Ballymena, UK Stargazing Forecast

Ballymena, UK (54.86°, -6.28°) · Updated 11:05 UTC
48
Mixed
high confidence ⓘ
high · Forecast lead time

Based on how far ahead tonight is, forecasts are most reliable within 24–48 hours.

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

Marginal, check the window
BEST 21:00–00:00 (3h)
Partly cloudy with some clear gaps with moderate moon interference. No real darkness tonight. The sun only reaches -16.3° (deep nautical), so faint objects will be tricky to see. Delta Aquariids meteor shower peaks tonight (ZHR ~25). Conditions are changeable, so check again closer to the time.
Sunset
20:30
Sunrise
04:32
Usable Hours
5/7
Moon
99%
Visible Planets
☿ Mercury11° E
♀ Venus10° W
♂ Mars29° E
♄ Saturn39° S
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.

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