Kumasi Stargazing & Astronomy Report

Key Sky Quality Metrics

SQM (mag/arcsec²)

18.18

Bortle class

Class 8 (Class 8)

Darkness Quotient

24%

Dataset

July 2026

City sky

Kumasi: The Practical Verdict

Kumasi, a major city in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, is characterised by dense urban lighting. The quality of astronomy here is poor due to high light pollution, with a significant brightening towards the east-north-east horizon. This results in limited visibility, with the Milky Way completely erased from view.

Observers in Kumasi can focus on the Moon, planets, bright stars, and solar system events. Narrowband imaging can be pursued with caution, as faint nebulae and galaxies remain off the table under these conditions. The south-west horizon is the cleanest option for viewing, though still markedly bright.

For a meaningful contrast, Sarponso NO.1 in the Western Region is recommended. Located roughly 125 km to the south, it is within an around two-hour drive and features much darker skies at a Bortle 4 rating, making it worthwhile for those seeking serious deep-sky observation.

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

Sarponso NO.1, Western Region sits about 125 km south and reaches Bortle 4, roughly 13x darker.

Good dark window

Kumasi retains astronomical darkness throughout the year, so seasonality is less extreme than at higher latitudes. The main limitation is light pollution, not the length of the dark window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see the Milky Way from Kumasi?

No. Kumasi 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 Kumasi?

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

Is Kumasi good for stargazing?

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

Is Kumasi good for astrophotography?

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

What can you observe from Kumasi?

Primary targets from Kumasi 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 Kumasi?

The closest meaningfully darker mapped site is Apoli South, Eastern Region, about 99 km south south east of Kumasi, reaching Bortle 5.

When is the sky darkest in Kumasi?

The sky over Kumasi is darkest around January, December.

Is light pollution in Kumasi getting better or worse?

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

• Apoli South, Eastern Region

  Direction

  SSE

  Distance (km)

  99.3

  SQM

  20.51

  Bortle

  5

• Sarponso NO.1, Western Region

  Direction

  S

  Distance (km)

  125.1

  SQM

  21.00

  Bortle

  4

• Amate, Eastern Region

  Direction

  E

  Distance (km)

  135.3

  SQM

  20.60

  Bortle

  5

• Hiawa, Western Region

  Direction

  SSW

  Distance (km)

  137.1

  SQM

  20.59

  Bortle

  5

• J.K Krom, Western North Region

  Direction

  SW

  Distance (km)

  167.5

  SQM

  20.97

  Bortle

  4