Phoenix Stargazing & Astronomy Report

Key Sky Quality Metrics

SQM (mag/arcsec²)

17.27

Bortle class

Class 9 (Class 9)

Darkness Quotient

18%

Dataset

July 2026

Inner city sky

Phoenix: The Practical Verdict

Phoenix, a vast urban metropolis in the United States, suffers from severe light pollution that significantly hinders any attempts at deep-sky observation. The Milky Way is entirely obscured by the glow, rendering the city sky a Category 9 on the Bortle scale—a true inner city sky. The biggest challenge here is the overwhelming light pollution, which makes even some of the brightest targets struggle against the skyglow.

While the city sky does allow for viewing the Moon, planets, bright stars, and double stars, anything beyond this is difficult. Imaging in narrowband is possible but requires careful selection of equipment and methodology. Meanwhile, targeting fainter celestial objects like galaxies or nebulae is unrealistic from within the city limits due to the intense light spill.

For those in search of darker skies, the best nearby alternative is about 135 km south-south-west, offering a Bortle 4 sky. Reaching this site is well worth the effort for dedicated astronomers wanting to experience a more immersive stargazing environment.

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

136 km SSW sits about 136 km south south west and reaches Bortle 4, roughly 39x darker.

Good dark window

Phoenix'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 Phoenix?

No. Phoenix is a Bortle Class 9 sky with SQM 17.27, 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 Phoenix?

Phoenix is Bortle Class 9 (SQM 17.27), a severe urban sky for astronomy.

Is Phoenix good for stargazing?

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

Is Phoenix good for astrophotography?

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

What can you observe from Phoenix?

Primary targets from Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

The closest meaningfully darker mapped site is 53 km E, about 53 km east of Phoenix, reaching Bortle 7.

When is the sky darkest in Phoenix?

The sky over Phoenix is darkest around January, December.

Is light pollution in Phoenix getting better or worse?

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

• 53 km E

  Direction

  E

  Distance (km)

  53.2

  SQM

  19.43

  Bortle

  7

• 136 km SSW

  Direction

  SSW

  Distance (km)

  136.2

  SQM

  21.24

  Bortle

  4

• 254 km S

  Direction

  S

  Distance (km)

  254.1

  SQM

  21.24

  Bortle

  4

• 254 km NW

  Direction

  NW

  Distance (km)

  253.7

  SQM

  20.79

  Bortle

  5