First night without wasting the drive
Stargazing 101
Constellations, naked-eye targets, packing list, safety basics and the easiest way to read sky conditions.
Read free guideStargazing guides and PDFs
Read free articles about observing and photography, or choose a printable PDF manual to keep. The manuals are $12, $18 and $18, or $39 for all three. Prices are in US dollars.
Milky Way and aurora field prep
Astrophotography
Camera settings, forecast checks, moon timing, satellite-trail risk and simple session planning for rare clear windows.
Read free guideTelescope nights that actually work
Visual astronomy
Seeing, transparency, target choice, collimation, eyepiece basics and when not to drag the scope outside.
Read free guideFrom reading to observing
Use the free articles to build observing skills, then check the live map and tonight-planning tools before you go out.
First clear night
What to pack, when to leave, and what you can see without buying gear.
Read the Bortle scale
Turn light-pollution numbers into a real expectation for your eyes and camera.
Starlink spotting
Explore estimated Starlink passes for your location.
Astrophotography basics
Learn how to plan and photograph the Milky Way.
What these guides help you do
- See which conditions matter before you drive
- Move from an article to the free map or tonight page
- Get gear advice in context, not a shopping list
- Read estimates and access notes that are labelled clearly
- Tell what is available now from what is still being checked
Plan with current free tools
Check forecast information and browse listed places. Measured darkness data and paid monitoring are not currently available.
Learn free. Plan with what’s available.
Use the free guides, tonight-planning tools and map together. The measured darkness layer and paid monitoring are not currently offered. Printable PDF manuals are also available as a one-time purchase, including a three-guide bundle.