Firecrawl MCP Server vs Open Ephemeris
A side-by-side look at the Firecrawl MCP Server and Open Ephemeris MCP servers: transport, auth, tools, quality signals, and the config to install either one in Claude, Cursor, Windsurf or VS Code.
Verdict: choose Firecrawl MCP Server for search & data extraction work as a local process; choose Open Ephemeris for aerospace & astrodynamics as a local process. You can also run both side by side in one mcpServers block.
Which MCP server should you choose?
Choose Firecrawl MCP Server when
- You need dedicated capabilities in the Search & Data Extraction domain.
- You prefer a local stdio subprocess transport.
- Its auth model fits you: API key required.
- You have the keys it needs:
FIRECRAWL_API_KEY, HTTP_STREAMABLE_SERVER. - You want tools like
firecrawl_scrape, firecrawl_map, firecrawl_search.
Choose Open Ephemeris when
- You need dedicated capabilities in the Aerospace & Astrodynamics domain.
- You prefer a local stdio subprocess transport.
- You have the keys it needs:
OPENEPHEMERIS_PROFILE, OPENEPHEMERIS_BACKEND_URL, OPENEPHEMERIS_API_KEY. - You want tools like
explore_natal_chart, explore_human_design, explore_human_design_transit.
Feature & specification comparison
Rows where the two servers differ are marked.
| Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Search & Data Extraction | Aerospace & Astrodynamics |
| Quality signal | 90/100 · Excellent | 64/100 · Good |
| Install command | Confirmed | Confirmed |
| Transport | Local subprocess (stdio) | Local subprocess (stdio) |
| Auth | API key required | Not declared |
| Pricing | Freemium | Not declared |
| Required env vars | FIRECRAWL_API_KEYHTTP_STREAMABLE_SERVER | OPENEPHEMERIS_PROFILEOPENEPHEMERIS_BACKEND_URLOPENEPHEMERIS_API_KEY |
| Verified owner | Verified | Community listing |
| GitHub stars | 7,673 | 5 |
| Directory activity | 14 views 0 installs 0 upvotes | 2 views 0 installs 0 upvotes |
| Tools | 25 | 39 |
| Full listing | View Firecrawl MCP Server | View Open Ephemeris |
Tools & capabilities
Firecrawl MCP Server tools 25
firecrawl_scrapeRetrieve and extract content from one supplied URL through Firecrawl. Use this when the request identifies a page and needs its content or defined fields. It can return markdown, HTML, links, screenshots, branding data, a targeted answer, or JSON matching a supplied schema; JSON is useful when the requested result has defined fields, while markdown preserves readable page content. This tool operates on a known page. For a set of pages use `firecrawl_crawl`, and to discover page URLs use `firecrawl_map` or `firecrawl_search`. Options include JavaScript render delay, cache age, main-content filtering, PII redaction, and lockdown cache-only retrieval. Browser actions may change the live page when interactive actions are enabled. Firecrawl may reuse recently indexed content instead of refetching the page, and the reuse window varies by domain. Set `maxAge: 0` to force a live fetch, or a smaller `maxAge` to bound how stale reused content may be. A successful response does not by itself confirm that the state it describes is still current. Returns the selected content formats and page metadata.firecrawl_mapEnumerate URLs indexed under one website through Firecrawl without fetching each page's content. Use this when the request asks for a site's URL inventory, when several relevant pages must be located, or when the desired page URL is unknown. An optional `search` term narrows the URL list, while sitemap, subdomain, query-parameter, and result-limit options control coverage. Returns matching URLs rather than page bodies. Retrieve one page with `firecrawl_scrape`; collect content across multiple pages with `firecrawl_crawl`.firecrawl_searchSearch web, news, or image sources and return ranked results. Operators include quoted phrases, `-term`, `site:host`, `inurl:term`, `intitle:term`, and `related:host`; the set is non-exhaustive. `includeDomains` and `excludeDomains` are mutually exclusive hostname filters; categories limit results to GitHub, research, PDF, or developer sources. For a programming question, add `categories: ["developer"]`. It searches an index of GitHub issues, merged pull requests, repository READMEs, and curated documentation sites, and returns the hits in `data.developer` beside the web results. `categories: ["research"]` restricts these web results to research-affiliated websites and returns page snippets. The `firecrawl_research_*` tools are a separate surface that searches paper abstracts and full text across biomedical (PubMed, bioRxiv, medRxiv) and arXiv literature. `scrapeOptions` can attach extracted page content; pages fetched this way use a fixed reuse window and ignore `maxAge`, so use `firecrawl_scrape` when a live fetch is required. Returns