BEGINNER FIELD MODE / LOCATION-SAFE
Start with the best target tonight or browse planets, bright stars, and recognizable constellations. Face the indicated direction, match its height, then follow the pattern guide.
BUILD A TIMED OBSERVING ROUTE ↗01 / TONIGHT'S FIELD GUIDE
02 / FIELD INSTRUCTIONS
Use the compass direction as a manual guide.
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OPTIONAL COMPASS ONLY / NO CAMERA IS USED / SENSOR DATA STAYS LOCAL
03 / RECOGNITION PATTERN
04 / STAR-HOP STEPS
Patterns are identification guides, not official constellation boundaries. Rotate the pattern mentally to match your sky.
Bright-star names and constellation identities follow the IAU; J2000 positions and magnitudes are based on SIMBAD records. Local direction and altitude are calculated with Astronomy Engine using only the rounded saved area. Optional alignment uses an absolute compass heading, not the camera. Move the phone in a figure eight, keep it away from magnets and metal, and verify against a known direction. The diagrams are simplified recognition guides, not official boundaries. Planet positions use the same local astronomy calculation. ISS times are orbital predictions. Meteor radiants describe the direction they appear to come from, but meteors can cross any part of the sky. Buildings, terrain, magnetic interference, haze, light pollution, and your exact horizon are not represented.
ABOUT THIS TOOL
Sky Finder translates local altitude and compass bearing into plain-language instructions for the Moon, planets, stars, constellations, meteors, and ISS. The phone-compass option stays in your browser and is never stored.
Use the guidance as a starting point, then allow for your horizon, trees, buildings, haze, and the difference between naked-eye, binocular, and telescope views.