Alexandria Stargazing & Astronomy Report

Key Sky Quality Metrics

SQM (mag/arcsec²)

17.96

Bortle class

Class 9 (Class 9)

Darkness Quotient

23%

Dataset

May 2026

Inner city sky

Alexandria: The Practical Verdict

Alexandria, a major city in Egypt, is dominated by high light pollution due to its urban density. The severe urban sky conditions here with a Bortle class of 9 mean most of the night sky is masked by the city's glow. The Milky Way remains invisible, significantly limiting deep-sky observations.

From within Alexandria itself, the Moon, planets, bright stars, and double stars can still be comfortably observed on clear nights. Narrowband imaging is possible with care, though broadband deep-sky imaging faces dominating sky gradients. Observers should avoid trying to discern reflection nebulae, most galaxies, and enjoy only the brightest nebulae with specific filters.

Nearby, there is a modest opportunity for a clearer view at 55 km to the east-north-east. This location holds a Bortle class 6 sky, which offers a slight but noticeable improvement for those willing to drive.

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

Limited nearby upgrade

55 km ENE is the strongest nearby option but remains Bortle 6; the improvement is real but modest.

Good dark window

Alexandria'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 Alexandria?

No. Alexandria is a Bortle Class 9 sky with SQM 17.96, 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 Alexandria?

Alexandria is Bortle Class 9 (SQM 17.96), a severe urban sky for astronomy.

Is Alexandria good for stargazing?

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

Is Alexandria good for astrophotography?

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

What can you observe from Alexandria?

Primary targets from Alexandria 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 Alexandria?

The closest meaningfully darker mapped site is Al Yaman, Alexandria, about 31 km south south west of Alexandria, reaching Bortle 7.

When is the sky darkest in Alexandria?

The sky over Alexandria is darkest around January, December.

Is light pollution in Alexandria getting better or worse?

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

• 55 km ENE

  Direction

  ENE

  Distance (km)

  54.6

  SQM

  19.98

  Bortle

  6

• Al Yaman, Alexandria

  Direction

  SSW

  Distance (km)

  31.2

  SQM

  19.03

  Bortle

  7

• Al Nubaria, Beheira Governorate

  Direction

  SSE

  Distance (km)

  79.9

  SQM

  19.93

  Bortle

  6

• Matruh

  Direction

  SW

  Distance (km)

  84.6

  SQM

  19.67

  Bortle

  6

• 103 km E

  Direction

  E

  Distance (km)

  102.9

  SQM

  19.92

  Bortle

  6