source-type result groups and usage metadata. Authenticated responses can include an `id` for optional search feedback.firecrawl_crawlStart a multi-page crawl at a website URL, poll it to a terminal state, and return the final status and collected data. Scope can be bounded with include/exclude paths, depth, page limit, subdomain/external-link controls, sitemap handling, delay, and scrape options. Crawl results can be large; use conservative limits when full-site coverage is unnecessary. Webhooks and interactive scrape actions are unavailable in safe mode. Returns the crawl ID, status, and page data.firecrawl_check_crawl_statusRetrieve the current status, progress, and available results for an existing crawl ID. This only reads Firecrawl job state and does not start or modify the crawl.firecrawl_extractDeprecated compatibility entry point. Use firecrawl_scrape once per known URL with formats: ["json"] and jsonOptions containing the prompt and schema. Use firecrawl_search or firecrawl_agent before Scrape when URLs are not known.firecrawl_agentStart an asynchronous web research job from a prompt, optional seed URLs, and an optional JSON schema. Use this for a requested synthesis across multiple sources when the task can wait for asynchronous completion. The agent can search, navigate, read pages, and assemble a structured result. This call returns only a job ID, not the research result. Read the job with `firecrawl_agent_status` until it reaches `completed` or `failed`; research commonly takes several minutes. If the job cannot finish within the task's available time, `firecrawl_search` and `firecrawl_scrape` can gather evidence synchronously.firecrawl_agent_statusRetrieve progress or final results for a `firecrawl_agent` job ID. A `processing` response is non-terminal and does not contain the final research result. Check again after 15–30 seconds until the status is `completed` or `failed`; complex jobs can take several minutes. If the job cannot finish within the task's available time, use `firecrawl_search` and `firecrawl_scrape` to complete the requested output. Returns job status, progress information, and result data when completed.firecrawl_interactOpen or reuse a live browser session to navigate a page, click controls, fill fields, or run browser code. Provide either `url` or `scrapeId`, and either a natural-language `prompt` or executable `code`; code can run as Bash, Python, or Node with a bounded timeout. This acts on the live site, so actions such as form submission can create persistent external side effects. Returns execution output, stdout/stderr, exit status, and session viewing URLs.firecrawl_interact_stopStop the live interact session associated with a `scrapeId` and release its resources. Returns a success confirmation.firecrawl_parseParse one supported document into markdown, HTML, links, summary, targeted answers, or JSON matching a schema. Supported inputs include common HTML, PDF, Word, RTF, OpenDocument, and spreadsheet files; PDF parsing can be bounded with `pdfOptions.maxPages`. Local MCP reads `filePath` from the server filesystem. Hosted MCP uses two calls: first provide `filePath` to receive upload instructions, upload locally, then call again with the returned `uploadRef`; do not send both fields together. Remote web URLs belong in `firecrawl_scrape`. Set `redactPII` to request redaction of personally identifiable information in the returned content. `zeroDataRetention` requires an eligible authenticated account; omit it for anonymous keyless use. Returns upload instructions for hosted phase one or parsed document content for the final call.firecrawl_monitor_createCreate a recurring scrape, crawl, or search monitor that compares each check with its retained predecessor. The simple form accepts `page`/`pages` or `queries` plus a plain-language `goal`; the advanced `body` form controls targets, schedule, change-tracking formats, judging, retention, webhook, and notifications. In the simple form, a `goal` is required. If `queries` contains one or more non-empty values and is supplied with `page`/`pages`, `queries` create the search target and page targets are ignored. A monitor schedules future network checks and can send configured email or webhook notifications. Returns the created monitor.- +13 more on the listing page
Open Ephemeris tools 39
