UmbraScope

UmbraScope – Dark Sky Toolkit

UmbraScope is a practical toolkit for astronomers, astrophotographers, and anyone searching for darker skies. Evaluate sky quality, estimate observing conditions, and keep track of your favorite stargazing locations with accurate, easy-to-use tools.

Whether you're planning a deep-sky observing session or comparing different observing sites, UmbraScope helps you make informed decisions using established astronomical measurements.

Features

Dark Sky Audit
Measure observing conditions by entering limiting magnitude and sky glow. Instantly calculate the corresponding Bortle Class and Sky Quality Meter (SQM) value based on standard dark-sky scales.

Bortle Class Guide
Explore every level of the Bortle Scale, from pristine wilderness skies to heavily light-polluted urban environments. Learn what celestial objects can realistically be observed under each class.

Weather & Stargazing Forecast
Search cities worldwide to check cloud cover and current stargazing conditions before heading out with your telescope or camera.

Observation Log
Save your sky quality measurements and build a personal map of observing locations. Track average SQM values and record your best dark-sky experiences.

Light Pollution Analysis
Calculate the Upward Light Output Ratio (ULOR) of outdoor lighting fixtures to better understand their contribution to artificial sky glow.

Designed for Astronomers
Bortle Scale calculator
Sky Quality Meter (SQM) estimation
Stargazing weather lookup
Cloud cover information
Observation location history
Dark sky logging
Light pollution analysis
Fast and intuitive interface

UmbraScope combines practical astronomy tools with dark-sky evaluation, helping observers choose better locations, document sky quality, and enjoy more productive nights under the stars.