Resources

Go deeper than any one app.

Stella is one tool. Here are the organizations, projects, and references we admire — places to contribute real science, help keep our skies dark, and never stop learning. Every link opens an official, independent site.

Contribute — citizen science

Your observations can become real research. These projects welcome volunteers of every level.

ZooniverseClassify galaxies, hunt planets, and more across dozens of real research projects.zooniverse.org NASA Citizen ScienceOfficial NASA projects you can join from home or your own backyard.science.nasa.gov Globe at NightMeasure light pollution from your sky and add to a worldwide map (NSF's NOIRLab).globeatnight.org AurorasaurusReport and track aurora sightings to improve real-time forecasts (NASA-funded).aurorasaurus.org AAVSOSubmit variable-star observations used by professional astronomers.aavso.org American Meteor SocietyReport fireballs and meteors to a network tracking them across the globe.amsmeteors.org NASA GLOBE ObserverLog clouds, eclipses, and more through NASA's citizen-science app.observer.globe.gov Exoplanet WatchHelp refine exoplanet measurements with NASA's observing community.exoplanets.nasa.gov

Protect dark skies

Darkness is a shared resource. Learn how it's measured, protected, and where to find it.

DarkSky InternationalThe global authority on light pollution and certified dark-sky places.darksky.org International Dark Sky PlacesThe official program certifying parks, reserves, and communities for their skies.darksky.org NPS Night SkiesHow U.S. national parks study and protect natural darkness.nps.gov

Learn & explore

Trusted education and reference from the agencies and institutions that study the sky.

NASA ScienceMission news, images, and clear explainers from NASA.science.nasa.gov ESAEurope's space agency: missions, science, and education.esa.int The Planetary SocietySpace education and advocacy, co-founded by Carl Sagan.planetary.org Astronomy Picture of the DayA new astronomy image with an expert explanation, daily since 1995.apod.nasa.gov Sky & TelescopeObserving guides, sky-event news, and what's up this week.skyandtelescope.org In-The-Sky.orgA detailed almanac of what's visible from anywhere on Earth.in-the-sky.org IAU Astronomy for EducationThe International Astronomical Union's hub for teaching astronomy.astro4edu.org

Find clubs & events

The fastest way to learn the sky is with people who already know it. Find your community.

NASA Night Sky NetworkFind astronomy clubs and free public stargazing events near you (US).nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov Astronomical LeagueA federation of US astronomy clubs with structured observing programs.astroleague.org Royal Astronomical SocietyThe UK's society for astronomy and geophysics, with public events.ras.ac.uk

Tools & live data

Free, authoritative tools that complement Stella for planning and reference.

Stellarium WebA free, open-source planetarium that runs in your browser.stellarium-web.org Heavens-AbovePredict ISS and satellite passes for your exact location.heavens-above.com NOAA Space WeatherOfficial aurora and space-weather forecasts.swpc.noaa.gov Time and Date — AstronomySun, Moon, eclipse, and planet calculators for any city.timeanddate.com

Next steps

Use the sources, then plan the night.

Stella keeps the reference layer connected to the real planning surfaces people use next.

Dark-sky mapFind protected places

Browse parks, reserves, communities, observatories, and planetariums by darkness and region.

Open routeEclipse travelCompare eclipse paths

Use the 2024-2035 catalog to pair path timing with nearby dark-sky stays.

Open routeStargazing staysSleep near the sky

Explore observatory hotels, aurora lodges, astrofarms, and dark-sky resorts.

Open routeTonight guideKnow what to look for

Start with the practical guide, then use Stella for the exact window where you are.

Open route

Listed for education and outreach. Stella is not affiliated with these organizations, and inclusion isn’t an endorsement either way. Found a great resource we missed? Tell us at contact.