Astrophotography Apps to Learn the Night Sky…

Ever since human beings have wandered across the earth there have been those curious souls who have gazed up to the heavens and wondered what was out there.

The constellations have inspired myths of Gods and creatures that were thought to influence the present and future of not only individuals – but entire cultures. In fact the influence of the night sky and our fascination with its mysteries has been so great that it has shaped the course of human history.

Today that fascination remains as strong as ever- however, technology has now helped the average stargazer delve deeper into the mysteries of the universe than ever before – all for far less than it has cost in previous decades.

One of the most influential trends and innovations that has fueled this increasing interest and accessibility has been the advent of smart devices such as mobile phones and tablets with powerful cameras.

For those budding astrophotography aficionados the search for the best apps to make their star gazing more productive (and more fun) is an ongoing one. The apps mostly fall into three main categories.

The first are those that allow for weather tracking, the second are those apps which assist in finding the best locations for the photography and the last are those which help with timing and composing shots.

Let’s take a look at some of the best Astrophotography apps that are today available.

1. Dark Sky Finder

One of the most frustrating experiences for the night sky photographer is finding a location that is not subject to large amounts of light pollution. This app allows photographers to locate the best local areas that offer less light pollution. It’s available on iOS from around $3.00.

2. Dark Sky

Another issue which can affect the quality of the photography is the weather. Dark Sky offers localized forecasting that is updated on a minute by minute basis. You can get information on just when the sky will clear so you are ready for those perfect shots.

Users of both Android operating systems and iOS can get hold of the app for around $4.00.

3. Photographer’s Ephemeris

The process of getting that perfect shot of the Milky Way in all its glory can depend on a variety of factors. these include the timing of both sunset and sunrise – and also just how bright the moonlight will be on any given night.

The Photographer’s Ephemeris app uses a clever 3D / Augmented Reality approach that allows the photographer to align shots in order to obtain the clearest shots of the Milky Way. For about $9.00 users of Android or iOS can get their hands on this great app.

4. Photopills

This has been hailed as the best all round nighttime photography app. It has everything that the budding astrophotographer would need to get those great shots.

It allows for visualization of the positioning of the sun and moon, as well as various elements of the Milky Way. It’s easy to use – and allows for forward planning to identify those perfect nights.

The Universe and its complexity will always fascinate us. Use these great apps to explore the deepest reaches of space or our local solar system. Get out and gaze upwards in wonder – and capture the moment.