Manchester, UK Clear Sky Chart

Manchester, UK (53.48°, -2.24°) · Updated 23:20 GMT
28
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
BEST · MOON UP 18:00–20:00 (2h)
Partly cloudy with some clear gaps but bright moonlight limits faint objects. Some haze, so transparency is slightly reduced.
Sunset
16:44
Sunrise
07:02
Usable Hours
3/12
Moon
89%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars47° SE
♃ Jupiter41° SE
♄ Saturn38° S
⛢ Uranus57° S
♆ Neptune36° S
Sky darkness
City sky (Bortle 8-9)
SQM 17.8, estimated from satellite night lights. A property of the place, separate from tonight’s score. How we estimate this
Open Full Manchester, UK Forecast →
Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Manchester, UK

Manchester's urban glow pushes Bortle to 7–8 in the city centre, but the Peak District National Park begins just 30 minutes east, offering Bortle 4 skies around Mam Tor and the Snake Pass. The city's position in the Mersey basin means fog and low cloud are common in autumn, but high-pressure winter nights can be exceptionally transparent. Planetary observing works well even from suburban locations, and the Jodrell Bank Observatory is a short drive south.

Manchester, UK Stargazing FAQ

Where can I stargaze near Manchester?∨
The Peak District National Park starts just 30 minutes east, with Bortle 4 skies around Mam Tor and the Snake Pass. The Yorkshire Dales to the north-east are another excellent option within an hour's drive.
Can you see stars from Manchester city centre?∨
Planets, the Moon, and the brightest stars are visible on clear nights even from the city centre. For deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies, you'll need to head into the surrounding countryside.
What is the best season for stargazing in Manchester?∨
Winter provides the longest nights and often the clearest skies, particularly during cold, dry high-pressure systems. Autumn is also excellent. Summer nights are too short for true astronomical darkness.

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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