Moncton Stargazing & Astronomy Report

Key Sky Quality Metrics

SQM (mag/arcsec²)

18.45

Bortle class

Class 8 (Class 8)

Darkness Quotient

27%

Dataset

May 2026

City sky

Moncton: The Practical Verdict

Moncton, a small city in New Brunswick, provides challenging conditions for astronomical observation. With a high light pollution rating, the sky is generally poor for stargazing, notably erasing the Milky Way from view. The east north-east is somewhat brighter than other horizons, but the light dome is pervasive.

For practical stargazing, focus on bright objects such as the Moon, planets, and double stars. These targets can be observed even in challenging conditions, while more demanding deep-sky objects are best avoided here. Narrowband imaging might work with care, but widefield views and faint deep-sky objects will be disappointing.

For a substantial improvement, head south to New Horton, New Brunswick, about 50 km away. This site offers Bortle 3 darkness and is a worthwhile trip for serious deep-sky observing.

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

New Horton, New Brunswick sits about 50 km south and reaches Bortle 3, roughly 16x darker.

Moderate dark window

Moncton'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 Moncton?

No. Moncton is a Bortle Class 8 sky with SQM 18.45, 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 Moncton?

Moncton is Bortle Class 8 (SQM 18.45), a poor city sky for astronomy.

Is Moncton good for stargazing?

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

Is Moncton good for astrophotography?

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

What can you observe from Moncton?

Primary targets from Moncton 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 Moncton?

The closest meaningfully darker mapped site is New Horton, New Brunswick, about 50 km south of Moncton, reaching Bortle 3.

When is the sky darkest in Moncton?

The sky over Moncton is darkest around January, December.

Is light pollution in Moncton getting better or worse?

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

• New Horton, New Brunswick

  Direction

  S

  Distance (km)

  49.9

  SQM

  21.44

  Bortle

  3

• Halfway River, Nova Scotia

  Direction

  SSE

  Distance (km)

  71.4

  SQM

  21.46

  Bortle

  3

• Waterford Parish, New Brunswick

  Direction

  SW

  Distance (km)

  58.6

  SQM

  20.94

  Bortle

  4

• Cascumpec, Prince Edward Island

  Direction

  NE

  Distance (km)

  85

  SQM

  21.62

  Bortle

  3

• Carleton Parish, New Brunswick

  Direction

  WNW

  Distance (km)

  79.9

  SQM

  21.38

  Bortle

  3

• York, Prince Edward Island

  Direction

  ENE

  Distance (km)

  122.4

  SQM

  21.34

  Bortle

  3