Astrospheric icon
Astrospheric Delivers Precision Weather Forecasting for Astronomy Enthusiasts

by Daniel Fiordalis

4.8
IOSWeather
Designed to help astronomers and outdoor observers plan their sessions with accuracy, this app provides specialized meteorological data beyond standard forecasts. Users gain access to cloud cover predictions, transparency ratings, and seeing conditions tailored for night sky viewing. A powerful tool for anyone needing reliable atmospheric data for optical activities.

Detailed Review

Astrospheric stands out in the crowded weather app market by serving a specific niche: astronomy and optical observation. Developed by Daniel Fiordalis, the application compiles Environment Canada data with proprietary modeling to deliver forecasts that matter most for stargazers, astrophotographers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Unlike general weather apps that focus on precipitation and temperature, Astrospheric prioritizes atmospheric conditions affecting visibility. The core functionality revolves around several specialized metrics. Cloud forecast maps show coverage percentages with hourly predictions, while transparency measurements indicate atmospheric clarity using the Pickering scale. Seeing conditions forecast astronomical turbulence, and darkness maps display moonlight interference. The interface presents these elements through layered map overlays that users can customize for their specific location and timing needs. Additional features include temperature, wind, and humidity data with altitude adjustments for mountain observing sites. In practical use, the app proves particularly valuable for planning photography sessions or telescope observations. Users can check conditions days in advance to schedule around poor seeing or cloud cover, then monitor real-time updates as their session approaches. The map-centric design allows quick assessment of regional conditions, helpful for determining whether to travel to darker sky locations. Some users note the learning curve for interpreting specialized meteorological terms, though the app includes explanatory tooltips. Early adopters consistently praise the accuracy of cloud forecasts and the app's reliability for making go/no-go decisions about observing sessions. Reviews indicate particular appreciation for the clear visualization of data through color-coded maps and the absence of distracting advertisements. Several users mention successfully using Astrospheric to capture celestial events that would have been missed with conventional weather apps. The developer maintains regular updates responding to user feedback about interface improvements and data source expansions. While Astrospheric excels in its specialized domain, it lacks some conveniences of mainstream weather apps like severe weather alerts or radar precipitation loops. The focus remains firmly on optical conditions rather than daily weather planning. For its intended audience however, the app delivers consistently valuable data with a clean presentation, making it a worthwhile investment for serious astronomy enthusiasts despite minor interface quirks in the timeline controls.

Key Features

  • Cloud forecast maps showing percentage coverage with animated hourly predictions for precise session planning
  • Atmospheric transparency ratings using the Pickering scale to indicate stellar visibility conditions
  • Seeing condition forecasts measuring astronomical turbulence that affects telescope performance
  • Darkness overlay displaying moonlight interference and astronomical twilight times
  • Customizable map layers with altitude adjustments for mountain and elevated observation sites
  • Weather station integration providing real-time temperature, humidity and wind data

Why Users Love It

Specialized forecasts for astronomy
Clean interface without ads

Perfect for: Perfect for amateur astronomers, astrophotographers, and outdoor observers needing precise atmospheric data

Screenshots

Astrospheric screenshot 1Astrospheric screenshot 2Astrospheric screenshot 3Astrospheric screenshot 4Astrospheric screenshot 5Astrospheric screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track Astrospheric's performance in Weather over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#50

Best Rank

#30

All-time high

Average Rank

#37

30-day average

User Reviews

Postrgurl
Oct 2, 2021

If you do amateur astronomy, you need this app! Essential If you do amateur astronomy, you need this app!

Cubby511astro
Aug 27, 2025

Astrospheric is the best Astro app there is period!! End of debate. The Best! Astrospheric is the best Astro app there is period!! End of debate.

Silver Collector
Jul 25, 2025

Its nice to have a great app to provide cloud overview - now all I need is clear skies! So thankful for this! Its nice to have a great app to provide cloud overview - now all I need is clear skies!

Yuckful yucks
Apr 21, 2025

This app has introduced me to so many useful tools. It’s my go-to app everyday to see what things will look like while I cross my fingers for ideal conditions for astrophotography. And the non-paid version isn’t intensely annoying with ads or anything, almost like the app makers care how it feels to use the app! What an idea! Wow, what an amazing app This app has introduced me to so many useful tools. It’s my go-to app everyday to see what things will look like while I cross my fingers for ideal conditions for astrophotography. And the non-paid version isn’t intensely annoying with ads or anything, almost like the app makers care how it feels to use the app! What an idea!

G4L4CTICNORTH
Jan 20, 2025

There may be better apps, but I don’t know what they would be because I never have a reason not to open this app. I open it all the time I even live in a very cloudy area, but I wanna know when of those clouds gonna pass and if you can get that little Crosshairs directly over your house, which is easier to do you’re gonna have reliable readings. It takes the data that is available to everybody and makes it tailored specifically for people who need to see through the atmosphere. Go To AstroPhoto App There may be better apps, but I don’t know what they would be because I never have a reason not to open this app. I open it all the time I even live in a very cloudy area, but I wanna know when of those clouds gonna pass and if you can get that little Crosshairs directly over your house, which is easier to do you’re gonna have reliable readings. It takes the data that is available to everybody and makes it tailored specifically for people who need to see through the atmosphere.

App Details

Developer

Daniel Fiordalis

Platform

ios

Rating

4.8

Last Updated

11/13/2025