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AstroStyling["skystyle"]

specifies the style to render the sky in an AstroGraphics map.

AstroStyling[{"skystyle","param1"val1,"param2"val2,…}]

modifies the default parameter values of "skystyle" as given by the "parami"vali pairs.

Details
Details and Options Details and Options
Examples  
Basic Examples  
Scope  
Styles for Labels of Astronomical Objects  
Styles for Stars  
Styles for Extrasolar Objects  
Styles for Constellations  
Styles for Reference Planes  
Style Parameters Used to Suppress Objects  
Neat Examples  
See Also
Related Guides
History
Cite this Page

AstroStyling

AstroStyling["skystyle"]

specifies the style to render the sky in an AstroGraphics map.

AstroStyling[{"skystyle","param1"val1,"param2"val2,…}]

modifies the default parameter values of "skystyle" as given by the "parami"vali pairs.

Details

  • AstroStyling[…] specifications are used as values of the AstroBackground option of AstroGraphics.
  • Possible forms for "skystyle" include:
  • Automaticuse default styling
    Noneuse no explicit styling
    "BlackSky"show stars, planets and other astronomical objects on a black background
    "GalacticSky"show astronomical objects over an image of the Milky Way
    "WhiteSky"show astronomical objects on a white background
  • Stars are displayed as points with sizes determined by their apparent magnitude and colors representing their temperature. The parameter "StarLabelStyle" specifies a style for their label.
  • Galaxies are displayed as oriented ellipses, with style given by the parameter "GalaxyStyle". The parameter "GalaxyLabelStyle" specifies a style for their label.
  • Open star clusters are displayed as dotted circles, with style given by the parameter "OpenClusterStyle". The parameter "OpenClusterLabelStyle" specifies a style for their label.
  • Globular star clusters are displayed as circles with an inner cross, with style given by the parameter "GlobularClusterStyle". The parameter "GlobularClusterLabelStyle" specifies a style for their label.
  • Diffuse nebulas are displayed as squares, with style given by the parameter "DiffuseNebulaStyle". The parameter "DiffuseNebulaLabelStyle" specifies a style for their label.
  • Planetary nebulas are displayed as circles with an outer cross, and with style given by the parameter "PlanetaryNebulaStyle". The parameter "PlanetaryNebulaLabelStyle" specifies a style for their label.
  • Possible parameters modifying the display of star constellations include:
  • "ShowConstellationBoundaries"Truewhether to show constellation boundary lines
    "ShowConstellationIllustrations"Falsewhether to show artistic renderings of constellations
    "ShowConstellationLines"Truewhether to show constellation stick lines
    "ShowConstellationNames"Truewhether to show names of constellations
    "ShowConstellations"Automaticwhether to show constellations, or which ones
  • Parameters controlling the styling of the different parts of a constellation include:
  • "ConstellationBoundaryStyle"style of the boundary lines
    "ConstellationIllustrationStyle"style of the illustration polygons
    "ConstellationLineStyle"style of the constellation stick lines
    "ConstellationNameStyle"style of the constellation text names
    "ConstellationRegionStyle"style of the constellation background polygon
  • Parameters controlling the styling of the different reference planes include:
  • "EclipticStyle"style of the ecliptic plane
    "EquatorStyle"style of the equatorial plane
    "GalacticStyle"style of the galactic plane
    "HorizonStyle"style of the horizon plane
    "ShowMainPlanes"whether to display main reference planes
  • Parameters controlling the styling of stars include:
  • "ShowStarTooltips"whether to show star tooltips
    "StarLabelStyle"style of the star labels
  • Additional styling parameters include:
  • "HideObjects"which objects to hide
    "ShowExtrasolarObjects"whether to show stars, star clusters, nebulas and galaxies
    "ShowSolarSystemObjects"whether to display solar system objects

Examples

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Basic Examples  (3)

Activate the display of constellation illustrations, with default parameters:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["Constellation", "UrsaMajor"], AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ShowConstellationIllustrations" -> True}]]

Display the sky with the equatorial plane shown in magenta:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "EquatorStyle" -> StandardMagenta}]]

Change the style used to draw galaxies:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["Galaxy", "M51"], AstroRange -> Quantity[.5, "AngularDegrees"], AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"DarkSky", "GalaxyStyle" -> Directive[AbsoluteDashing[{2, 2}], Thickness[.005], StandardYellow]}]]

Scope  (33)

Styles for Labels of Astronomical Objects  (6)

