NightCal for Windows

Name: NightCal
Rating: 2.8 (6 reviews)
Author: NightCal

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Used NightCal for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffFebruary 26, 2026

NightCal generates a printable monthly calendar for astronomical observation. It displays sunset, moonrise/set times, moon phase visuals, and planetary data.

Top Recommended Alternative

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Free

Pros
- Provides daily darkness, moonrise, and moonset times.
- Includes moon phase visuals for observation.
- Offers inferior planet elongation data.
- Generates quick planetary conjunction reminders.
- Output suitable for print or web.
Cons
- Installation issues on Vista and later XP versions.
- Executable file may be moved by the OS.
- Desktop shortcut may require manual fixing.

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: November 10, 2006

Latest update: February 26, 2026

Version: 0.7.2.4

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 98
Windows ME
Windows Vista
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows 10

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 9,188

Downloads Last Week: 0

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User Reviews

2.8/5

6 User Votes

Interesting Program that Needs Work
M4RiEJanuary 28, 2010
Pros
The pleasing moon-phase graphics and details are user-friendly.
Cons
The .exe file had to be manually located. No Help file or Legend. Doesn't seem to recognize e.g. Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5), even after entering its location's latitude and longitude. Calendar doesn't fit its window and is unable to be resized.
Summary
Basic calendar functions such as notes, alarm setting or event planning would be popular. Found and moved the executable file from My Documents to its folder, then sent a shortcut to the desktop. Another shortcut can be copied (moved) from there to your preferred location, such as the quick start menu, then you have the option of deleting the desktop shortcut. I'll hang onto this program to see if any updates become available, but until I work with the settings to find the ones that accurately reflect my location, this won't be used.
No executable file after installation
MonrabanaDecember 6, 2008
Pros
It has the potential to provide useful information
Cons
It has to be reinstalled everytime I want to run it
Summary
I installed the program using Windows XP SP2 and checked the run now box and it worked. A few days later I tried to run it again but there was no executable file.. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling but no go... Updated on Dec 6, 2008The missing files were found in "My Documents" folder. Transferring them to the default folder solved the problem. Editing the shortcut should also work.
The programm is ok but the installation doesn't work
gruenrockNovember 16, 2008
Pros
I don't like
Cons
The self-installation doesn't work. There is no running file "nightcal.exe" in the program-folder after running the NCalsetup072c.exe! Result: no installation under WindowsXP
Summary
It's pretty good
beckyaroySeptember 3, 2008
Pros
It shows the phases of the moon, as well as when it rises and sets.
Cons
You can't just display the phases of the moon, and it takes up the entire space for the day making it impractical for use as a regular calendar
Summary
It's ok, but I'm definitely looking for something a little better.
GET it now!!!
Mark1962June 25, 2007
Pros
VERY useful for ALL Lunar observers.
Cons
Summary
great
maya_aryanJanuary 27, 2006
Pros
it helps vr much
Cons
Summary

Developer’s Description

By NightCal

Observe and track movements of the Moon, Sun and inferior planets.

NightCal is a tool for basic observation session planning. It produces a single A4 sheet monthly calendar telling the user when it gets dark, when the Moon rises and sets and what the Moon should look like when it does make an appearance. It also provides data on the elongation of the inferior planets and quick aide memories for planetary conjunctions. The output is designed to be printed so that you can stick it on your notice board at home or at work or saved as a graphics file for inclusion in newsletters or publishing on the Web.

There is a known problem with installing Nightcal on Vista and later versions of XP. When installing NightCal on the Microsoft Vista and later versions of XP Pro NightCal will appear to install perfectly. However, for some bizarre reason known only to Microsoft, Vista and later versions of XP Pro sometimes then move the executable file (Nightcal.exe) and other associate files from the Nightcal folder to the user's document folder. Don't ask me why. Because Nightcal is a standalone executable it should still run, but the desktop shortcut will now be pointing to the wrong folder. There are two ways to fix this: 1. Re-instate the desktop icon, deleting the original shortcut then replace it with a new shortcut to the new location of NightCal. 2. Manually move the relevant files back into the NightCal folder, where they should now stay.

NightCal for Windows

Editors’ Review

Top Recommended Alternative

Elsa's Math Adventures

Pros

Cons