squishyplanet

Free#34 of 34 in Astronomy Apps

squishyplanet: An open-source Python package for transit modeling, with support for non-spherical planets. Ranked #34 of 34 in Astronomy Apps by our editors (5.6/10); pricing: Open source; best for researchers modeling exoplanet transit light curves.

5.6/10★★★☆☆Editor score

View documentation

squishyplanet5.6 View documentation

At a glance

• Editor score
  5.6 / 10
• Pricing
  Open source
• Best for
  Researchers modeling exoplanet transit light curves
• Free plan
  No
• Paid from
  Free
• Facts checked
  24 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Models transit light curves for oblate or otherwise deformable planets
  • Configurable planetary-shape parameters support tailored models
  • Python interface enables programmable transit calculations

• Where it doesn't

  • Focused on transit modeling, not general astronomy app needs
  • Requires a self-hosted setup and Python programming
  • Documentation is the listed support channel

Our verdict on squishyplanet

For researchers and developers working with transit observations, squishyplanet is an open-source Python package for modeling exoplanet transit light curves. Its focus is a specialized modeling task: representing planets whose projected shapes differ from a simple sphere, including oblate or otherwise deformable worlds. That makes it a fit for people who need to configure and calculate transit models in code, rather than for astronomy enthusiasts looking for a general-purpose observing or sky-viewing app.

The package’s distinctive capability is its attention to planetary shape. Users can configure shape parameters and numerically calculate the resulting transit signals through a Python programming interface. This emphasis may suit research questions where a spherical-planet assumption is not the model of interest. The published description centers on shape-aware transit calculations; it does not position squishyplanet as a broader astronomy toolkit, so teams seeking a wider set of astronomy workflows should compare alternatives built for those needs.

As open-source, self-hosted software, squishyplanet is oriented toward users who can work with a Python package in their own environment. Its documentation is hosted on Read the Docs, and documentation is the listed support channel. The product is therefore a more natural choice for technically capable researchers or developers who want to work directly with transit models than for buyers looking for a managed service or consumer interface. Those needing hosted deployment or broader astronomy app functionality should look elsewhere.

Your product? Our editors can test squishyplanet in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

squishyplanet pricing

squishyplanet fact sheet

Alternatives to squishyplanet

• SStellariumA capable free desktop planetarium with telescope control, scripting, and offline access.9.3
• KStarsA capable free desktop toolkit for sky simulation, planning, and astrophotography.9.2
• WorldWide TelescopeA free, open-source astronomy platform for visualization, tours, and telescope projects.9.1

See all squishyplanet alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

squishyplanet is listed in our Astronomy Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/squishyplanet/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/squishyplanet.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update