A Stargazer's Essential: Astroweather Toolkit
Astroweather provides specialized weather forecasts tailored for astronomical observation.
Built upon data from 7timer.org, Astroweather integrates astronomical weather predictions with precise sunset/sunrise and moonrise/moonset times.
Its web-based meteorological forecasts primarily utilize the NOAA/NCEP Global Forecast System (GFS) numerical weather model.
7Timer!, initially launched in July 2005 as a research project supported by the National Astronomical Observatories of China, underwent significant upgrades in 2008 and 2011. It's currently supported by the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Its creation stemmed from the founder's personal frustration with unpredictable weather impacting stargazing.
Astroweather offers a range of additional services:
- Forecasts for astronomical events.
- Light pollution maps and satellite imagery.
- Rise and set times for stars, planets, moons, and satellites.
- An active astronomy forum.
