Tucson, US Stargazing Forecast

Tucson, US (32.22°, -110.93°) · Updated 11:05 UTC
68
Good
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.

Worth a look tonight
BEST 03:00–12:00 (9h)
Near-perfect skies but bright moonlight limits faint objects. Delta Aquariids meteor shower active.
Sunset
02:23
Sunrise
12:37
Usable Hours
9/9
Moon
100%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars21° E
♄ Saturn59° SE
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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 Tucson, US

Tucson is one of America's premier astronomy cities, home to Kitt Peak National Observatory and the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory. The city enforces strict outdoor lighting ordinances, keeping urban skies at Bortle 5–6 — remarkably dark for a city of its size. The Sonoran Desert provides over 300 clear nights per year, and the surrounding mountains host world-class research telescopes. Dry desert air means exceptional seeing conditions; planetary observers prize Tucson's stable atmosphere.

Tucson, US Stargazing FAQ

Why is Tucson famous for astronomy?
Tucson is home to Kitt Peak National Observatory, the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory, and numerous other research facilities. The city enforces strict outdoor lighting ordinances, keeping urban skies at Bortle 5-6 — remarkably dark for its size.
How many clear nights does Tucson get?
Tucson enjoys over 300 clear nights per year. The Sonoran Desert's dry air provides exceptional seeing conditions, and planetary observers prize the stable atmosphere for resolving fine detail.
Can you see the Milky Way from Tucson?
Not easily from the city itself, but the surrounding desert reaches Bortle 3-4 within 30 minutes. The Milky Way is vivid from numerous nearby dark-sky sites in the Sonoran Desert.