Many factors determine the best conditions to watch the Milky Way, such as light pollution, cloud cover, the phase of the moon, and the location’s horizon visibility. The Milky Way resembles a dim band of stars rising from the horizon and extending across the sky. We’ve all admired stunning pictures of our galaxy online, but witnessing it in person is an entirely different experience. Due to light pollution, planning and preparation are key when deciding where can you see the Milky Way, as it requires venturing far away from urban areas. To truly appreciate its beauty, you’ll need to pay attention to the topics below to ensure a clear view of the galaxy’s majestic glow.
Time of the year
In the Northern Hemisphere, the core of the Milky Way is most visible from late spring to early autumn, as it appears more prominently in the southern part of the sky during these months. From early May to June, the core appears high in the sky during the early morning hours, so you’d need to stay up late or wake up early. As the summer progresses, the core rises earlier each night, with late July to early August offering the most convenient viewing time around 11 p.m. to midnight. In the summer, the heat in many locations can cause more dust to be suspended in the air, resulting in a less clear view of the Milky Way for those who are particular about the perfect view. In the southern hemisphere, people have the advantage of seeing the Milky Way high overhead, with far more detail than what can be observed in the northern hemisphere.
Moon phases
The Moon is the second brightest object in the sky, it’s important to avoid its light to have the darkest skies possible for viewing the Milky Way. A bright moon can wash out the faint details of the galaxy, making it harder to see its full beauty. This means avoiding nights when the Moon is in the sky. The best times for observing the Milky Way are during a new moon, when the moon is completely absent, or during a crescent phase when the moon sets early or rises late.
Dark location
Light pollution is artificial light produced by human activities, such as streetlights, buildings, and vehicles, which brightens the night sky and reduces the visibility of night sky objects. This unwanted light interferes with astronomical observations, disrupts ecosystems, and affects human health by obscuring the natural darkness needed for sleep and stargazing. A city appears bright at night because of the combined light from all its sources. The lights spread upward and outward into the sky, creating a noticeable haze or brightness that can be seen from far away. This effect makes the night sky over the city much brighter than in rural areas. A nearby bright light source can overpower a distant, fainter one, making it harder to see stars and other celestial objects. We measure the darkness of the night sky using the Bortle Scale. The scale ranges from Class 1, representing the darkest skies with minimal light interference – ideal for observing the night sky – to Class 9, indicating that the area has severe light pollution where only the brightest stars and planets can be seen.
You can find the closest dark location here
Weather report
Make sure the forecast is clear—otherwise, you might end up with a front-row seat to a celestial fog show rather than the stunning Milky Way. Remember, clouds are like that one friend who always shows up uninvited and ruins the party.
Clear horizons and a safe location
Look for a spot with an open, unobstructed horizon to get the best view of the galaxy. Additionally, be prepared for the wildlife you might encounter in rural areas. From curious critters to more nocturnal animals, rural locations can come with their surprises. Bringing along some insect repellent and keeping a cautious eye out for wildlife can help ensure that your celestial viewing experience remains as serene as the night sky itself.
Dark adaptation
Numerous things can influence the time it takes for your eyes to fully adapt to darkness, but it is usually about 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, avoid looking at bright lights, like phone screens or flashlights, as they can reset the adaptation process. If you need to see something or read a map, use a red light. Red light has less impact on your night vision compared to white light. Turn your phone display brightness to a minimum and flip it upside down, since a sudden notification can light up the place around you.
Difference between photos and what the human eye can see
A camera using a long exposure can capture more stars and colors than what the human eye can perceive. Additionally, the contrast in the photos can be adjusted afterward, which means the images often don’t perfectly reflect what we see naturally. Personally, I’ve never seen the Milky Way in vibrant colors. It tends to appear more faint and in shades of black and white. This makes sense since our night vision generally operates in black and white.
Bring a camera
Pointing a lens at the sky on a Milky Way viewing is a must. The dark location gives you the chance to take some incredible shots. With a camera and a tripod, you can take some truly amazing types of photos like long-exposure shots, star trails, foreground landscapes, light painting, and even portraits. If you don’t have a camera your phone can still do the trick. Most new phones come equipped with long-exposure camera modes, making it easier than ever to capture stunning night sky photos, including the Milky Way.
Bring a telescope
In the absence of city lights, you’ll be able to observe deep-sky objects with much more clarity. Faint objects that are barely detectable in urban skies suddenly stand out, revealing intricate details that would otherwise go unseen. Experiencing your telescope under dark skies will reveal its true potential-far exceeding what you’ve seen in the city-and show you what’s possible even with the smallest instruments in our hobby.