Des Moines Stargazing & Astronomy Report

Key Sky Quality Metrics

SQM (mag/arcsec²)

17.52

Bortle class

Class 9 (Class 9)

Darkness Quotient

19%

Dataset

May 2026

Inner city sky

Des Moines: The Practical Verdict

Des Moines, a mid-size city in Iowa, is characterised by dense urban surroundings that severely affect night sky visibility. With extreme light pollution, it is not an ideal spot for astronomical observations, as the Milky Way remains completely hidden.

Under such skies, your best bets are observing the Moon, planets, and double stars. Bright stars can also be seen, but visual deep-sky observing isn't feasible here. Narrowband imaging can be attempted, albeit with some caution, especially for bright nebulae, yet faint targets and meteor showers are best avoided.

For those seeking a darker experience, heading to "250th Street, Iowa" about 170 km east-south-east is recommended. This site offers a significant improvement with Bortle 4 conditions, making it a worthy destination for 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

250th Street, Iowa sits about 171 km east south east and reaches Bortle 4, roughly 25x darker.

Good dark window

Des Moines'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 Des Moines?

No. Des Moines is a Bortle Class 9 sky with SQM 17.52, 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 Des Moines?

Des Moines is Bortle Class 9 (SQM 17.52), a severe urban sky for astronomy.

Is Des Moines good for stargazing?

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

Is Des Moines good for astrophotography?

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

What can you observe from Des Moines?

Primary targets from Des Moines 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 Des Moines?

The closest meaningfully darker mapped site is Huxley, Iowa, about 36 km east of Des Moines, reaching Bortle 6.

When is the sky darkest in Des Moines?

The sky over Des Moines is darkest around January, December.

Is light pollution in Des Moines getting better or worse?

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

• Huxley, Iowa

  Direction

  E

  Distance (km)

  35.5

  SQM

  19.76

  Bortle

  6

• Red Oak, Iowa

  Direction

  WSW

  Distance (km)

  154

  SQM

  20.96

  Bortle

  4

• 250th Street, Iowa

  Direction

  ESE

  Distance (km)

  171.3

  SQM

  21.01

  Bortle

  4

• Boyer Township, Iowa

  Direction

  W

  Distance (km)

  172.5

  SQM

  20.91

  Bortle

  4

• Lafayette County, Missouri

  Direction

  S

  Distance (km)

  263.8

  SQM

  21.24

  Bortle

  4

• Media, Illinois

  Direction

  ESE

  Distance (km)

  252.6

  SQM

  21.01

  Bortle

  4