SOURCES
Sources we use
Starry Forecast separates search-intent evidence from factual source records. Search demand can suggest a topic, but factual claims must come from reviewed astronomy or forecast data sources.
Review dates are recorded per source. The IMO 2026 shower dates were rechecked on ; this is not a fresh verification of every source listed below.
Astronomy sources
- NASA Science: SkywatchingGeneral observing guidance and current skywatching context.
- NASA Science: Meteors and Meteorites FactsMeteor terminology, causes and observing background.
- International Meteor Organization: 2026 Meteor Shower CalendarPDF access and published 2026 shower dates rechecked October 22, 2026. Page-level notes retain differences between sources; exact model times and ZHR are not reintroduced.Source checked:
- NASA Earth Observatory: Observing Changes in Nighttime LightsBackground on artificial light at night and skyglow context; link checked October 3, 2026.
Forecast and tool data
- Open-Meteo Forecast API documentationCloud cover, humidity, surface visibility, sunrise and sunset forecast fields.
- Open-Meteo Air Quality API documentationPM2.5 and aerosol optical depth fields used for the smoke and haze planning indicator.
- Open-Meteo Geocoding API documentationCity-name lookup used before requesting a location forecast.
- 7Timer ASTRO documentationAstronomical seeing model used on city forecast pages when the upstream field is available.
- Starry Forecast calculation methodologyLocal twilight, lunar phase, score inputs and important limitations.
Aurora and geomagnetic activity
Aurora sources and interface formats checked October 8, 2026. The live tool separately shows NOAA observation and forecast times; this review date does not mean a live forecast remains valid.
- NOAA SWPC Aurora 30-Minute ForecastShort-term OVATION model, nominally 30–90 minutes ahead; not an all-night visibility guarantee.
- NOAA OVATION JSONOne-degree global model grid, observation time and forecast time; processed by our server, not downloaded by the browser.
- NOAA Planetary K-index ForecastGlobal geomagnetic activity with separately labelled observed, estimated and predicted values.
- NOAA Aurora for Tonight and Tomorrow Night (Experimental)North American longer-range product documentation; not used as a global city probability map.
Page-level citations
Event and guide pages list the records used for that specific topic. A source appearing here does not mean it supports every claim on the site; readers should use the citations attached to the relevant page.
Important limits
Forecasts and astronomical calculations help planning, but local lights, blocked horizons, smoke, haze, clouds and safety conditions can override any score.