Pasadena Stargazing & Astronomy Report

Key Sky Quality Metrics

SQM (mag/arcsec²)

17.59

Bortle class

Class 9 (Class 9)

Darkness Quotient

20%

Dataset

April 2026

Inner city sky

Pasadena: The Practical Verdict

Pasadena, located in California and within the suburban shadow of Los Angeles, experiences extreme light pollution. The sky here is classified as Bortle 9, making it a severe urban environment not conducive to stargazing for anything beyond the brightest celestial objects.

From this location, observational targets are significantly limited. The Moon and planets dominate the view, alongside bright stars and occasional double stars. Visual observation of deep-sky objects or the Milky Way is essentially impossible, and faint nebulae or meteors cannot be appreciated here. However, the north-north-east horizon is marginally less light-polluted, potentially aiding limited imaging efforts.

For those seeking better conditions, a trip to Christi Ranch, approximately 165 km west, offers a marked improvement to Bortle 3 skies, an environment much more suitable for serious astronomical pursuits.

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

Christi Ranch, California sits about 163 km west and reaches Bortle 3, roughly 41x darker.

Good dark window

Pasadena'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 Pasadena?

No. Pasadena is a Bortle Class 9 sky with SQM 17.59, 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 Pasadena?

Pasadena is Bortle Class 9 (SQM 17.59), a severe urban sky for astronomy.

Is Pasadena good for stargazing?

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

Is Pasadena good for astrophotography?

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

What can you observe from Pasadena?

Primary targets from Pasadena 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 Pasadena?

The closest meaningfully darker mapped site is Los Angeles County, California, about 28 km east north east of Pasadena, reaching Bortle 6.

When is the sky darkest in Pasadena?

The sky over Pasadena is darkest around January, December.

Is light pollution in Pasadena getting better or worse?

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

• Los Angeles County, California

  Direction

  ENE

  Distance (km)

  28

  SQM

  19.70

  Bortle

  6

• Devil's Punchbowl Road, California

  Direction

  NNE

  Distance (km)

  40.9

  SQM

  20.29

  Bortle

  6

• Middle Ranch, California

  Direction

  SSW

  Distance (km)

  90.1

  SQM

  20.88

  Bortle

  4

• Los Angeles County, California

  Direction

  SSW

  Distance (km)

  145.3

  SQM

  21.55

  Bortle

  3

• Christi Ranch, California

  Direction

  W

  Distance (km)

  163.3

  SQM

  21.61

  Bortle

  3

• Lompoc, California

  Direction

  WNW

  Distance (km)

  222.4

  SQM

  21.22

  Bortle

  4