

If you are in North America (Canada, Mexico, US, and the Bahamas) and on your computer, Clear Sky Chart gives you a 3 day forecast specifically aimed at night sky viewing. It should come back for Android users in the near future. In January 2021, the makers of this software removed it from the Google Play Store as it needed updating to bring it in line with the iOS version. A similar app worth mentioning is Star Walk. Photographer’s Ephemeris costs $8.99 but there is also a free desktop version. This includes the positioning of the Milky Way, pole stars, and major constellations directly over the map. This app features 3D augmented reality so that you can visualize your shots and plan how to align them. “The optimal time to see and photograph the Milky Way is during a new moon or moon phase that is not in the sky at night/early morning.”

The timing of the sunset and sunrise may be obvious, but where the moon will be and its brightness can affect your ability to capture the stars. This is a vital factor when photographing the night sky. One of the best astronomy apps, The Photographer’s Ephemeris (TPE), is a website and app that, like Stellarium, can be used for calculating the positioning and timing of the sunrise and sunset, as well as the moon and Milky Way. Google Play Photographer’s Ephemeris – best Milky Way finder app
