Night Sky Planner
Your stellar observation guide
About
This app helps amateur astronomers find celestial objects to observe. It provides detailed information on when and how to best view planets, stars, and deep-sky objects from your specific location, even without an internet connection.
What's New in Night Sky Planner
1.0
July 7, 2026
FAQ
What celestial objects can I find with Night Sky Planner?
Night Sky Planner scores and details approximately 200 objects, including the Messier catalog, NGC and IC deep-sky objects, brighter stars, and planets. It provides information on when each object is visible and its peak viewing time.
Does Night Sky Planner work offline?
Yes, Night Sky Planner is designed to work entirely on your phone without an internet connection. All essential features, including object data and viewing times, are available offline.
How does Night Sky Planner help me find objects?
The 'Point Me' feature uses your phone's compass and tilt sensors to guide you directly to your chosen target. It also offers a printable finder rose for manual navigation.
Can I filter objects based on my equipment?
Yes, Night Sky Planner allows you to filter celestial objects by your viewing equipment, such as naked eye, binoculars, or telescope, and by object type.
Is Night Sky Planner suitable for beginners?
The app is designed for people who actively go out and observe the night sky. Its detailed planning tools and directional guides can be beneficial for both beginners and experienced stargazers.
What information does Night Sky Planner provide about the Moon?
Night Sky Planner tracks moonrise, moonset, and the Moon's illumination percentage. This information is crucial as moonlight can significantly impact the visibility of fainter celestial targets.
How often is Night Sky Planner updated?
Night Sky Planner was last updated on 2026-07-07 with version 1.0. As a reference app, major updates may focus on astronomical data accuracy and new object catalogs.
What devices support Night Sky Planner?
Night Sky Planner is available for iPhone and iPad devices, supporting both portrait and landscape orientations.