Planning tool · Free
Sun, Moon & Milky Way Planner
See where the sun, moon and Milky Way are on the map for any date and time. Plan your composition, light and shadows in advance.
Save your favourite spots and find the dates when the sun or moon lines up just right. Available with a subscription.
Calculated for a flat, unobstructed horizon. Mountains, buildings and trees can shift or block the rise and set. Times in the local time of the chosen location.
Sources: sun and moon positions via the NOAA algorithm and SunCalc (open algorithms, client-side, no external API). Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) and Bright Sky (source: DWD). Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors, aerial imagery PDOK/Kadaster. Address search: Geoapify.
Sun, Moon & Milky Way Planner: how it works
The Sun, Moon and Milky Way Planner shows you on the map exactly where the sun, moon and Milky Way are positioned for any date and time you choose. Use it when you want to know whether the sun will hit that cliff face during golden hour, or whether the moon will wash out your night sky. Plan your composition and light at home, so you can get straight to shooting when you arrive.
How the planner calculates positions
The tool combines astronomical data with an interactive map. Pick a location, date and time, and it calculates the azimuth and altitude of the sun, moon and Milky Way at that moment. You can see at a glance whether the sun will be behind your subject during the Golden Hour, or whether the moon will be low enough to act as a natural fill light.
For night photography, the Milky Way layer is especially useful. The galactic core is only well visible for a few months each year, and its direction varies by location. Checking the planner before you head out tells you whether the core clears the horizon and which way to point your lens.
Planning your composition with the map view
The map view sets this tool apart from apps that only give you angles and numbers in a table. You see the sun or moon direction laid directly over the landscape you are scouting, which makes it much easier to decide where to stand and how to frame your shot.
If you are still looking for the right spot, combine this with the photo location data for your area. Once you have found a promising location, switch to the planner to check whether the light falls the way you need it, then go shoot.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check whether the moon will be too bright for Milky Way photography on a given night?
Enter the date, time and location, then look at the moon's altitude and phase. A full moon high in the sky will overpower the Milky Way; aim for nights when the moon is below the horizon or only a thin crescent.
Can I plan Milky Way shoots months in advance with this tool?
Yes. You can enter any future date and time, so planning an expedition around optimal Milky Way conditions is straightforward. The core is typically best visible from roughly March to October in the Northern Hemisphere, but the exact window depends on your latitude.
Does the sun position account for local terrain or just open sky?
The planner calculates the astronomical position of the sun relative to your chosen location, without modelling local terrain like hills or buildings. Check the angle it gives you, then compare that with your knowledge of the site to judge whether anything will block the light.