Lincoln Stargazing & Astronomy Report

Key Sky Quality Metrics

SQM (mag/arcsec²)

17.81

Bortle class

Class 9 (Class 9)

Darkness Quotient

21%

Dataset

April 2026

Inner city sky

Lincoln: The Practical Verdict

Lincoln, situated in Nebraska, is a mid-sized city facing significant light pollution challenges. The urban sky here is severely limited for astronomy, graded as having a severe urban sky by light pollution standards. The primary issue is the city's brightness, which obscures the Milky Way entirely and hampers deep-sky observations significantly.

From Lincoln, you can focus on observing the Moon, visible planets, and bright star systems, which stand out even against the light-polluted backdrop. Narrowband imaging systems may prove beneficial for capturing specific nebular details, although wide-field and broadband observations are not recommended. The south-east horizon is notably brighter, making the west-south-west sector relatively more conducive for any observational attempts.

For better results, consider heading to Holt County, Missouri, located to the east-south-east, around a two-hour drive away. This location offers a meaningfully darker sky, suitable for deeper astronomical pursuits and an improved experience for deep-sky imaging.

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

Holt County, Missouri sits about 128 km east south east and reaches Bortle 4, roughly 24x 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 17.81, 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 Lincoln?

Lincoln is Bortle Class 9 (SQM 17.81), 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 Salt Creek Precinct, Nebraska, about 30 km north 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.

• Salt Creek Precinct, Nebraska

  Direction

  NE

  Distance (km)

  30.3

  SQM

  19.89

  Bortle

  6

• Center Township, Nebraska

  Direction

  NNE

  Distance (km)

  53.9

  SQM

  20.15

  Bortle

  6

• US 36, Kansas

  Direction

  SE

  Distance (km)

  124

  SQM

  21.20

  Bortle

  4

• Holt County, Missouri

  Direction

  ESE

  Distance (km)

  128.2

  SQM

  21.28

  Bortle

  4

• O Road, Kansas

  Direction

  SW

  Distance (km)

  214.3

  SQM

  21.02

  Bortle

  4