Millions of Objects, One Perfect Night
Tailor your observing list to your telescope, your location, and tonight's conditions.
SkyTools is built on scientific modeling of contrast and astronomical seeing to make every session more rewarding, more efficient, and more memorable.
Discover SkyTools in a New Way
Want to understand what makes SkyTools special? Listen to this AI-generated podcast that explores the heart of our software and what sets it apart for visual observers.
The Workflow: Plan, Observe, Log
Plan
- The Nightly Planner calculates which objects will give you the best contrast in your setup under your exact sky conditions.
- The Nightly Observing List Generator quickly finds suitable objects based on the contrast calculations - from challenging deep-sky gems for experienced observers to spectacular showpieces perfect for outreach events.
- The Event Finder heralds upcoming meteor showers, eclipses, transits, appulses, Jupiter and Saturn satellite events, GRS transits, and informs you when a faint planetary satellite is far enough away from the planet to spot.
- The Database Power Search can find those elusive objects that have just the right properties, and are visible in your setup.
Observe
The SkyTools finder charts are customized for your telescope or binoculars. Each view shows only the stars that you will see in the eyepiece. These charts replace traditional star hopping, and are simple and fast to use, whether on a laptop/tablet or on paper. And of course, SkyTools can also directly control most telescopes via the Real Time tool, which can even take you on a guided Sky Tour.
Log
Just right-click on your finder chart at the telescope, or on the planner, and start typing - everything else is automatically filled in. SkyTools already knows the time and date, your telescope, eyepieces, location, and conditions, so your log quickly captures the complete observing context without tedious data entry.
Learn More About Key Features
Feature Thumbnails
Nightly Planner
The most advanced planning tool available. Quickly and intuitively select the best objects to observe with your setup on any given night, and determine what time to observe each of them. If desired, generate a full plan ahead of time.
Real Time Observing
Use in the field via directly controlling the telescope or by generating finder charts on the screen. Take guided tours with voice narration for hands-free observing. (not available in the Standard Edition).
Nightly Observing List Generator
Create custom observing lists tailored to your equipment and conditions.
Powerful Database Search
Search through extensive astronomical databases with sophisticated criteria to find interesting or extreme objects to observe.
Detailed Object Information
Comprehensive data for any object that can be read aloud.
Event Finder
Track meteor showers, eclipses, transits, Jupiter's GRS, planet satellite events, and more.
Interactive Atlas
High-quality star atlas, but with complete control over how it looks and what it displays. Recreate your favorite star atlas or design your own.
Custom Finder Charts
Unique charts customized for your specific telescope, location, and eyepieces. These charts make finding things in the sky easy by eliminating the need for traditional star hopping.
Overhead Sky & Naked Eye Charts
Simulate the naked-eye sky for your location and conditions.
Observing Logbook & Log Browser
Comprehensive logging system with advanced search capabilities and smart default system that makes entry as painless as possible.
Double-Star Observer's Dream
Accurately predict whether a pair can be split in your telescope at any time of night and conditions, and which eyepiece will be ideal. On the charts, all multiple stars split into pairs when zoomed in.
Ephemerides
Calculate positions and movements of planets, comets, and minor planets over time. The Nightly Observing Ephemeris is one of the most powerful planning tools for planning solar system observations you will ever use.
Current Data Subscription Service
Automatic and timely updates for comets, novae/supernovae, and interesting minor planets.
Attach Notes, Images, and Web Links
Personalize database objects with your own content.
Download DSS Images
Access images from a variety of digital sky survey sources and display them in the background of any chart.
Nearby Objects Tool
Discover objects near your current target.
Sophisticated Ideal Eyepiece Algorithm
Intelligent eyepiece recommendations for each object.
Obstructed Horizon & Dobson's Hole Avoidance
Smart planning that avoids parts of the sky that are inaccessible or difficult.
Backup/Restore & Sync
The SkyTools license allows you to install on multiple devices. The Sync feature keeps your plans, logs, and other data synchronized between them.