Specify the color for star labels:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["Star", "Rigel"], AstroReferenceFrame -> {"Ecliptic", DateObject[{2025, 3, 6, 10, 0, 0}]}, AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"DarkSky", "StarLabelStyle" -> StandardPink}]]

Display the sky with the galaxy names shown in magenta:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[{Entity["Galaxy", "M87"]}, AstroRange -> Quantity[2, "AngularDegrees"], AstroReferenceFrame -> "ICRS", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "GalaxyLabelStyle" -> StandardMagenta}]]

Display the sky with the open star cluster names shown in magenta:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[{Entity["Constellation", "Cygnus"]}, AstroReferenceFrame -> "ICRS", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "OpenClusterLabelStyle" -> StandardMagenta}]]

Display the sky with the globular cluster names shown in magenta:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[{Entity["Constellation", "Sagittarius"]}, AstroRange -> Quantity[15, "AngularDegrees"], AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "GlobularClusterLabelStyle" -> StandardMagenta}]]

Display the sky with the diffuse nebula names shown in magenta:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[{Entity["Constellation", "Scorpius"]}, AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "DiffuseNebulaLabelStyle" -> StandardMagenta}]]

Display the sky with the planetary nebula names shown in magenta:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[{Entity["Constellation", "Scorpius"]}, AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "PlanetaryNebulaLabelStyle" -> StandardMagenta}]]

Styles for Stars  (3)

Display the sky using tooltips when you hover over stars:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[AstroReferenceFrame -> {"Equatorial", Here}, AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ShowStarTooltips" -> True}]]

Display the sky with the star names shown in magenta:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[AstroReferenceFrame -> {"Equatorial", Here}, AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "StarLabelStyle" -> StandardMagenta}]]

Show only stars with magnitude below 1:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ShowStarMaxMagnitude" -> 1}]]

Show stars brighter than magnitude 6.5, corresponding to the limit of naked eye visibility in dark skies:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ShowStarMaxMagnitude" -> 6.5}]]

Styles for Extrasolar Objects  (5)

Specify the style for galaxies:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["Galaxy", "M31"], AstroRange -> Quantity[2, "AngularDegrees"], AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"DarkSky", "GalaxyStyle" -> Directive[AbsoluteDashing[{2, 2}], Thickness[.005], StandardYellow]}]]

Specify the style for open star clusters:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["Star", "EtaPersei"], AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"DarkSky", "OpenClusterStyle" -> StandardBlue}]]

Specify the style for globular star clusters:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["StarCluster", "M13"], AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"DarkSky", "GlobularClusterStyle" -> StandardOrange}]]

Specify the style for diffuse nebulas:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["Nebula", "M42"], AstroRange -> Quantity[10, "AngularDegrees"], AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"DarkSky", "DiffuseNebulaStyle" -> StandardMagenta}]]

Specify the style for planetary nebulas:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["Nebula", "M57"], AstroRange -> Quantity[.15, "AngularDegrees"], AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"DarkSky", "PlanetaryNebulaStyle" -> Directive[Dashed, Thick, StandardBlue]}]]

Styles for Constellations  (11)

Turn on all constellation lines and boundaries:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ShowConstellations" -> True}]]

Turn on specific constellation lines and boundaries:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ShowConstellations" -> {Entity["Constellation", "UrsaMajor"], Entity["Constellation", "UrsaMinor"]}}]]

Activate the display of constellation illustrations, with default parameters:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["Constellation", "Lepus"], AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ShowConstellationIllustrations" -> True}]]

Turn off the constellation boundary lines:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["Constellation", "Lepus"], AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ShowConstellationBoundaries" -> False}]]

Turn off the constellation stick lines:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["Constellation", "Lepus"], AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ShowConstellationLines" -> False}]]

Turn off the constellation names:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["Constellation", "Lepus"], AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ShowConstellationNames" -> False}]]

Change the style for constellation boundaries:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["Constellation", "Lepus"], AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ConstellationBoundaryStyle" -> StandardRed}]]

Change the style for constellation illustrations:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["Constellation", "Lepus"], AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ShowConstellationIllustrations" -> True, "ConstellationIllustrationStyle" -> Directive[StandardRed, Opacity[.25]]}]]

Use a different style for the constellation stick lines:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["Constellation", "Lepus"], AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ConstellationLineStyle" -> StandardBlue}]]

By default, constellations are shown in maps with astro zoom level 2.5 or larger:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[]
Wolfram Language code: Options[%, AstroZoomLevel]

