St. Louis Stargazing & Astronomy Report

Key Sky Quality Metrics

SQM (mag/arcsec²)

17.04

Bortle class

Class 9 (Class 9)

Darkness Quotient

16%

Dataset

April 2026

Inner city sky

St. Louis: The Practical Verdict

St. Louis in Missouri is a major metropolitan area with severe urban sky conditions resulting from its high levels of artificial light. The sky here features extreme light pollution, making it unsuitable for most forms of deep-sky astronomy. The Milky Way is not visible, and only the brightest celestial objects can pierce the intense glow, such as Venus, Jupiter, and the Moon.

Under these conditions, the optimal targets for observation are the Moon, planets, and bright constellations, which remain visible despite the light pollution. While narrowband astrophotography might yield some results, traditional deep-sky imaging or observing is significantly hindered. The brightest views tend to be towards the north-west, while the darkest skies lie towards the south-south-east.

For those seeking darker skies, a recommended site is approximately 160 km to the north-east near the area referred to as 2207, Illinois. This location, under Bortle 4 conditions, offers a significant improvement for astronomical activities, making the drive worthwhile for serious stargazers.

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

2207, Illinois sits about 158 km north east and reaches Bortle 4, roughly 32x darker.

Good dark window

St. Louis'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 St. Louis?

No. St. Louis is a Bortle Class 9 sky with SQM 17.04, 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 St. Louis?

St. Louis is Bortle Class 9 (SQM 17.04), a severe urban sky for astronomy.

Is St. Louis good for stargazing?

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

Is St. Louis good for astrophotography?

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

What can you observe from St. Louis?

Primary targets from St. Louis 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 St. Louis?

The closest meaningfully darker mapped site is Meffert Avenue, Illinois, about 62 km east north east of St. Louis, reaching Bortle 6.

When is the sky darkest in St. Louis?

The sky over St. Louis is darkest around January, December.

Is light pollution in St. Louis getting better or worse?

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

• Meffert Avenue, Illinois

  Direction

  ENE

  Distance (km)

  62

  SQM

  19.92

  Bortle

  6

• MO 100, Missouri

  Direction

  W

  Distance (km)

  130.1

  SQM

  20.23

  Bortle

  6

• 2207, Illinois

  Direction

  NE

  Distance (km)

  158

  SQM

  20.81

  Bortle

  4

• Claylick Creek Road, Kentucky

  Direction

  SE

  Distance (km)

  238

  SQM

  20.73

  Bortle

  5