Big Bend, US Clear Sky Chart

Big Bend, US (29.25°, -103.25°) · Updated 05:41 CDT
2
Poor
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.

Probably skip tonight
Heavy cloud expected with moderate moon interference. High dew risk, so optics will fog without dew heaters.
Sunset
19:09
Sunrise
08:04
Usable Hours
0/11
Moon
78%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars61° E
♃ Jupiter54° E
♄ Saturn62° S
⛢ Uranus82° S
♆ Neptune60° S
Sky darkness
Very dark (Bortle 1-3)
SQM 21.9, estimated from satellite night lights. A property of the place, separate from tonight’s score. How we estimate this
Open Full Big Bend, US Forecast →
Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Big Bend, US

Big Bend National Park in far West Texas has the darkest measured skies of any national park in the lower 48 states — certified Gold-tier by the International Dark-Sky Association with Bortle 1–2 conditions. The remoteness is extreme: the nearest significant towns are hours away, and the Chihuahuan Desert air is exceptionally dry and clear. The Milky Way is breathtaking, casting shadows on moonless nights, and the zodiacal light and gegenschein are routinely visible. At 29.3°N, the southern sky is well presented, making Big Bend a destination for serious observers and astrophotographers.

Big Bend, US Stargazing FAQ

How dark is Big Bend National Park?∨
Big Bend has the darkest measured night skies of any national park in the continental US — Gold-tier certified with Bortle 1-2 conditions. The Milky Way casts shadows, and the zodiacal light and gegenschein are routinely visible.
Is Big Bend good for stargazing?∨
It's one of the best dark-sky destinations in North America. The extreme remoteness, dry Chihuahuan Desert air, and minimal light pollution make for pristine conditions. Bring everything you need — services are very limited.
When is the best time to stargaze at Big Bend?∨
Autumn through spring offers comfortable nights and clear, dry skies. Summer is very hot. The Milky Way core is best from late spring through autumn, when it stands high in the dark southern sky.

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.

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