Light Pollution Map 2026
Use this light pollution map for dark sky finder and see how bright the night sky is where you live or where you’re heading in 2026.
Can I see the Milky Way from Earth tonight?
Check live conditions for your location
Moon Phase
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Moon brightness and whether it is up during dark hours. A bright moon washes out the Milky Way.
Cloud Cover
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Average cloud cover from sunset to sunrise. Clearer skies give a sharper view of the Milky Way.
Light Pollution
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Sky brightness at your location on the Bortle scale (1 = darkest, 9 = inner city). Darker skies reveal more stars.
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Peak quality: -
Peak quality prioritizes solar darkness and Milky Way core angle. Clouds and moon still affect the score, but with lighter weight.
Sunset
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Sunrise
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Sunset and sunrise at your location.
Peak core: -
Peak core is the time when the Milky Way core reaches its highest angle above your horizon.
Direction: —
Compass direction toward the galactic core from your location.
Now
Opens
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When the galactic core rises high enough in the sky to see clearly.
Peak
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Best time to view or photograph the Milky Way core.
Sets
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When the galactic core drops below the horizon for the night.