explore_natal_chartUse this when the user asks 'show me my birth chart', 'what's my rising sign', 'my big 3', 'what's my sun, moon and rising', 'what sign is my Moon / Venus / Mars in', 'what does my chart say about my career / love', 'read my chart', or shares birth details and wants to explore them — any natal / birth-chart / astrology-chart request. Returns an interactive chart wheel rendered inline (Claude and ChatGPT; text summary elsewhere) where any planet, house or aspect line can be clicked for interpretation, with switchable house systems. The birthplace can be given as `location` (a place name — resolved server-side) or as coordinates, together with the birth date and local time and its zone. CREDIT COST: 1 credit per call (+1 to resolve a place name).explore_human_designUse this when the user asks 'what's my Human Design', 'am I a Generator / Projector / Manifestor / Reflector', 'show my bodygraph', 'what's my HD type and profile', 'what's my strategy and authority' or 'what's my incarnation cross'. Returns an interactive bodygraph (inline in Claude and ChatGPT; text summary elsewhere) showing defined/undefined centers, active gates, channels, Type, Profile, Authority and Incarnation Cross, with any center or gate clickable for interpretation. Birthplace may be a place name (`location`). CREDIT COST: 4 credits per call (2 chart + 2 render; +1 to resolve a place name). Human Design was originated by Ra Uru Hu; OpenEphemeris is an independent calculation service, not affiliated with Jovian Archive.explore_human_design_transitUse this when the user asks 'what are today's Human Design transits for me', 'what gates are being activated for me right now', 'which channels does this transit complete in my chart' or 'how is the current sky affecting my bodygraph'. Returns an interactive overlay bodygraph (inline in Claude and ChatGPT; text summary elsewhere) highlighting the channels the transit temporarily COMPLETES with the natal chart and any centers it newly defines, for now or a chosen datetime. Birthplace may be a place name (`location`). CREDIT COST: 5 credits per call (chart 3 + render 2; +1 per place name). Human Design was originated by Ra Uru Hu; OpenEphemeris is an independent calculation service, not affiliated with Jovian Archive.explore_human_design_connectionUse this when the user asks 'are we compatible in Human Design', 'what's our connection chart', 'what channels do we make together' or 'show our composite bodygraph' — two people's HD charts overlaid. Returns an interactive two-person overlay bodygraph (inline in Claude and ChatGPT; text summary elsewhere) with every connected channel classified by HD connection theory: electromagnetic (attraction), companionship (sameness), dominance (one defines), compromise (friction). CREDIT COST: 5 credits per call (composite 3 + render 2). Human Design was originated by Ra Uru Hu; OpenEphemeris is an independent calculation service, not affiliated with Jovian Archive.explore_bi_wheelUse this when the user asks 'are we compatible', 'compare my chart with my partner's', 'what's my horoscope for today', 'what's hitting my chart right now', 'what's my solar return chart this year' or 'my progressed chart on my birth chart' — any two-ring comparison they should SEE. Returns an interactive bi-wheel (inline in Claude and ChatGPT; text summary elsewhere): inner wheel Person 1's natal chart, outer ring by mode — synastry (Person 2's natal; needs their birthplace), transit (a date; today for a daily horoscope), progressed, solar_arc (target date), solar_return (target year), lunar_return (target month) — with cross-aspects drawn and every planet, aspect line and cusp clickable. Birthplaces may be place names (`location`, `person2_location`). CREDIT COST: 2 credits per call for most modes (1 per wheel; +1 to resolve a place name); solar_return/lunar_return modes cost 6.explore_moon_phaseUse this when the user asks 'what's the moon phase tonight', 'is tonight a full moon', 'show me the moon right now', 'what sign is the Moon in', 'is the Moon void of course' — or has no birth data and wants somewhere to start; it needs no arguments. Returns an interactive Moon dial (inline in Claude and ChatGPT; text summary elsewhere) with: • SVG crescent Moon showing real-time illumination percentage • Phase name and waxing/waning indicator • Current Moon sign with degree • Void-of-Course status with timing details • Lunar age (days in the synodic cycle) and days to the next New and Full Moon • The tightest applying lunar aspects CREDIT COST: 3 credits per call (phase + void-of-course + aspects, 1 each).explore_transit_timelineUse this when the user asks 'what transits are coming up for me', 'what's my forecast for the next year', 'when will Saturn hit my chart', 'show my upcoming transits' or 'what's happening astrologically for me in 2027' — a forecast they should SEE. Returns an interactive, date-ordered timeline (inline in Claude and ChatGPT; text summary elsewhere) of exact transit hits grouped by month — transiting planet glyph, the natal point it contacts, the aspect, zodiac position and retrograde markers — each clickable for a focused interpretation. Every hit carries its in-orb