Light Pollution Map - Dark Sky icon
Light Pollution Map - Dark Sky: Comprehensive Astronomy Companion App Review

by Dunbar Technology, LLC

4.9
IOSWeather
Light Pollution Map - Dark Sky enables astronomers and photographers to locate optimal stargazing locations while providing comprehensive celestial event tracking. The app combines pollution mapping with real-time astronomical data for serious night sky enthusiasts.

Detailed Review

Light Pollution Map - Dark Sky positions itself as an essential tool for astronomy enthusiasts and night sky photographers seeking to escape light-polluted areas. Developed by Dunbar Technology, LLC, this iOS application goes beyond basic light pollution mapping to offer a comprehensive suite of astronomical tracking features, making it a multifaceted companion for celestial observation. The application's core functionality centers on its detailed light pollution overlay, which utilizes scientific data to identify dark sky locations optimal for stargazing and astrophotography. Beyond this primary feature, the app incorporates real-time aurora borealis tracking, meteor shower alerts with timing predictions, lunar phase monitoring with eclipse notifications, and an International Space Station tracker with visibility forecasts. These features are supported by magnetic field data and astronomical calculations that provide users with precise timing information for celestial events. User experience has evolved significantly through recent updates, with a redesigned interface that improves navigation between the various astronomical tools. The map interface remains central to the experience, allowing users to pan and zoom across global light pollution data while accessing layered information about celestial events. Real-world usage patterns show photographers using the app to plan shooting locations days in advance, while amateur astronomers employ the alert system to schedule observation sessions during meteor showers or auroral activity. User feedback indicates a positive reception to recent stability improvements, with reviewer Dragontech97 noting on March 16, 2025 that previous crashing issues related to location permissions have been resolved through UI overhaul and updates. This reflects the developer's responsiveness to technical issues that initially affected the app's reliability. The consistently high 4.85 rating suggests most users find the comprehensive feature set outweighs any remaining minor interface quirks. The application's primary strength lies in its consolidation of multiple astronomical tools into a single platform, though some users might find the interface initially overwhelming due to the density of features. While the light pollution mapping provides exceptional value for location scouting, the additional celestial tracking features make this particularly valuable for serious astronomy enthusiasts who require integrated planning tools rather than casual stargazers seeking basic information.

Key Features

  • Global light pollution overlay mapping using scientific data to identify optimal dark sky locations for astronomical observation and photography
  • Real-time aurora borealis tracking with magnetic field data and visibility forecasts for northern lights enthusiasts and photographers
  • Comprehensive meteor shower alerts with peak timing predictions and radiant point information for astronomical event planning
  • Lunar phase tracker with super moon and eclipse notifications including timing and visibility conditions worldwide
  • International Space Station pass predictions with visibility times and trajectory mapping for satellite observation
  • Celestial event calendar integrating all astronomical phenomena with customizable alerts for planning observation sessions

Why Users Love It

Comprehensive astronomical feature set
Accurate pollution mapping data

Perfect for: Astronomy enthusiasts, astrophotographers, and serious stargazers seeking dark sky locations

Screenshots

Light Pollution Map - Dark Sky screenshot 1Light Pollution Map - Dark Sky screenshot 2Light Pollution Map - Dark Sky screenshot 3Light Pollution Map - Dark Sky screenshot 4Light Pollution Map - Dark Sky screenshot 5

User Reviews

Dragontech97
Mar 17, 2025

Used to crash a lot when location permissions were on for this app. Disabling it fixed it. Now with the UI overhaul, the crashes have been addressed, it is safe to turn back on. Kudos to the developer for fixing the issue!! New 2025 update fixes crashing Used to crash a lot when location permissions were on for this app. Disabling it fixed it. Now with the UI overhaul, the crashes have been addressed, it is safe to turn back on. Kudos to the developer for fixing the issue!!

App Details

Developer

Dunbar Technology, LLC

Platform

ios

Rating

4.9

Last Updated

9/7/2025