Baltimore Stargazing & Astronomy Report

Key Sky Quality Metrics

SQM (mag/arcsec²)

16.89

Bortle class

Class 9 (Class 9)

Darkness Quotient

15%

Dataset

April 2026

Inner city sky

Baltimore: The Practical Verdict

Baltimore, situated in Maryland, is a major city heavily impacted by extreme light pollution. The sky here is classed as Bortle 9, with the Milky Way completely hidden from view.

The best targets are those that shine the brightest, like the Moon, planets, and certain double stars. Observing deep-sky objects or meteor showers is largely fruitless due to the overpowering urban glow. Narrowband imaging may be attempted, but broadband imaging struggles with significant sky gradients.

For significantly better conditions, Green Hill Village, Maryland, about 135 km south-east, offers Bortle 4 skies. This nearby site is well-suited for those seeking to observe fainter deep-sky objects or enjoy clearer views of the Milky Way.

At a Glance

Overall

Severe urban sky - This is a severely light-polluted urban sky. Only the Moon, planets, bright stars, and a few specialist targets remain practical.

Milky Way

Not visible - The Milky Way is not visible from this sky.

Best targets from here

Moon, planets, bright stars, double stars, solar system events, narrowband imaging only with care

Do not prioritise

visual deep-sky observing, broadband galaxies, reflection nebulae, widefield Milky Way

Best nearby upgrade

Green Hill Village, Maryland sits about 135 km south east and reaches Bortle 4, roughly 38x darker.

Good dark window

Baltimore's longest dark windows fall in December and January, with the shortest nights around June and July. Plan deep-sky sessions around the autumn and winter months for the best combination of long nights and true astronomical darkness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see the Milky Way from Baltimore?

No. Baltimore is a Bortle Class 9 sky with SQM 16.89, so the Milky Way is not visible from the city. For Milky Way photography, look for a Bortle 4 or darker site.

What Bortle class is Baltimore?

Baltimore is Bortle Class 9 (SQM 16.89), a severe urban sky for astronomy.

Is Baltimore good for stargazing?

Not for serious deep-sky observing. Baltimore is a severe urban sky where the Moon, planets, and a handful of bright targets are the realistic options from the city itself.

Is Baltimore good for astrophotography?

Broadband deep-sky imaging is heavily compromised from Baltimore and a Bortle 4 or darker site is strongly recommended. Even narrowband imaging is difficult from Baltimore without careful processing.

What can you observe from Baltimore?

Primary targets from Baltimore include Moon, planets, bright stars, double stars, solar system events. Targets such as visual deep-sky observing, broadband galaxies, reflection nebulae are not realistic from this sky.

Where are darker skies near Baltimore?

The closest meaningfully darker mapped site is Holiday Hills, Maryland, about 45 km south of Baltimore, reaching Bortle 6.

When is the sky darkest in Baltimore?

The sky over Baltimore is darkest around January, December.

Is light pollution in Baltimore getting better or worse?

Long-term light pollution over Baltimore has been broadly stable across the available measurements.

• Holiday Hills, Maryland

  Direction

  S

  Distance (km)

  44.8

  SQM

  19.71

  Bortle

  6

• Saint Michaels, Maryland

  Direction

  SSE

  Distance (km)

  62.1

  SQM

  20.12

  Bortle

  6

• Bachman Valley Estates, Maryland

  Direction

  NNW

  Distance (km)

  49.1

  SQM

  19.49

  Bortle

  7

• Boonsboro, Maryland

  Direction

  ESE

  Distance (km)

  73.5

  SQM

  20.44

  Bortle

  5

• Cedarhaven, Maryland

  Direction

  S

  Distance (km)

  81.7

  SQM

  19.91

  Bortle

  6

• Green Hill Village, Maryland

  Direction

  SE

  Distance (km)

  134.5

  SQM

  20.83

  Bortle

  4