Stellarium

[Leigha]

Stellarium is a software/app that renders realistic skies in real time, just what you'd see with the naked eye. You can use it on your desk/laptop or phone.

So, I downloaded this app earlier today (shout out to Seattle from SF who recommended it) and entered my location - it fast forwards to the night sky later tonight, and if it were to be a perfectly clear night (which is rare during the summer months) I would be able to see the moon, Uranus, Mars and the constellation, “Eridanus.'' (If I'm facing North) There are 20,000 locations under settings, so you should be able to use it from wherever you are.

It's always so hazy in the evenings here, though...but, at least I'm aware of what I'll be missing. 

I had bought a telescope a few years back, but it broke...so I'm in the market for a new one and going to search for one (if they make these) that works best in cloud coverage.

Anyway, not sure if you're familiar, but check out this app - it's really helpful.

[C C]

Thanks, Leigha. Sounds like a useful app, especially on bad weather days.

[Leigha]

It's definitely a handy little app for sure, CC. Unfortunately, the rainy season in the Southeast part of the US makes for terrible star gazing, but it's exciting to know what I'll be able to eventually see once autumn/winter approaches, and the haziness and humidity dissipate. Tonight for example, the sky looks more like a charcoal gray dome without even the slightest twinkling. I wish I lived in the Pacific Northwest...the night sky there is out of this world.

[confused2]

So far, after downloading it I've had two cloudy nights with the computer and two clear nights without the computer - I'm really looking forward to a clear night with the computer. I do have a phone thing but I suspect the screen is too small and fiddly to be useful. Nice thing - thanks for posting about it.

[Leigha]

So far, after downloading it I've had two cloudy nights with the computer and two clear nights without the computer - I'm really looking forward to a clear night with the computer. I do have a phone thing but I suspect the screen is too small and fiddly to be useful. Nice thing - thanks for posting about it.

I'm happy to see you've found it useful.


Tonight, is going to be an incredibly clear one in the SE part of the US, because the humidity is extremely low today, and not much in the way of cloud cover, as well. As perfect a blue sky as a blue sky can be.

This app really helps to pinpoint stars you've never heard of and some popular ones as well, but you weren't quite sure if that's what it was you'd seen with your naked eye. Over the holiday break, I was able to see the famous constellation, Andromeda. In warmer climates, particular humid ones, it's not often that stars are visible in our night skies so when the temps and humidity drop, we get excited. lol

[Zinjanthropos]

So far, after downloading it I've had two cloudy nights with the computer and two clear nights without the computer - I'm really looking forward to a clear night with the computer. I do have a phone thing but I suspect the screen is too small and fiddly to be useful. Nice thing - thanks for posting about it.

I'm happy to see you've found it useful. 


Tonight, is going to be an incredibly clear one in the SE part of the US, because the humidity is extremely low today, and not much in the way of cloud cover, as well. As perfect a blue sky as a blue sky can be.

This app really helps to pinpoint stars you've never heard of and some popular ones as well, but you weren't quite sure if that's what it was you'd seen with your naked eye. Over the holiday break, I was able to see the famous constellation, Andromeda. In warmer climates, particular humid ones, it's not often that stars are visible in our night skies so when the temps and humidity drop, we get excited. lol

Just downloaded it. Will try whenever sky clears around here. Difficult when this close to Buffalo

[Leigha]

So far, after downloading it I've had two cloudy nights with the computer and two clear nights without the computer - I'm really looking forward to a clear night with the computer. I do have a phone thing but I suspect the screen is too small and fiddly to be useful. Nice thing - thanks for posting about it.

I'm happy to see you've found it useful. 


Tonight, is going to be an incredibly clear one in the SE part of the US, because the humidity is extremely low today, and not much in the way of cloud cover, as well. As perfect a blue sky as a blue sky can be.

This app really helps to pinpoint stars you've never heard of and some popular ones as well, but you weren't quite sure if that's what it was you'd seen with your naked eye. Over the holiday break, I was able to see the famous constellation, Andromeda. In warmer climates, particular humid ones, it's not often that stars are visible in our night skies so when the temps and humidity drop, we get excited. lol

Just downloaded it. Will try whenever sky clears around here. Difficult when this close to Buffalo

You can even use it on a cloudy day or in your house. Point your phone with the app open facing you, up to the ceiling. It’ll display what you would be seeing if you were outside on a clear night, based on your geographic location.