Version 2.1
Released on August 19, 2015- Fix Corrected a bug that crashed the app when viewing the details of a dark site
- Improved Many more dark sites contributed around the globe (now at 1,100+ and counting!)
Escape from the city's bright glow.
Dark Sky Finder helps you locate nearby dark skies to take a telescope, watch a meteor shower, or simply relax under the stars. See light pollution maps of the entire world, along with dots to indicate good observing locations. Each dark site includes reviews, directions, information, Clear Sky Charts, and more.
Get it now on the App Store!
Features
Light Pollution Maps
Look up at night in the city—see that glow? That's light pollution. Light pollution maps of the entire world are overlaid on top of the standard, satellite, or hybrid map. Dark Sky Finder includes the most recent light pollution data compiled by David Lorenz.
Dark Sites
Escape to dark skies in 1,000+ locations around the world. These dark sites are indicated by pindrops on the map in Dark Sky Finder. Each site includes user reviews, directions, and information on sky conditions, important notes, parking, fees, bathrooms, camping, weather, and much more.
Add/Edit Dark Sites
Users can make a contribution by adding or editing a dark site for everyone to enjoy. Once a user visits a site, they can also leave a review.
Clear Sky Charts
Finds the nearest Clear Sky Chart* to pull in information on transparency, seeing, and other conditions relevant to telescope observers.
Bortle Scale
Tap on the map legend to toggle between the Bortle Scale and a more basic scale. Read more about the Bortle Scale for measuring light pollution in the About tab.
Support & Feedback
For support or to give feedback, get in touch by clicking Contact above. You will receive a prompt response, usually in a few minutes to an hour. Feedback is always appreciated!
* Dark Sky Finder is not affiliated with Clear Sky Charts.
Screenshots
Dark Sky Finder is available as a Universal App—one purchase for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
Updates
Version 2.0
Released on August 18, 2014- New New light pollution maps for the entire world (big thanks to David Lorenz!)
- New Official parks and reserves of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA)
- Improved Hundreds of additional dark site locations added since the app's inception
Version 1.1
Released on November 10th, 2012- New Light pollution maps for Europe and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific)
- New Updates for iPhone 5 and iOS 6
- Fix Various fixes & enhancements
Version 1.0
Released on August 1st, 2012- New Initial release for iOS (iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch)
Contact
For questions, feedback, or press inquiries, please get in touch by emailing .
Credits
Dark Sites Database
Many thanks are due to Jonathan Tomshine for the resources and assistance he provided, including the large initial database of dark sky sites.
Light Pollution Map (2006)
Another huge thanks are owed to David Lorenz, who created and published the 2006 light pollution maps for the entire world. His website can be found here.
Clear Sky Charts
Thank you to Attilla Danko for the wonderful resource he built for astronomers.
Beta Testers
Many of the features in this app are a result of the beta testers' hard work. This app would not be the same without the time they put into reviewing it and suggesting improvements.
Special thanks to: McKenzie Skidmore, Rob Campbell, Tom Karpf, and Syed Saifullah
Florin Andrei, Jason Brown, Marco Calderon, David Cushing, Terry Fishlock, Jeffrey Fox, Mark Friedman, Kevin Gilliland, Jordan Gonzales, Lisa Grams, Drew Jolesch, Tanya Mendenhall, Dwane Miles, Jack Murtha, Mike Rector, Alfredo Viegas
Other Notes
The dark sites listed in this app are added and maintained by the public community. These sites are NOT reviewed in person or endorsed by Dark Sky Finder or Skidmore Apps (Skidmore Properties, LLC). Skidmore Apps does not verify the accuracy of any information listed with each dark site contained in the app.