macOS Download

macOS Installation (iCloud Download)

Step 1: On a Mac (not a phone!), download my freeware "Paloma's Orrery" solar system and star visualization application from iCloud Drive:

Download from iCloud Drive

• The zip file is approximately 470 MB. Download time depends on your internet connection.

• Safari will automatically unzip the file and place the Palomas_Orrery_macOS folder in your Downloads folder.

Step 2: Run the First-Time Setup (One Time Only!)

Because this app is not signed with Apple's $99/year Developer certificate, macOS blocks it by default. A simple setup script fixes this:

1. Open the Palomas_Orrery_macOS folder

2. Find FIRST_RUN_mac.command

3. Right-click (or Control+click) on it and select "Open"

4. A dialog will say the app is from an unidentified developer. Click "Open Anyway"

5. A Terminal window will appear briefly and say "Done!"

6. You only need to do this once - not every time you run the program

• Why do I have to do this? Apple requires developers to pay $99/year to "sign" their apps. Unsigned apps are blocked by default. The setup script simply tells macOS "I trust this software." This is a standard workaround used by many free/open-source applications.

Step 3: Run the Programs

You will see two executable files in the folder:

• palomas_orrery - Double-click to launch the Solar System Orrery

• star_visualization - Double-click to launch the Star Visualization

That's it! Both programs should now open normally every time.

Troubleshooting:

• "App is damaged and can't be opened" - You may have downloaded from Google Drive by mistake. Apple treats Google Drive downloads with extra security restrictions. Please re-download from the iCloud link above.

• Programs still won't open after running the setup script - Try opening Terminal (Applications → Utilities → Terminal) and type:

 cd ~/Downloads/Palomas_Orrery_macOS

  xattr -cr .

  ./palomas_orrery

• Window appears too wide for screen - This is a known issue with macOS. The program still works, but some buttons may be off-screen. A fix is planned for a future version.

Note: Google Drive downloads do NOT work reliably on macOS due to Apple's security policies. Please use the iCloud link for Mac installations.