Astrospheric

Weather for observing and imaging

Astrospheric is a weather app for astronomers, astrophotographers, and anyone planning time under a clear sky. It combines hourly forecasts with astronomy-specific conditions, including cloud cover, sky transparency, seeing, wind, temperature, and humidity. The app also provides precise rise and set times for the Sun and Moon.

Forecast detail

The forecast reaches 84 hours with hour-by-hour data. Astrospheric includes CMC astronomy forecasts updated every six hours, an extended cloud forecast, and an ensemble view for comparing major forecast models. Smoke information is included alongside the transparency report, which is useful when skies appear clear but visibility may still be affected.

• Cloud, transparency, and seeing conditions
• Wind, temperature, and humidity
• Kp index information for aurora viewing
• Solar and lunar eclipse details
• International Space Station flyover paths and times

Tools for observing sessions

Site Mode provides information for setting up a GOTO tracking mount and remains available without a network connection. Optional Professional features add weather alerts and ensemble cloud forecasting. Alerts can be configured for conditions that meet your observing requirements.

Community and app details

Qualifying astronomical societies can use Astrospheric for member chat, image sharing, and event planning, with access to Professional features for their members. The app is developed by Daniel Fiordalis and has a 4.3 rating from 743 reviews, with 50,000+ installs. Its coverage is tied to the Canadian Meteorological Center’s domain, so weather data is not available for Hawaii, although satellite and light-pollution layers and other tools still work there.