Is tonight worth it?
Start with a go or no-go verdict, your Astro Score and the best window. Open the explanation to see what clouds, moonlight and darkness mean for your plan.
Read the night checklistFree on iPhone · Every feature included
Make the most of
a clear night.
Your astrophotography and stargazing planner. Know when to go, find your spot, and see what’s worth staying up for.
iOS 26 or later. No paywall, trial or subscription.
A little less guessing.
A lot more time under the stars.
A lot more time under the stars.
Your night, at a glance
Clouds. Moonlight. Darkness.
One clearer decision.
One clearer decision.
Actual app screen · Example conditions
14-night planning72-hour cloud mapsUnlimited saved spotsNearby observing sessions
A plan before you packGood nights start
Good nights start
with three decisions.
Bring the weather, the sky and the place into one view. Spend less time switching between forecasts and more time planning a night you’ll enjoy.
Find your kind of dark.
Scout locations on the map, save places you want to return to and compare conditions. A darker spot is useful when the horizon and the forecast work too.
Find a better locationMeet the right window.
Plan Milky Way and deep sky sessions around your target, date and location. See how visibility, usable darkness and the Moon fit together.
Understand target windowsTHE PLANNERFind the overlap ↘
From a clear sky to a useful sessionThe forecast is
The forecast is
only the beginning.
A cloud-free hour can still have a bright Moon or a target below the horizon. DarkScout connects the conditions with what you actually want to see or photograph.
- Plan up to 14 nights ahead
- Explore the full astronomical object catalog
- Use horizon profiles and compare saved spots
- Set alerts for the conditions you care about
MAP & COMMUNITYYour next place ↘
Your spot. Your people.Go a little further.
Go a little further.
Or go together.
Keep your favorite observing places close. When you want company, discover nearby sessions, request to join or host your own.
- Save unlimited observing locations
- Join and host observing events
- Coordinate with participant chat and reminders
- Share original-quality astrophotos
The field guidesLearn the sky.
Explore all guides Learn the sky.
Make a better plan.
MILKY WAYPut the Milky Way
A bright Moon changes
There’s more to a spot
Put the Milky Way
on your calendar.
Match the season, moonlight, darkness and direction before you choose a night.
MOONLIGHTA bright Moon changes
the plan.
Know when to look for darker skies and when moonlight can help the foreground.
LOCATIONSThere’s more to a spot
than a dark sky.
Check the horizon, access and local light before you commit to the drive.
Is DarkScout really free?
Yes. Every feature is included, with no paywall, trial or subscription required. If you have an Apple subscription from an earlier version, manage or cancel it separately in Apple Settings. Updating the app does not cancel an existing subscription.
Which iPhones can use DarkScout?
DarkScout requires iOS 26 or later. Check the App Store listing for compatibility with your device. The app is currently available for iPhone.
Can I use it for stargazing without a camera?
Yes. Weather, moonlight, darkness, target visibility and saved observing locations help you plan a night whether you bring a camera, binoculars or a telescope.
Does a GO verdict guarantee clear skies?
No. Forecasts can change and local conditions can differ. The verdict is a planning aid. Read the score explanation, check the forecast again before leaving and assess conditions when you arrive.
Can I plan Milky Way and deep sky photography?
Yes. The planner connects target visibility with your date, location, moonlight and darkness. Start with our Milky Way planning guide or deep sky target window guide.
Your next clear night starts hereLess guessing.
Less guessing.
More looking up.
Every planning tool. Every community feature. Free.
Get DarkScout on the App Store For iPhone · iOS 26 or later