window (when the transit starts and ends, and which pass it is when a retrograde repeats it), and transits already in orb at the start are listed with applying/separating. ASPECT ANGLES: 0 = conjunction/return (default), 180 = opposition, 90 = square, 120 = trine, 60 = sextile. EFFICIENCY: searches run faster when transiting_planets and natal_points are given. MAX SPAN: Explorer/PayG 1y, Pro 5y, Startup 10y, Scale 40y (longer = 400). CREDIT COST: 1 + span price: ≤1y 5 (6 total), ≤3y 10, ≤5y 15, ≤10y 25, ≤20y 40, ≤40y 70.explore_vedic_chartUse this when the user asks 'show my Vedic chart', 'my Jyotish chart', 'what's my nakshatra', 'my sidereal birth chart', 'my rashi chart' or 'what's my lagna'. Returns an interactive South Indian fixed-sign Rashi grid (inline in Claude and ChatGPT; text summary elsewhere) with sidereal (Lahiri by default) placements, nakshatra with pada, navamsa and the Lagna (Ascendant) rashi; click any rashi cell for its themes and the planets placed there. Birthplace may be a place name (`location`). CREDIT COST: 3 credits per call (chart + render; +1 to resolve a place name).bazi_annual_pillarUse this when the user asks 'what element is the year of the Snake', 'what's the pillar, stem and branch or NaYin for my birth year' or 'what's the energy of this year' — a single-year lookup beyond the animal. Returns the year's Heavenly Stem, Earthly Branch, Chinese characters, zodiac animal, element, polarity and NaYin (纳音) resonance image for any Gregorian year 1-9999. CREDIT COST: 3 credits per call.explore_bazi_chartUse this when the user asks 'what's my BaZi', 'my Four Pillars', 'what's my Day Master', 'my Chinese astrology chart', 'what's my Chinese element' or 'my Chinese birth chart'. Returns an interactive Four Pillars (四柱命盘) explorer (inline in Claude and ChatGPT; text summary elsewhere): the Year, Month, Day and Hour pillars — each with Heavenly Stem (天干), Earthly Branch (地支), Ten God label and element color — plus the Day Master identity and a Wu Xing (五行) element balance bar; click any pillar for what it reveals about that life domain. CREDIT COST: 3 credits per call (1 base + 2 visual render).auth_loginUse this when the user asks to 'connect', 'sign in', 'log in' or 'link my OpenEphemeris account'. Returns a verification URL and code for the user to enter in their browser; the server then receives credentials automatically and every call is billed to that account (tier, credits, rate limits).auth_statusUse this when the user asks 'am I logged in', 'which account is this connected to', 'how am I authenticated' or 'when does my token expire'. Returns whether the server is authenticated, the linked account, the method (API key, JWT, device auth) and token expiry.- +27 more on the listing page
Ready-to-paste client configs
Paste either block (or both) into your client config, e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json. We only show a config when the install command is confirmed.
Firecrawl MCP Server
{
"mcpServers": {
"firecrawl-firecrawl-mcp-server": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"firecrawl-mcp"
],
"env": {
"FIRECRAWL_API_KEY": "YOUR_FIRECRAWL_API_KEY_HERE",
"HTTP_STREAMABLE_SERVER": "YOUR_HTTP_STREAMABLE_SERVER_HERE"
}
}
}
}
Open Ephemeris
{
"mcpServers": {
"open-ephemeris": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@openephemeris/mcp-server"
],
"env": {
"OPENEPHEMERIS_PROFILE": "YOUR_OPENEPHEMERIS_PROFILE_HERE",
"OPENEPHEMERIS_BACKEND_URL": "YOUR_OPENEPHEMERIS_BACKEND_URL_HERE",
"OPENEPHEMERIS_API_KEY": "YOUR_OPENEPHEMERIS_API_KEY_HERE"
}
}
}
}
Frequently asked questions
Firecrawl MCP Server is categorized under Search & Data Extraction and uses a local stdio subprocess. Open Ephemeris belongs to Aerospace & Astrodynamics and uses a local stdio subprocess. Pick Firecrawl MCP Server for search & data extraction work and Open Ephemeris for aerospace & astrodynamics.
Copy the mcpServers block from the config section on this page into your client's config (for example claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json), then fully restart the client.
Firecrawl MCP Server is listed as freemium — a free tier with paid plans. Auth: api key required. Open Ephemeris has no declared pricing — check the project's own site. If a server needs environment variables such as API keys, define them under the env key in your client's MCP config.
Yes. MCP clients support multiple servers: add firecrawl-firecrawl-mcp-server and open-ephemeris as separate keys in the same mcpServers object, and your assistant will call tools from either one.
On AllMCPs, Firecrawl MCP Server has a quality signal of 90/100 (Excellent) with 14 views, 0 installs and 7,673 GitHub stars. Open Ephemeris has 64/100 (Good) with 2 views, 0 installs and 5 GitHub stars.