Recreation.gov primarily functions as a booking site, offering a centralized platform for reserving campsites, obtaining permits, and purchasing tickets for a wide range of outdoor and cultural sites across the United States. It facilitates easy access to federal lands, including national parks, forests, and recreation areas, allowing users to secure their spot at campgrounds, book guided tours, and register for educational programs. The site streamlines the reservation process, making it convenient for users to plan their visits and adventures in advance, ensuring they have the necessary access and accommodations for their outdoor activities.

Astrospheric offers a website and mobile apps that provide weather forecasts specifically tailored for stargazers. You can access detailed information about cloud cover, transparency, and seeing conditions, all crucial factors for a successful night of observing the stars.

A sky map app is a powerful tool that helps you identify stars, constellations, planets, and other celestial bodies in real-time. Simply point your phone at the sky, and the app will overlay the names and information of what you’re looking at, creating a sort of 3D augmented reality experience. This makes it easy to explore and learn about the night sky, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced stargazer.

Dark Sky International is a valuable resource dedicated to protecting and preserving the night sky from light pollution. The organization is responsible for the prestigious Dark Sky certifications, which recognize locations that excel in minimizing light pollution and preserving natural night environments. Their website offers a comprehensive guide to dark sky places near you, making it easy to plan your next stargazing adventure. By using Dark Sky International’s resources, you can discover the best spots to enjoy a clear and dark night sky, away from city lights, and learn more about efforts to combat light pollution globally.

DarkSkyMap.com is an invaluable resource for stargazers and astronomers, providing a detailed dark sky map, also known as a light pollution map. This tool overlays light pollution data on your area, helping you identify the best dark sky locations nearby. The information is generally estimated from scientific data, making it a reliable guide for finding optimal stargazing spots away from city lights. Whether you’re planning a night of stargazing or simply looking for a clear view of the stars, DarkSkyMap.com is an excellent way to locate dark sky locations near you.

ClearDarkSky.com, created by Attilla Danko, provides an astronomer’s forecast. It shows at a glance when, in the next 96 hours, you might expect clear and dark skies for a specific observing site. The data comes from a forecast model developed by Allan Rahill of the Canadian Meteorological Center. The clear sky chart predicts hourly cloud cover, atmospheric transparency, and seeing conditions, which are crucial for planning whether to observe galaxies or planets.

ClearDarkSky.com also offers a light pollution map to help you find the best observing locations. If you find these forecasts useful, consider emailing Allan Rahill to support his work and show that his astronomy forecasts are being used. For more frequent updates and additional features, consider sponsoring a chart.

The Fire and Smoke Map is an essential tool for tracking wildfires and smoke in the air. This interactive map provides real-time information on the locations and extents of wildfires, as well as the distribution of smoke, helping you stay informed about air quality and potential hazards. Whether you’re planning outdoor activities or simply want to stay safe, the Fire and Smoke Map offers accurate, up-to-date data to help you make informed decisions. Stay aware of wildfire and smoke conditions in your area with this invaluable resource.