Kent Stargazing & Astronomy Report

Key Sky Quality Metrics

SQM (mag/arcsec²)

18.18

Bortle class

Class 8 (Class 8)

Darkness Quotient

24%

Dataset

May 2026

City sky

Kent: The Practical Verdict

Kent, situated in Washington, is a small city with a suburban environment. The sky quality is significantly affected by high light pollution, making it classified as a poor city sky for astronomical observation. The primary limiting factor here is the bright urban sky background that erases the Milky Way entirely.

In Kent, practical targets include the Moon, planets, bright stars, and double stars. Solar system events can also be enjoyed. However, visual deep-sky observing and faint nebulae are best avoided given the sky conditions. Narrowband imaging is possible but requires careful handling.

For those seeking a darker sky, Grays Harbor County to the west offers a noticeable improvement. This Bortle 4 location, about a two-hour drive from Kent, represents the best nearby upgrade for serious deep-sky enthusiasts.

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

Grays Harbor County, Washington sits about 105 km west and reaches Bortle 4, roughly 17x darker.

Moderate dark window

Kent'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 Kent?

No. Kent is a Bortle Class 8 sky with SQM 18.18, 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 Kent?

Kent is Bortle Class 8 (SQM 18.18), a poor city sky for astronomy.

Is Kent good for stargazing?

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

Is Kent good for astrophotography?

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

What can you observe from Kent?

Primary targets from Kent 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 Kent?

The closest meaningfully darker mapped site is Jefferson County, Washington, about 82 km north north west of Kent, reaching Bortle 5.

When is the sky darkest in Kent?

The sky over Kent is darkest around January, December.

Is light pollution in Kent getting better or worse?

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

• Jefferson County, Washington

  Direction

  NNW

  Distance (km)

  81.5

  SQM

  20.60

  Bortle

  5

• Grays Harbor County, Washington

  Direction

  W

  Distance (km)

  104.5

  SQM

  21.24

  Bortle

  4

• Jefferson County, Washington

  Direction

  WNW

  Distance (km)

  111.7

  SQM

  20.98

  Bortle

  4

• Reecer Creek Road, Washington

  Direction

  E

  Distance (km)

  125.2

  SQM

  21.30

  Bortle

  3

• A-6900, Washington

  Direction

  SW

  Distance (km)

  107.2

  SQM

  20.61

  Bortle

  5

• Cypress Mainline Trail, Washington

  Direction

  NNW

  Distance (km)

  134.9

  SQM

  20.95

  Bortle

  4