Cork, Ireland Stargazing Forecast

Cork, Ireland (51.9°, -8.47°) · Updated 03:52 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 00:00–02:00 (2h)
Near-perfect skies with moderate moon interference. Delta Aquariids meteor shower peaks tonight (ZHR ~25).
Sunset
20:26
Sunrise
04:54
Usable Hours
2/2
Moon
99%
Visible Planets
♄ Saturn28° SE
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Stargazing in Cork, Ireland

Cork's Bortle 6 skies clear quickly heading west into rural County Cork and the Beara Peninsula, where Bortle 3 darkness is common. The Mizen Head and Sheep's Head areas offer some of Ireland's darkest accessible coastline. At 51.9°N, Cork sits a little south of Dublin but still catches the aurora during stronger Kp 5+ storms, with the dark Atlantic horizon to the south and west helping. Ireland's maritime climate brings frequent cloud, but post-frontal clearances off the Atlantic are often exceptionally transparent.

Cork, Ireland Stargazing FAQ

Where is the best place to stargaze near Cork?
The Beara Peninsula and West Cork coastline reach Bortle 3 within 60-90 minutes, with Sheep's Head and Mizen Head offering dark Atlantic horizons. The Ballyhoura Mountains to the north are a closer option.
Can you see the northern lights from Cork?
Occasionally — at 51.9°N, Cork needs a stronger Kp 5+ storm than northern Ireland, but the dark southern and western Atlantic horizons help when displays do reach this far south.
When is the best time to stargaze in Cork?
Autumn and winter offer the longest, darkest nights. Atlantic post-frontal clearances bring superb transparency. Summer nights this far north stay too bright for full astronomical darkness.

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