How we verify astronomy guidance

Source hierarchy

We prefer primary or institutional astronomy sources such as NASA, the International Meteor Organization and recognized astronomical datasets. Stable reference topics may support background definitions, but they do not replace an event record. The current source list and direct links are published in our source register.

Timing and uncertainty

Universal Time values are kept as source facts unless a page has a reviewed local conversion system. If a source does not provide a precise hour, we do not invent one. Pages encourage users to re-check official calendars before an event.

Quality checks

Review checks cover factual accuracy, information gain, content depth, practical usefulness and uniqueness. Low-value or duplicate drafts are not published. The score is an internal consistency check, not proof that every statement is correct, so citations and correction procedures remain necessary.

Forecast-tool calculation

The stargazing checker combines Open-Meteo forecast and air-quality fields, 7Timer ASTRO seeing data, and local twilight and Moon-phase calculations. City-page ratings use the strongest continuous three-hour combination of hourly cloud, surface visibility and humidity after astronomical dusk; the Moon, cloud layers, smoke risk, dew point and seeing are shown separately so one score is not mistaken for a complete sky model.

The top city summary and the first “Tonight” card use the same local observing date and the same three-hour window. Current cloud layers and surface readings are labeled as a separate snapshot. Local lamps, terrain, smoke and rapidly changing weather are not fully captured, and missing upstream data is not replaced with invented live values.