Mauna Kea, US Clear Sky Chart

Mauna Kea, US (19.82°, -155.47°) · Updated 10:34 HST
23
Poor
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.

Probably skip tonight
BEST · MOON UP 04:00–05:07 (1h 7m)
Mostly cloudy with moderate moon interference. High dew risk, so optics will fog without dew heaters. Conditions are changeable, so check again closer to the time.
Sunset
17:49
Sunrise
06:21
Usable Hours
2/11
Moon
86%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars60° E
♃ Jupiter53° E
♄ Saturn71° S
⛢ Uranus89° NW
♆ Neptune70° S
Sky darkness
Very dark (Bortle 1-3)
SQM 21.8, estimated from satellite night lights. A property of the place, separate from tonight’s score. How we estimate this
Open Full Mauna Kea, US Forecast →
Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Mauna Kea, US

Mauna Kea is one of the world's premier astronomical sites, hosting 13 research telescopes at its 4,205m summit. The combination of high altitude, mid-ocean isolation, minimal light pollution, and stable atmospheric conditions produces Bortle 1 skies with sub-arcsecond seeing. The Visitor Information Station at 2,800m offers public stargazing most evenings. Hawaii's tropical marine climate keeps the summit above the cloud inversion layer. At 19.8°N, both northern and southern sky objects are accessible, including targets impossible from higher latitudes.

Mauna Kea, US Stargazing FAQ

Why is Mauna Kea the best place for astronomy?∨
Mauna Kea combines high altitude (4,205m), mid-ocean isolation, minimal light pollution, and exceptionally stable atmospheric conditions to produce Bortle 1 skies with sub-arcsecond seeing — conditions that rival the Atacama.
Can tourists stargaze on Mauna Kea?∨
Yes — the Visitor Information Station at 2,800m offers free public stargazing most evenings with telescopes and guides. The summit itself requires a 4WD vehicle. Altitude acclimatisation is important.
What can you see from Mauna Kea?∨
At 19.8°N, Mauna Kea can see both northern and southern sky objects, including targets impossible from higher latitudes. The Milky Way, zodiacal light, and faint phenomena are all spectacular from the summit.

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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