The Sky Watch map shows areas where sky viewing conditions will be the most/least favorable for the current day. Skygazing is the practice of observing the sky. It is usually done for leisure, out of basic astronomical interest. It includes those amateur astronomy observations done generally with the naked eye or with basic optical aids. When approached with a practical stance, skygazing quickly reveals the magnificence of celestial objects. Simple naked-eye observation of the sky can reveal a great deal about the basics of astronomy and a better understanding of the cosmos, and can be extended by using powerful instruments to study deep space.

The sky is the part of the atmosphere or of outer space visible from the surface of any astronomical object. During daylight the sky of Earth has the appearance of a deep blue surface, as the result of the air's scattering of sunlight. The sky is sometimes defined as the denser gaseous zone of a planet's atmosphere. At night the sky has the appearance of a black surface or region scattered with stars.

During the day the Sun can be seen in the sky, unless covered by clouds. In the night sky (and to some extent during the day) the moon, planets and stars are visible in the sky. Some of the natural phenomena seen in the sky are clouds, rainbows, and aurorae. Lightning and precipitation can also be seen in the sky during storms. On Earth, birds, insects, aircraft, and kites are often considered to fly in the sky. As a result of human activities, smog during the day and light radiance during the night are often seen above large cities (also known as light pollution) which affect the Viewing Conditions.

In the field of astronomy, the sky is also called the celestial sphere. This is an imaginary dome where the sun, stars, planets, and the moon are seen to be travelling. The celestial sphere is divided into regions called constellations.