Lincoln Stargazing & Astronomy Report

Key Sky Quality Metrics

SQM (mag/arcsec²)

17.85

Bortle class

Class 9 (Class 9)

Darkness Quotient

22%

Dataset

July 2026

Inner city sky

Lincoln: The Practical Verdict

Lincoln is a mid-sized city in Nebraska, just south-west of Omaha. The overall astronomy quality is poor, with severe urban sky conditions that significantly impair stargazing. The most prominent limiting factor is the high light pollution, which renders the Milky Way invisible.

From this city location, observers can manage some planetary and lunar observations, with bright stars and double stars being visible targets. However, deep-sky observations and broadband galaxies are best avoided due to the bright sky background. For imaging enthusiasts, narrowband filters can be partially successful but require careful handling.

The best option for a meaningful improvement in sky quality is P Road, Nebraska, located about 75 km to the west-north-west. This site offers a substantial upgrade with a Bortle Class 4 sky, suitable for more serious deep-sky observations.

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

P Road, Nebraska sits about 76 km west north west and reaches Bortle 4, roughly 20x darker.

Good dark window

Lincoln'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 Lincoln?

No. Lincoln is a Bortle Class 9 sky with SQM 17.85, 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 Lincoln?

Lincoln is Bortle Class 9 (SQM 17.85), a severe urban sky for astronomy.

Is Lincoln good for stargazing?

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

Is Lincoln good for astrophotography?

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

What can you observe from Lincoln?

Primary targets from Lincoln 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 Lincoln?

The closest meaningfully darker mapped site is Stove Creek Precinct, Nebraska, about 36 km east of Lincoln, reaching Bortle 6.

When is the sky darkest in Lincoln?

The sky over Lincoln is darkest around January, December.

Is light pollution in Lincoln getting better or worse?

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

• Stove Creek Precinct, Nebraska

  Direction

  E

  Distance (km)

  36.2

  SQM

  20.01

  Bortle

  6

• County Road W, Nebraska

  Direction

  SW

  Distance (km)

  62.6

  SQM

  20.89

  Bortle

  4

• P Road, Nebraska

  Direction

  WNW

  Distance (km)

  75.5

  SQM

  21.08

  Bortle

  4

• Bohemia Township, Nebraska

  Direction

  SSE

  Distance (km)

  69

  SQM

  20.25

  Bortle

  6