About
Deep-Sky Planner (currently version 9) is a comprehensive astronomy observation planning and logging application exclusively for Windows, developed by Knightware. With a heritage spanning over three decades, it has earned awards including Sky & Telescope's 2014 Hot Product and Astronomy's 2013 Star Product. The software provides astronomers with everything they need for productive observing sessions: a massive database of 1.6+ million celestial objects (deep-sky objects, stars, planets, comets, and asteroids), interactive star charts, real-time telescope control, and a fully featured observing log. The observing log supports the OpenAstronomyLog open standard, enabling seamless data exchange with other astronomy apps like SkySafari and Starry Night. Version 9 introduced major improvements including support for 4K+ monitors, light and dark UI themes, faster DSS image processing (including color DSS images), expanded image file attachments for observations, and improved orbital elements management with direct downloads from MPC and NASA/JPL SSD. Users can browse and download shared observing plans and equipment lists from the online community. Deep-Sky Planner is widely praised for its clean, intuitive user interface, making it suitable for beginners and advanced amateurs alike. It supports Windows 10 and 11, and is available with a free Trial Edition for those who want to evaluate it before purchasing.
Key Features
- 1.6+ Million Object Database: Access an extensive catalog of deep-sky objects, variable and binary stars, carbon stars, planets, comets, and asteroids for comprehensive session planning.
- Full-Featured Observing Log: Record detailed observations with image attachments, and export data using the OpenAstronomyLog standard for compatibility with SkySafari, Starry Night, and other apps.
- Telescope Control: Control your telescope directly from the software to slew to and track celestial objects without leaving the planning interface.
- Interactive Star Charts: View dynamically generated star charts to identify objects, plan observing routes, and visualize the night sky for any date, time, and location.
- Online Community & Resources: Browse, download, and share observing plans and equipment lists with a global community of Deep-Sky Planner users.
Use Cases
- Planning a night of deep-sky observing by identifying visible objects for a specific date, time, and location and building a prioritized target list.
- Logging detailed observations with notes, sketches, and attached images to build a personal observing history over time.
- Controlling a GoTo telescope to automatically point at celestial objects selected within the planning interface.
- Tracking progress on observing programs (e.g., Messier, Herschel 400) by recording which objects have been observed and under what conditions.
- Preparing for astrophotography sessions by identifying optimal imaging windows for specific deep-sky targets based on altitude and sky conditions.
Pros
- Highly Praised User Interface: Consistently recognized for its intuitive, clean UI with support for 4K monitors, light/dark themes, and ease of use both indoors and in the field.
- Comprehensive All-in-One Tool: Combines observation planning, star charting, telescope control, and logging in a single application, eliminating the need for multiple tools.
- Open Standard Data Exchange: Supports the OpenAstronomyLog standard so your observing records are portable and compatible with other popular astronomy software.
- Long-Established & Award-Winning: Backed by 30+ years of development and recognized with multiple industry awards, ensuring reliability and continuous improvement.
Cons
- Windows Only: The application is exclusively available for Windows 10 and 11, with no macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android support.
- Paid License Required: Full access requires purchasing a license; while a Trial Edition is available, the full feature set is locked behind payment.
- Desktop-Only Workflow: As a desktop application, it lacks a web or mobile companion app, which may limit convenience for real-time use in the field on tablets or phones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What operating systems does Deep-Sky Planner support?
Deep-Sky Planner 9 supports Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is a desktop application and does not currently have macOS, Linux, or mobile versions.
Is there a free version or trial available?
Yes. A Trial Edition of Deep-Sky Planner 9 is available as a free digital download so you can evaluate the software before purchasing a full license.
Can I share my observing logs with other astronomy apps?
Yes. Deep-Sky Planner uses the OpenAstronomyLog open standard, allowing you to exchange observing logs with compatible apps such as SkySafari and Starry Night.
How large is the object database in Deep-Sky Planner 9?
The database in version 9 has been expanded to over 1.6 million objects, including deep-sky objects, carbon stars, variable stars, binary stars, planets, comets, and asteroids.
Does Deep-Sky Planner support telescope control?
Yes. Deep-Sky Planner includes telescope control functionality, allowing you to slew and track celestial objects directly from the application.
