose specific types of cookies to allow
Changing Your Mind
You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clearing your browser's cookies and revisiting our website, or by contacting us directly.
EU Users: Under GDPR, we require your explicit consent before setting non-essential cookies. You have the right to withdraw this consent at any time.
Questions About Cookies?
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or other technologies, please contact us:
This Cookie Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our practices. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.