Observing Websites, Tools, and Apps
**NOTE: Please use all links at own risk. At the time of writing, these apps all had free versions and seemed useful. The links presented are not an endorsement and RAC received no compensation for the listing.
Planetarium Software, Charts and Observing Info
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Weather Related – Clouds, Temps, Seeing and TransparencyFor many locations, including Raleigh, weather is the great unknown. We use a multitude of apps and weather models when deciding the setup our equipment or hold an outdoor event. |
Planets & MoonsPlanets rise and set and at different times and have different visibility through the year. Likewise, Earth’s moon is a fascinating study which looks a little bit different every night based on the lunar phase. You cannot talk about the moon without eclipses! Learn more about Eclipses at a Student’s Guide to Solar and Lunar Eclipses (Thanks, Amelia!) |
Observation PlanningAt some point, you realize you’ve seen the Orion nebula forty two times and want to start tracking what you observed, or planning your sessions if you are working towards completing a list. These tools can help you plan and document your night. |
Planetarium software creates the sky on your phone. In many cases, you can point your phone or table and see what stars and constellations you are looking at. Zoom in and you can see the deep sky wonders that are unlocked through binoculars, a telescope, or astrophotography.Planetarium Software and Observing Info
Planetarium software creates the sky on your phone. In many cases, you can point your phone or table and see what stars and constellations you are looking at. Zoom in and you can see the deep sky wonders that are unlocked through binoculars, a telescope, or astrophotography.
Web
Stellarium – Free desktop planetarium app
The SkyLive – A bit more advanced – Viewing maps and details including transient objects like asteroids and comets in addition to planets.
iOS
SkySafari
Star Walk 2
Sky Week
Android
Sky Week
Scope Nights
Weather Related – Clouds, Temps, Seeing and Transparency
For many locations, including Raleigh, weather is the great unknown. We use a multitude of apps and weather models when deciding the setup our equipment or hold an outdoor event.
Web
Clear Sky Clock
Clear Outside
Weather Underground
East Coast Water Vapor Loop
Hourly Weather Forecast Graph
iOS
Scope Nights
Clear Outside
Good to Stargaze
Android
Clear Outside
Good to Stargaze
Planets & Moons
Planets rise and set and at different times and have different visibility through the year. Likewise, Earth’s moon is a fascinating study which looks a little bit different every night based on the lunar phase.
iOS
Moon Globe
Jupiter’s Moons
Saturns’s Moons
Observation Planning
At some point, you realize you’ve seen the Orion nebula forty two times and want to start tracking what you observed, or planning your sessions if you are working towards completing a list. These tools can help you plan and document your night.
