Dallas Stargazing & Astronomy Report

Key Sky Quality Metrics

SQM (mag/arcsec²)

17.01

Bortle class

Class 9 (Class 9)

Darkness Quotient

16%

Dataset

May 2026

Inner city sky

Dallas: The Practical Verdict

Dallas, a major global metropolis in Texas, is deeply affected by its urban density, resulting in a severe urban sky. The sky here is plagued by extreme light pollution, making it unsuitable for deep-sky astronomy. The overarching light glow dramatically limits observational opportunities.

Under these conditions, the Milky Way is not visible, and only the brightest celestial objects pierce through the light dome. The Moon, planets, and bright stars are the most realistic targets, while narrowband imaging may contend with significant sky brightness. Avoid attempting visual deep-sky observing or expecting meaningful views of faint nebulae and galaxies.

For those seeking more rewarding skies, head west to a site known as "398, Texas", about 135 km away, where conditions improve dramatically to a Bortle 4 class sky.

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

398, Texas sits about 133 km west and reaches Bortle 4, roughly 41x darker.

Good dark window

Dallas'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 Dallas?

No. Dallas is a Bortle Class 9 sky with SQM 17.01, 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 Dallas?

Dallas is Bortle Class 9 (SQM 17.01), a severe urban sky for astronomy.

Is Dallas good for stargazing?

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

Is Dallas good for astrophotography?

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

What can you observe from Dallas?

Primary targets from Dallas 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 Dallas?

The closest meaningfully darker mapped site is 398, Texas, about 133 km west of Dallas, reaching Bortle 4.

When is the sky darkest in Dallas?

The sky over Dallas is darkest around January, December.

Is light pollution in Dallas getting better or worse?

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

• 398, Texas

  Direction

  W

  Distance (km)

  133.3

  SQM

  21.04

  Bortle

  4

• 141 km S

  Direction

  S

  Distance (km)

  140.9

  SQM

  20.44

  Bortle

  5

• 144 km SE

  Direction

  SE

  Distance (km)

  144.2

  SQM

  20.20

  Bortle

  6

• Private Road 1360, Texas

  Direction

  SSE

  Distance (km)

  195

  SQM

  20.13

  Bortle

  6