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Tonight's Sky Planner

Moon phase, twilight times, planet visibility, and your ideal viewing window — calculated for your exact location and tonight's date.

Every clear night looks different. The moon shifts position, planets rise at new times, and the window of true darkness narrows or widens with the seasons. A successful observing session starts with knowing exactly what you're working with — not guessing.

This planner pulls together the four numbers that decide your night: moon phase and illumination percentage, the exact moment astronomical twilight ends (true darkness), tonight's visible planets with constellation positions, and your Bortle scale rating. Together they tell you what to aim a telescope at and when to start.

Enter your coordinates or pick a preset, choose tonight's date, and select your sky darkness. The result updates instantly. Bookmark this page — the answers change every single night.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bortle scale?
A 9-point scale measuring night sky darkness, from 1 (darkest, pristine dark sky) to 9 (brightest inner city). It quantifies how much light pollution affects what you can see overhead.
When is the best time to stargaze?
During astronomical twilight (when the sun is 18 degrees below the horizon) and when the moon is below the horizon or in new moon phase. The window from astro twilight end to moonrise is the most productive.
Can I stargaze in a city?
Yes — planets, the moon, double stars, and bright star clusters are visible even in Bortle 8-9 skies. Deep-sky objects like galaxies and faint nebulae require darker skies (Bortle 4 or lower).
How do I find my Bortle scale?
Use the Light Pollution Map at lightpollutionmap.info with your coordinates. The map color codes correspond directly to Bortle classes.
What's the best beginner telescope?
A 70-80mm refractor or 114-130mm reflector under $200 covers planets, the moon, and bright deep-sky objects. Binoculars like 10x50 or 15x70 are an excellent first instrument.
Does moon phase really matter?
Yes — a full moon can wash out faint nebulae and galaxies completely. New moon plus or minus 5 days is the ideal window for deep-sky viewing. For lunar observation, first quarter is best (shadows reveal craters).

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