Checking the Night Sky from Your Location: 7 Handy Free Tools You Shouldn't Miss
Discovering the Night Sky: A Guide to Digital Tools for Stargazing
For those with a passion for astronomy and stargazing, the digital age has made it easier than ever to explore the night sky from the comfort of your own home or on-the-go. Here are some recommended digital platforms to help you navigate the cosmos.
Star Walk 2 Plus is a highly-regarded app and website that provides a real-time map of the sky based on your device’s location and orientation. It showcases stars, constellations, planets, deep sky objects, and upcoming celestial events visible from your location. With features like 3D constellation models, augmented reality mode, a "Visible Tonight" section for tonight’s events, and astronomical news updates, Star Walk 2 Plus is an ideal tool for discovering what's in the night sky on any given night tailored specifically to your location [1][3].
When it comes to assessing light pollution in a specific location, Dark Site Finder and Light Pollution Map are valuable resources. For weather and cloud conditions, Nightshift offers detailed information.
The Milky Way's core can be a breathtaking sight, with the best viewing times in the Northern Hemisphere being April to July, and in the Southern Hemisphere, June and July. To help you capture this celestial beauty, the author's guide to the best apps for astrophotography may be of interest [2].
Stellarium, a free (with a paid premium option) app and website, is another recommended tool for assessing what's in the night sky for a specific location. It provides a picture of the night sky for the user’s location when the app is opened or the website is accessed and location is allowed. Stellarium also offers a night mode to prevent ruining night vision when using the app or site outdoors [1].
For those interested in satellite viewing, apps like ISS Detector and Heavens Above can help you find the International Space Station passing overhead, as well as other satellites passing over your location and when.
PhotoPills is an app that provides information on the moon's phase for any one night and location, making it an excellent tool for astrophotographers. Alyn Wallace's monthly video series, "What's in the Night Sky," is another resource for stargazers, providing a look ahead for upcoming celestial events.
Anthony Robinson, the founder and owner of Skies & Scopes, a publication and community focused on amateur astronomy and astrophotography, has been featured in numerous publications such as Amateur Astrophotography, Forbes, the Guardian, DIY Photography, PetaPixel, and Digital Camera World [4]. You can find his work on Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky, and the Skies & Scopes website.
As always, remember to check local laws and regulations regarding light pollution and stargazing before heading out. Happy stargazing!
[1] https://www.stellarium.org/ [2] https://www.anthonyrobinson.co.uk/ [3] https://www.starwalk2.co/ [4] https://www.skiesandscopes.com/
- Star Walk 2 Plus offers a real-time map of the sky, displaying stars, constellations, planets, deep sky objects, and upcoming celestial events, along with features like 3D constellation models and astronomical news updates.
- Dark Site Finder and Light Pollution Map are useful resources for evaluating light pollution in specific locations, while Nightshift provides details about weather and cloud conditions.
- Stellarium, both a free app and website, gives users a visualization of the night sky for their location, with options for a night mode to preserve night vision when using outdoors.
- For astrophotographers, PhotoPills can provide information on the moon's phase for any one night and location, and Alyn Wallace's monthly video series, "What's in the Night Sky," offers insights into upcoming celestial events.
