Abidjan Stargazing & Astronomy Report

Key Sky Quality Metrics

SQM (mag/arcsec²)

18.10

Bortle class

Class 8 (Class 8)

Darkness Quotient

24%

Dataset

May 2026

City sky

Abidjan: The Practical Verdict

Abidjan, a city in Côte d'Ivoire, suffers from significant light pollution that severely affects stargazing. The overall sky quality is poor, categorised under high light pollution, with the Milky Way entirely obscured.

Observationally, only the Moon, planets, and bright stars make for viable targets in Abidjan's bright sky. Double stars and close solar system events can also be observed, but most deep-sky objects, such as galaxies and nebulae, are hidden from view. Narrowband imaging can be possible with care, focusing on the brightest targets.

For those seeking darker skies, an excellent upgrade option is available about 160 km to the west, where a significantly darker Bortle 2 sky is found. This site offers a much better setting for serious deep-sky observations and other challenging targets.

At a Glance

Overall

Poor city sky - This is a poor city sky. The Milky Way is not visible and most deep-sky observing is unrealistic from the location itself.

Milky Way

Not visible - The Milky Way is erased by the bright urban sky background.

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

158 km W sits about 158 km west and reaches Bortle 2, roughly 29x darker.

Good dark window

Abidjan retains astronomical darkness throughout the year, so seasonality is less extreme than at higher latitudes. The main limitation is light pollution, not the length of the dark window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see the Milky Way from Abidjan?

No. Abidjan is a Bortle Class 8 sky with SQM 18.10, 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 Abidjan?

Abidjan is Bortle Class 8 (SQM 18.10), a poor city sky for astronomy.

Is Abidjan good for stargazing?

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

Is Abidjan good for astrophotography?

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

What can you observe from Abidjan?

Primary targets from Abidjan 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 Abidjan?

The closest meaningfully darker mapped site is 38 km E, about 38 km east of Abidjan, reaching Bortle 6.

When is the sky darkest in Abidjan?

The sky over Abidjan is darkest around February, November.

Is light pollution in Abidjan getting better or worse?

The long-term trend for Abidjan is gradually worsening, with the sky brightening by about 0.05 SQM per year.

• 38 km E

  Direction

  E

  Distance (km)

  38.1

  SQM

  20.23

  Bortle

  6

• 52 km W

  Direction

  W

  Distance (km)

  51.7

  SQM

  20.41

  Bortle

  5

• 93 km W

  Direction

  W

  Distance (km)

  93.4

  SQM

  21.54

  Bortle

  3

• 73 km E

  Direction

  E

  Distance (km)

  73.3

  SQM

  20.20

  Bortle

  6

• 110 km NW

  Direction

  NW

  Distance (km)

  109.9

  SQM

  21.07

  Bortle

  4

• 158 km W

  Direction

  W

  Distance (km)

  157.5

  SQM

  21.74

  Bortle

  2