Philadelphia, US Stargazing Forecast

Philadelphia, US (39.95°, -75.17°) · Updated 06:18 UTC
32
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 05:00–09:00 (4h)
Mostly clear skies but bright moonlight limits faint objects. Delta Aquariids meteor shower peaks tonight (ZHR ~25). Conditions are changeable, so check again closer to the time.
Sunset
00:16
Sunrise
09:58
Usable Hours
4/7
Moon
99%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars17° E
♄ Saturn50° SE
Open Full Philadelphia, US Forecast →
Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Philadelphia, US

Philadelphia sits in the densely lit Northeast Corridor, with Bortle 8–9 skies across the city, but the Pocono Mountains to the north and the Pine Barrens of New Jersey to the east-south-east both offer darker Bortle 4 skies within 90 minutes. Cherry Springs State Park — the East Coast's darkest site at Bortle 2 — is a longer drive into northern Pennsylvania. The Mid-Atlantic's humid summers bring haze, but crisp autumn and winter high-pressure nights offer good transparency. At 40°N, the city has classic northern-hemisphere skies.

Philadelphia, US Stargazing FAQ

Where can I stargaze near Philadelphia?∨
The New Jersey Pine Barrens to the east and the Pocono Mountains to the north reach Bortle 4 within 90 minutes. For truly dark skies, Cherry Springs State Park (Bortle 2) is a longer drive into northern Pennsylvania.
Is Philadelphia good for stargazing?∨
The city itself has Bortle 8-9 light pollution typical of the Northeast Corridor, so only bright objects show. Darker skies require a drive to the Pine Barrens, the Poconos, or further to Cherry Springs.
When is the best time to stargaze near Philadelphia?∨
Autumn and winter high-pressure systems bring the clearest, driest skies. Summer is humid and hazy. Crisp post-cold-front nights offer the best transparency for the region.

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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