Milky Way Planner

Discover when the Galactic Center is visible from your location. Includes dark-sky windows, peak altitude, and a monthly visibility calendar to plan your astrophotography sessions.

About Milky Way photography

The Galactic Center (Sagittarius A*) is the brightest and most photogenic part of the Milky Way. To photograph it you need: dark skies (away from light pollution), absent or thin moon, and the Galactic Center above the horizon. In the Northern Hemisphere, the best season is April through September. Use the planner above to find the best nights from your exact location.

Newsletter

A short reading once a month, in your inbox.

A note on the symbolism of the season, recent editorial pieces, and what to look for in next month's sky. No predictions.

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Astrian Light is in development. If you notice something that doesn't work as expected, we'd appreciate hearing about it at hello@astrian.app.