Albuquerque, US Stargazing Forecast

Albuquerque, US (35.08°, -106.65°) · Updated 03:53 UTC
71
Good
medium confidence ⓘ
medium · Forecast stability

Tonight's forecast has shifted a little across recent updates — worth a re-check closer to dusk. We compare how much tonight's score has moved across our recent forecast updates, a score that's held steady is more trustworthy.

Confidence reflects how trustworthy the forecast is, it doesn't change the score.

Worth a look tonight
BEST 03:00–11:00 (8h)
Near-perfect skies but bright moonlight limits faint objects. Delta Aquariids meteor shower peaks tonight (ZHR ~25).
Sunset
02:11
Sunrise
12:15
Usable Hours
8/8
Moon
99%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars20° E
♄ Saturn56° SE
Open Full Albuquerque, US Forecast →
Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Albuquerque, US

Albuquerque sits at 1,620m in the high desert of New Mexico, a state famous for dark skies and clear air. Bortle 6 in the city drops to Bortle 3 within 30–40 minutes, and New Mexico hosts several Dark Sky communities and parks, including the renowned Chaco Culture and the Cosmic Campground (a Gold-tier International Dark Sky Sanctuary). The high altitude and dry climate deliver superb transparency and over 280 clear nights a year. At 35.1°N, both hemispheres' targets are accessible, and the Sandia Mountains rise to over 3,000m just east of the city.

Albuquerque, US Stargazing FAQ

Is New Mexico good for stargazing?∨
Excellent — New Mexico's high altitude, dry climate, and minimal humidity give it some of the clearest skies in the US. It hosts several Dark Sky communities and parks, and Albuquerque sits at 1,620m for added transparency.
Where can I stargaze near Albuquerque?∨
Bortle 3 skies are 30-40 minutes from the city. Further out, Chaco Culture National Historical Park and the Cosmic Campground (a Gold-tier Dark Sky Sanctuary) offer pristine Bortle 1-2 conditions.
When is the best time to stargaze in Albuquerque?∨
The high desert is clear for most of the year, with over 280 clear nights. Autumn and winter bring crisp, transparent air; summer has a brief monsoon season with afternoon storms that usually clear by night.

Stargazing guides

Is Tonight Good for Stargazing?

The answer depends on five things you can check right now.

Light Pollution & the Bortle Scale

How dark is your sky — and what difference does it make?

What Planets Are Visible Tonight?

Real visibility data for all 7 naked-eye and telescope planets, calculated for your location.

Meteor Shower Calendar 2026

Every shower this year — peak dates, expected rates, moon interference, and the two you absolutely cannot miss.
Check light pollution for this area ↗

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