Flagstaff, US Clear Sky Chart

Flagstaff, US (35.2°, -111.65°) · Updated 04:38 MST
89
Excellent
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.

Go out tonight
BEST 20:00–04:42 (8h 42m)
Near-perfect skies with very low moonlight. Some haze, so transparency is slightly reduced.
Sunset
18:37
Sunrise
06:08
Usable Hours
9/9
Moon
3%
Visible Planets
♀ Venus15° SW
♂ Mars39° E
♃ Jupiter15° E
♄ Saturn57° S
⛢ Uranus74° SE
♆ Neptune55° S
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Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Flagstaff, US

Flagstaff was the world's first International Dark Sky City, and it takes this seriously — strict lighting codes keep the city at Bortle 4, an astonishing achievement for an urban area. Lowell Observatory (where Pluto was discovered) sits within the city. At 2,100m altitude, the air is thin, dry, and clean, producing excellent transparency and seeing. The surrounding Coconino National Forest offers Bortle 2–3 conditions. Summer monsoons bring afternoon clouds but often clear by evening.

Flagstaff, US Stargazing FAQ

Why is Flagstaff a Dark Sky City?∨
Flagstaff was the world's first International Dark Sky City, designated in 2001. Strict lighting codes keep the city at Bortle 4 — an exceptional achievement for an urban area. Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered, sits within the city.
Can you see the Milky Way from Flagstaff?∨
Yes — Flagstaff's Bortle 4 skies and 2,100m altitude mean the Milky Way is visible from within the city on clear, moonless nights. The surrounding Coconino National Forest drops to Bortle 2-3 for even better views.
Is Flagstaff good for astrophotography?∨
Excellent — the combination of dark skies, high altitude, dry air, and good seeing conditions makes Flagstaff one of the best astrophotography locations in the US. The ponderosa pine forests provide dramatic foreground interest.

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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