Weather forecast
Astronomy weather forecast for stargazing
Clear skies are only part of a good observing night. Ouranos shows the atmospheric conditions that affect what you see through the eyepiece: cloud cover, seeing, wind, temperature and humidity.
What the forecast shows
Ouranos combines several factors into an observation view, so you can compare nights at a glance instead of checking separate weather pages.
- Cloud cover, with clear skies and minimal obstruction
- Seeing, the atmospheric stability that affects how sharp views look
- Wind speed, to find calm conditions that limit telescope vibration
- Temperature stability, to reduce equipment issues
- Temperature, humidity, and dew point for multi-day planning
- Moon phase, to find new moon periods for darker skies
Choose your weather model
Ouranos offers forecasts from several weather models, including ECMWF, GFS and ICON, along with regional models. Expert mode shows advanced data by altitude and pressure level for a closer look at the atmosphere.
- Multiple weather models from different meteorological services
- Expert mode with data by altitude and pressure level
Pick the best time slot
Session planning uses weather, moon phase and object visibility to suggest time windows for your observing session. The astronomy calendar lists moon phases, meteor showers and planetary alignments so you can plan around them.
Questions
Which weather models does Ouranos use?
Ouranos uses several global and regional models, including ECMWF, GFS, ICON, GEM, Météo-France, UK Met Office, CMA and BOM. You can choose your preferred model.
Can I check the forecast for any location?
Yes. You can search and forecast for any location in the world.
Is a forecast a guarantee of clear skies?
No. Forecasts are estimates and weather models update over time, so check the forecast again before you leave.