A Stargazer's Essential: The Astroweather Toolkit
Astroweather offers specialized weather forecasts tailored for astronomical observation. This invaluable tool leverages data from 7timer.org, integrating astronomical weather predictions with precise sunset/sunrise and moonrise/moonset times.
The core meteorological forecasts are primarily derived from the NOAA/NCEP Global Forecast System (GFS) numerical weather model.
7Timer! itself originated in July 2005 as a research project supported by the National Astronomical Observatories of China, undergoing significant upgrades in 2008 and 2011. Currently, it receives support from the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Its creation stemmed from the founder's personal frustration with unpredictable weather impacting stargazing.
Astroweather further enhances the experience by providing:
- Forecasts for astronomical events.
- Light pollution maps and satellite imagery.
- Rise and set times for stars, planets, moons, and satellites.
- An active astronomy forum.