AstroOwl
Plan & shoot the Milky Way
About
This app helps night photographers plan and capture stunning Milky Way shots. It provides tools for predicting optimal shooting nights, composing shots with realistic simulations, and even controlling compatible cameras remotely.
What's New in AstroOwl
1.1
August 4, 2026
- Star focus. Tap Focus: the live view magnifies, gain goes up, the body switches to manual. Tap a star to focus on it, drag to move around, turn the ring. Everything is put back when you close it. - Timelapse preview. Play a sequence forward on a simulated sky before you commit a night to it. - Focal length. A FOCAL slot carries what you are actually shooting and feeds the NPF shutter limit, so a zoom no longer gets a wide lens's exposure. - Landscape. Exposure cluster on the right edge, trigger centred, preview keeps the full height. - Daylight-readable HUD. Values hold a soft halo over a bright sky; the night look is unchanged.
MoreSubscription plans
AstroOwl Pro Monthly
Full camera control, unlimited plans & sims
In-App Purchases
$14.99
AstroOwl Pro Lifetime
All Pro features forever, pay once
Developer apps
FAQ
What is AstroOwl?
AstroOwl is a comprehensive night photography app that helps you plan the right night, compose your shots with realistic simulations, and even control compatible cameras remotely. It aims to streamline the entire workflow for capturing celestial subjects.
Is AstroOwl free to use?
The planner, composer, and simulator features of AstroOwl are available for free. AstroOwl Pro, which unlocks camera control and removes monthly caps and watermarks, is available as a subscription or a one-time purchase.
What cameras does AstroOwl support for remote control?
Camera control currently supports Sony Alpha bodies with built-in Wi-Fi, with validation on the a7 IV model. Planning and composing features work with any camera or no camera at all.
How does AstroOwl help plan the best night for shooting?
AstroOwl's best-nights calendar scores upcoming months based on moonlight, Milky Way visibility, darkness windows, weather, and light pollution for your specific location. It provides an honest verdict rather than a numerical score.
Can I simulate my photos before taking them with AstroOwl?
Yes, AstroOwl allows you to simulate the results of your shots before committing. This includes realistic simulations of star trails, stacking, and noise based on your gear and settings.
How much does AstroOwl Pro cost?
AstroOwl Pro is available as a monthly subscription for $3.99 or a yearly subscription for $9.99. A one-time lifetime purchase option is also available.
Does AstroOwl work offline?
Yes, once you have planned your shoot, AstroOwl works offline, which is particularly useful at dark-sky sites. No account or sign-up is required for offline functionality.
What is the age rating for AstroOwl?
AstroOwl has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users interested in photography.