Manaus Stargazing & Astronomy Report

Key Sky Quality Metrics

SQM (mag/arcsec²)

17.74

Bortle class

Class 9 (Class 9)

Darkness Quotient

21%

Dataset

May 2026

Inner city sky

Manaus: The Practical Verdict

Manaus, a major city located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, is characterised by severe urban sky conditions. The overwhelming light pollution significantly hampers astronomical observations, leaving the Milky Way completely invisible. The sky's brightness severely limits deep sky pursuits.

In this environment, observers have to focus on brighter celestial objects. The Moon, planets, and bright stars stand out against the urban glow. Beyond these targets, double stars and solar system events provide interesting viewing. Observing dim nebulae or galaxies is largely futile under such conditions.

For those seeking true dark skies, Borba, Amazonas offers a substantial upgrade. Situated approximately 225 km to the south-south-east, this location boasts significantly darker skies, categorised as Bortle 2. Travelling there is worthwhile for those keen on 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

Borba, Amazonas sits about 225 km south south east and reaches Bortle 2, roughly 38x darker.

Good dark window

Manaus 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 Manaus?

No. Manaus is a Bortle Class 9 sky with SQM 17.74, 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 Manaus?

Manaus is Bortle Class 9 (SQM 17.74), a severe urban sky for astronomy.

Is Manaus good for stargazing?

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

Is Manaus good for astrophotography?

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

What can you observe from Manaus?

Primary targets from Manaus 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 Manaus?

The closest meaningfully darker mapped site is Autazes, Amazonas, about 97 km south east of Manaus, reaching Bortle 4.

When is the sky darkest in Manaus?

The sky over Manaus is darkest around April, August.

Is light pollution in Manaus getting better or worse?

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

• Autazes, Amazonas

  Direction

  SE

  Distance (km)

  97.2

  SQM

  20.86

  Bortle

  4

• Borba, Amazonas

  Direction

  SSE

  Distance (km)

  225.2

  SQM

  21.70

  Bortle

  2

• Barcelos, Amazonas

  Direction

  WNW

  Distance (km)

  252.5

  SQM

  21.72

  Bortle

  2

• Novo Airão, Amazonas

  Direction

  NW

  Distance (km)

  252.5

  SQM

  21.71

  Bortle

  2