Grimsby Stargazing & Astronomy Report

Key Sky Quality Metrics

SQM (mag/arcsec²)

18.81

Bortle class

Class 8 (Class 8)

Darkness Quotient

31%

Dataset

July 2026

City sky

Grimsby: The Practical Verdict

Grimsby in North East Lincolnshire, with a population of around 90,000, is best described as a small city with a high level of light pollution. The sky here is rated as a poor city sky for astronomical pursuits. This means that any meaningful stargazing is severely limited by the urban glow.

The harsh reality in Grimsby is that the Milky Way is not visible and deep-sky observation is largely unfeasible. Observers can focus on targets like the Moon, planets, and bright stars, where these celestial features are most prominent. Narrowband imaging is possible but should be approached with care. Attempted observations of broadband galaxies and nebulae will generally be futile.

For those seeking improved observing conditions, Kilnsea is a recommended site located about 15 km east north-east of Grimsby. Kilnsea offers a markedly darker sky with less interference, making it a worthwhile destination for more serious observations.

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

Kilnsea sits about 15 km east north east and reaches Bortle 4, roughly 7.5x darker.

Moderate dark window

Grimsby's limiting factor is not only light pollution. Around midsummer, Grimsby loses true astronomical darkness entirely, so deep-sky observing and imaging are strongly seasonal. Plan serious sessions around the darker months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see the Milky Way from Grimsby?

No. Grimsby is a Bortle Class 8 sky with SQM 18.81, 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 Grimsby?

Grimsby is Bortle Class 8 (SQM 18.81), a poor city sky for astronomy.

Is Grimsby good for stargazing?

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

Is Grimsby good for astrophotography?

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

What can you observe from Grimsby?

Primary targets from Grimsby 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 Grimsby?

The closest meaningfully darker mapped site is Kilnsea, about 15 km east north east of Grimsby, reaching Bortle 4.

When is the sky darkest in Grimsby?

The sky over Grimsby is darkest around January, December. Significant summer limitation: around 78 nights per year have no true astronomical darkness.

Is light pollution in Grimsby getting better or worse?

There is not yet enough long-term data to give a confident trend for Grimsby.

• Kilnsea

  Direction

  ENE

  Distance (km)

  15

  SQM

  21.00

  Bortle

  4

• Manby

  Direction

  SE

  Distance (km)

  26

  SQM

  21.05

  Bortle

  4

• Burton Pidsea

  Direction

  SE

  Distance (km)

  18.8

  SQM

  20.72

  Bortle

  5

• Clarborough and Welham

  Direction

  WSW

  Distance (km)

  58

  SQM

  20.49

  Bortle

  5

• Knapton Ings

  Direction

  NNW

  Distance (km)

  78.5

  SQM

  20.72

  Bortle

  5

• Bassingthorpe

  Direction

  SSW

  Distance (km)

  87.5

  SQM

  20.50

  Bortle

  5