Ballymena, UK Clear Sky Chart

Ballymena, UK (54.86°, -6.28°) · Updated 14:33 GMT
24
Poor
high confidence ⓘ
high · Forecast stability

Tonight's forecast has held steady across recent updates. 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.

Probably skip tonight
Mostly cloudy but bright moonlight limits faint objects. High dew risk, so optics will fog without dew heaters.
Sunset
16:56
Sunrise
07:22
Usable Hours
1/12
Moon
89%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars46° SE
♃ Jupiter41° SE
♄ Saturn36° S
⛢ Uranus56° S
♆ Neptune35° S
Sky darkness
Rural/suburban (about Bortle 5)
SQM 19.5, estimated from satellite night lights. A property of the place, separate from tonight’s score. How we estimate this
Open Full Ballymena, UK Forecast →
Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Ballymena, UK

Ballymena enjoys some of Northern Ireland's best accessible dark skies, with Bortle 4 conditions available just outside the town. The Sperrins to the west and the Antrim plateau offer Bortle 3 darkness, while OM Dark Sky Park (Davagh Forest) is just 40 minutes away. At 54.9°N, aurora is a genuine possibility — Kp 4+ storms regularly produce visible displays on the northern horizon. Atlantic weather brings frequent cloud but also rapid clearances with superb post-frontal transparency.

Ballymena, UK Stargazing FAQ

Can you see the northern lights from Ballymena?∨
Yes — at 54.9°N, Ballymena has genuine aurora prospects. Kp 4+ storms regularly produce visible displays on the northern horizon. The Antrim plateau and Causeway Coast offer unobstructed northern views.
Where is the nearest dark sky park to Ballymena?∨
OM Dark Sky Park in Davagh Forest is about 40 minutes west, and is Northern Ireland's designated Dark Sky Park. The Sperrins immediately beyond offer Bortle 3 darkness.
Is Ballymena good for stargazing?∨
Very good — Ballymena has Bortle 4 conditions just outside town, which is darker than most UK cities can achieve within an hour's drive. The combination of dark skies and northern latitude makes it excellent for aurora too.

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.

Best Places to Stargaze: UK Dark Sky Sites

Certified dark sky sites, hidden gems, and how to find the darkest skies near you.

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