Baltimore Stargazing & Astronomy Report

Key Sky Quality Metrics

SQM (mag/arcsec²)

16.86

Bortle class

Class 9 (Class 9)

Darkness Quotient

15%

Dataset

May 2026

Inner city sky

Baltimore: The Practical Verdict

Baltimore, a major city in Maryland, experiences extreme light pollution, making it a challenging location for stargazing. The inner city sky is severely urban, classified under Bortle Class 9. This level of light pollution severely impairs the observation of most astronomical objects.

Here, the Moon, planets, bright stars, and double stars are visible, particularly for those focusing on solar system events. However, visual observing of deep-sky objects is not viable, and broadband galaxies and reflection nebulae should be avoided altogether. Narrowband imaging, though possible, requires careful attention.

For those seeking better stargazing conditions, Martins Corner, Maryland, about 130 km to the south-east, offers a notably darker sky under Bortle Class 4. The drive is worthwhile for those interested in serious deep-sky observing.

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

Martins Corner, Maryland sits about 132 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 16.86, 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 16.86), 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 Codorus Township, Pennsylvania, about 56 km west 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.

• 69 km ESE

  Direction

  ESE

  Distance (km)

  69.1

  SQM

  20.60

  Bortle

  5

• Codorus Township, Pennsylvania

  Direction

  W

  Distance (km)

  55.6

  SQM

  19.81

  Bortle

  6

• Golts, Maryland

  Direction

  E

  Distance (km)

  72.3

  SQM

  19.96

  Bortle

  6

• Magruder Landing, Maryland

  Direction

  S

  Distance (km)

  73.5

  SQM

  19.93

  Bortle

  6

• Martins Corner, Maryland

  Direction

  SE

  Distance (km)

  131.6

  SQM

  20.81

  Bortle

  4

• Metal Township, Pennsylvania

  Direction

  NW

  Distance (km)

  133.2

  SQM

  20.80

  Bortle

  4