Night Sky apps

Photographing the Night Skies: Night Sky Phone App

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Photography is a vital form of art, expression, and documentation. Luckily, we now have a plethora of new night sky tools to assist us in the creative process. Phone apps are incredibly useful for pre-shoot research and scouting on-location when photographing the night skies.

What is a Night Sky app?

Night Sky apps are very helpful for photographers of all levels and astronomy enthusiasts searching for deep sky objects. They use technology to provide detailed information on celestial events, light pollution levels, and augmented reality overlays that show in detail where and when the Milky Way, moon, sun, or other celestial bodies will be visible in a chosen location. This helps with planning and capturing the perfect shot of the night sky.

What Night Sky apps are available for photographers?

There are many night sky tools available. The following all offer a wide range of uses:

• SkySafari
• PhotoPills
• Night Sky
• NASA app
• Celestron SkyPortal
• Star Walk
• SkyGuide
• Light Pollution Map
• ISS Detector
• NightCap Camera
• Star Trails
• SkyView

PhotoPills is an extensive program and probably the most commonly used among astrophotographers. This app has many features. These features can help you take photos of the milky way, moonrise, moonset, a specific star, blue hour, sunrise, or sunset. It offers calculators to determine hyperfocal distance, field-of-view, exposure times, star trail positioning, and more.

PhotoPills is available in the app store for a 1-time purchase of $9.99.

SkyGuide and Star Walk are user friendly stargazing apps for sky viewing in the moment and during a pre-shoot scouting trip. You can use these apps to find the exact position of your subject in the sky for a future photo and you can do this in real-time.

Just point the apps towards the sky to view stars and constellations. The apps will identify stars and any other celestial objects within your field of view. You can download free versions of these apps and make in-app purchases or download a paid version for a no-ad experience.

Apps such as ISS Detector and the NASA app, offer great information into tracking certain astrological events.

Light Pollution Map offers insight into locating dark, clear skies near you. This is important for those living near larger cities, where light pollution often washes out the sky. Filters can reduce haze and light pollution, but nothing beats taking a photo under a clear sky with visible stars.

Apps like PhotoPills, SkyGuide, and Light Pollution can help with every step of photography. They provide support throughout the entire process of capturing a photograph. They can help with planning the shot, finding the perfect location, and taking the actual photo.

Many options are available for you to choose from. It might take some time to find the perfect app that suits your specific photography needs. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your choices should reflect your personal process and approach.

How do I use the Night Sky app?

Now that you have selected your app, it is time to put it into use in the field. Before heading out, make sure to get the hang of whichever apps you’re using. Knowing their features inside and out is important. Scouting during the day before going out in the dark for a photoshoot or for personal safety is important.

Select Your Location: Use the app to input or search for your shooting location. Ensure that you’re in an area with minimal light pollution for the best results.

Plan Your Shot: Use the app to determine the best time and direction to capture the skies in your desired composition. Look for times when the Milky Way is visible and positioned in a way that complements your shot.

Use the Augmented Reality Mode: Use Augmented Reality Mode during the day to help line up your shot. This mode overlays stars or the Milky Way onto the real-world scene, making it easier to capture the perfect picture.