# Astrophotography Planner — Make the most of clear skies! > Astrophotography target selection and planning tool for deep sky objects. (iPhone/iPad app by Ryan Sponzilli.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astrophotography-planner/id1661476234 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Ryan Sponzilli](https://appshunter.io/developer/1661476236) - Category: Reference - Price: $4.99 - Rating: 5.00/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 17.0 · 86 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2023-07-13 - Data updated: 2026-08-07 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astrophotography-planner/id1661476234/reviews.md ## What is Astrophotography Planner? The core idea behind this app is to make it easy for astrophotographers to filter through a catalog of deep sky targets or use an algorithm that chooses the best target for a given night. Each target has a calculated visibility score that measures what percentage of the night the target is visible for and a season score that measures how close the target is to its opposition from the sun. The algorithm makes use of both of these scores and information about the moon in order to present the user a list of possible targets to image. Choose any date or location to get information for. ## Key features - Deep sky target catalog - Algorithmic target selection - Calculated visibility scores - Seasonal scores for targets - Moon phase consideration - Date and location-based planning ## Recent user reviews (1 of 1) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astrophotography-planner/id1661476234/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Really liking it so far *2023-10-27* *Please include a contact email in the About section, I don’t want to have to create a Facebook or Instagram account to report a bug or request a feature. Just installed the app and it looks very promising. Just like to report that none of the targets in my top 5 list show images. Also, I often image from areas without cell service so it would be very helpful if all targets (or at least Messier, NGC, IC) had images saved locally without the need to access the APOD through the Internet. Other than that really liking it, look forward to future updates and features. **Developer response:** Thank you! I will add a support email address. I am struggling to locate images that I can use that are not copyrighted, and that is why I have to link some APOD images instead of including them within the app. In future updates more images will be included. ## Frequently asked questions about Astrophotography Planner ### What is Astrophotography Planner? Astrophotography Planner is a paid application designed to help astrophotographers identify and plan their imaging sessions for deep sky objects. It calculates visibility and seasonal scores for celestial targets, factoring in moon phases and opposition to the sun. ### How does Astrophotography Planner calculate target visibility? The app calculates a visibility score indicating the percentage of the night a target is observable. It also considers a season score related to how close the target is to its opposition from the sun, providing a comprehensive view for planning. ### What devices does Astrophotography Planner support? Astrophotography Planner is available for iPhone and iPad devices, offering a convenient planning tool for mobile users. ### How much does Astrophotography Planner cost? Astrophotography Planner is a paid application priced at $4.99. There are no in-app purchases or subscriptions required after the initial purchase. ### Does Astrophotography Planner have ads? No, Astrophotography Planner does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application designed to provide an uninterrupted user experience. ### How often is Astrophotography Planner updated? The app was last updated on August 17, 2025, with version 1.7. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing development and support from the developer. ### What is the age rating for Astrophotography Planner? Astrophotography Planner has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users interested in astronomy and photography. ### Can I use Astrophotography Planner for any date or location? Yes, the app allows you to select any date or location to receive specific information and target recommendations tailored to your chosen time and place. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.7 — 2025-08-17 Improved Daily Report suggestions. Small UI improvements and other optimizations. ### 1.6 — 2025-01-22 Swapped out the tedious viewing interval selector with simple slider interface. Added confirmation messages for deleting saved locations and presets. Minor bug fixes. ### 1.5 — 2024-10-15 Fixed incorrect coordinates for a few targets. Added new images. ### 1.4 — 2024-08-21 Added 4 new images (Iris Nebula, M51, M10, and M12). Improved Daily Report suggestions. Minor formatting improvements, and efficiency improvements. ### 1.3 — 2024-01-09 Added new images; Optimized layout for iPad; Minor visual enhancements and under the hood improvements. ## Related topics [astrophotography planner](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/astrophotography-planner) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-07.*