Decrease the minimum zoom for which constellations are shown:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ShowConstellationMinZoom" -> 1}]]

Use a different style for the constellation names:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["Constellation", "Lepus"], AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ConstellationNameStyle" -> StandardRed}]]

Use a different style for the constellation region:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["Constellation", "Lepus"], AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ShowConstellationRegions" -> True, "ShowConstellations" -> {Entity["Constellation", "Lepus"]}, "ConstellationRegionStyle" -> Yellow}]]

Styles for Reference Planes  (5)

Display the sky without any reference planes shown:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ShowMainPlanes" -> False}]]

Display the sky with the equatorial plane shown in magenta:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[AstroReferenceFrame -> {"Equatorial", Here}, AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "EquatorStyle" -> StandardMagenta}]]

Display the sky with the ecliptic plane shown in magenta:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[AstroReferenceFrame -> {"Equatorial", Here}, AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "EclipticStyle" -> StandardMagenta}]]

Display the sky with the galactic plane shown in magenta:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[AstroReferenceFrame -> {"Equatorial", Here}, AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "GalacticStyle" -> StandardMagenta}]]

Display the sky with the horizon plane shown in magenta:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[AstroReferenceFrame -> {"Ecliptic", Here}, AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "HorizonStyle" -> Magenta, "ShowSolarSystemObjects" -> False}]]

Style Parameters Used to Suppress Objects  (3)

In some astro reference frames, nearby objects can appear very large in the sky:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[AstroReferenceFrame -> "Galactic", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky"}]]

Use "HideObjects" to suppress specific objects:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[AstroReferenceFrame -> "Galactic", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "HideObjects" -> {Entity["Star", "Sun"]}}]]

By default, the planets, Sun and Moon are all included:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky"}]]

Use "ShowSolarSystemObjects" to suppress the solar system objects:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[AstroReferenceFrame -> "Equatorial", AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ShowSolarSystemObjects" -> False}]]

By default, deep sky objects are included when the astro range is small enough:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[{Entity["Galaxy", "M87"]}, AstroReferenceFrame -> "Ecliptic", AstroRange -> Quantity[2, "AngularDegrees"]]

Use "ShowExtrasolarObjects" to suppress them:

Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[{Entity["Galaxy", "M87"]}, AstroReferenceFrame -> "Ecliptic", AstroRange -> Quantity[2, "AngularDegrees"], AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"BlackSky", "ShowExtrasolarObjects" -> False}]]

Neat Examples  (1)

Specify a combination of styling directives for a constellation:

Wolfram Language code: style = { "ShowConstellationIllustrations" -> True, "ShowConstellationRegions" -> True, "ConstellationRegionStyle" -> Darker[Blue, .2], "ConstellationLineStyle" -> Opacity[0.6, LightBlue], "ShowConstellationBoundaries" -> True, "ConstellationBoundaryStyle" -> Directive[Dashing[{0, Tiny}], Yellow], "ConstellationNameStyle" -> GrayLevel[0.7], "HideObjects" -> Automatic };
Wolfram Language code: AstroGraphics[Entity["Constellation", "Scorpius"], AstroBackground -> AstroStyling[{"GalacticSky", "ShowConstellations" -> {Entity["Constellation", "Scorpius"]}, style}], AstroReferenceFrame -> "J2000"]
Wolfram Research (2022), AstroStyling, Wolfram Language function, https://reference.wolfram.com/language/ref/AstroStyling.html.

Text

Wolfram Research (2022), AstroStyling, Wolfram Language function, https://reference.wolfram.com/language/ref/AstroStyling.html.

CMS

Wolfram Language. 2022. "AstroStyling." Wolfram Language & System Documentation Center. Wolfram Research. https://reference.wolfram.com/language/ref/AstroStyling.html.

APA

Wolfram Language. (2022). AstroStyling. Wolfram Language & System Documentation Center. Retrieved from https://reference.wolfram.com/language/ref/AstroStyling.html

BibTeX

@misc{reference.wolfram_2026_astrostyling, author="Wolfram Research", title="{AstroStyling}", year="2022", howpublished="\url{https://reference.wolfram.com/language/ref/AstroStyling.html}", note=[Accessed: 12-June-2026]}

BibLaTeX

@online{reference.wolfram_2026_astrostyling, organization={Wolfram Research}, title={AstroStyling}, year={2022}, url={https://reference.wolfram.com/language/ref/AstroStyling.html}, note=[Accessed: 12-June-2026]}