Newark Stargazing & Astronomy Report

Key Sky Quality Metrics

SQM (mag/arcsec²)

16.90

Bortle class

Class 9 (Class 9)

Darkness Quotient

15%

Dataset

August 2026

Inner city sky

Newark: The Practical Verdict

Newark is a mid-size city in the United States, situated just to the west of New York. Its severe urban sky significantly hampers astronomical observations due to extreme light pollution. The most notable limitation here is the inability to see the Milky Way.

For those looking to observe from Newark, the targets are primarily the bright solar system objects. The Moon, planets, and a few bright stars remain visible. Visual deep-sky observing and the capturing of faint nebulae are futile due to the heavy light pollution.

For a more enriching stargazing experience, consider heading to the City of Binghamton, New York, located around 210 km north-west. This site offers much darker skies and allows for more serious observations of deep-sky objects.

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

City of Binghamton, New York sits about 211 km north west and reaches Bortle 4, roughly 36x darker.

Good dark window

Newark'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 Newark?

No. Newark is a Bortle Class 9 sky with SQM 16.90, 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 Newark?

Newark is Bortle Class 9 (SQM 16.90), a severe urban sky for astronomy.

Is Newark good for stargazing?

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

Is Newark good for astrophotography?

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

What can you observe from Newark?

Primary targets from Newark 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 Newark?

The closest meaningfully darker mapped site is Sears Corners, New York, about 93 km north north east of Newark, reaching Bortle 6.

When is the sky darkest in Newark?

The sky over Newark is darkest around January, December.

Is light pollution in Newark getting better or worse?

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

• Sears Corners, New York

  Direction

  NNE

  Distance (km)

  93.2

  SQM

  19.77

  Bortle

  6

• Hammonton, New Jersey

  Direction

  SSW

  Distance (km)

  123.6

  SQM

  19.86

  Bortle

  6

• Lower Frederick Township, Pennsylvania

  Direction

  WSW

  Distance (km)

  121.4

  SQM

  19.68

  Bortle

  6

• Hay Beach, New York

  Direction

  ENE

  Distance (km)

  170.2

  SQM

  20.23

  Bortle

  6

• Stave Landing, Delaware

  Direction

  SW

  Distance (km)

  186.5

  SQM

  20.53

  Bortle

  5

• City of Binghamton, New York

  Direction

  NW

  Distance (km)

  211.4

  SQM

  20.80

  Bortle

  4