TONIGHT · Wed, Sep 23More reliable forecast
68/100Fair5% cloud in best window · Waxing Gibbous (89% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 8:23 PM GMT-4
Best 3-hour window: 1 AM–4 AM GMT-4
UPDATED HOURLY
Is Tonight Good for Stargazing in New York?
Tonight’s observing conditions and the next seven-night outlook for New York, United States.
Updated · Time zone: America/New_York.
TONIGHT · Wed, Sep 23
New York
68/100
Fair conditions for stargazing
The score includes forecast sky conditions and a Moon-phase proxy after astronomical dusk. Moonrise, local light pollution and site access are not scored; bright planets and faint deep-sky targets have different requirements.
Is tonight good for stargazing? Fair. The strongest three-hour window is 1 AM–4 AM GMT-4, with 5% forecast cloud and 89% illuminated.
Based on the strongest continuous three-hour combination of hourly cloud, visibility and humidity after astronomical dusk.
THIS WEEK
What is the best night for stargazing in New York this week?
Tonight is currently the highest-rated option in the next seven nights at 68/100. Forecasts can change, so check again before leaving.
NEXT 7 NIGHTS
Choose a better night to observe
Best upcoming night: Wed, Sep 23 · 68/100
Thu, Sep 24More reliable forecast
17/100Poor76% cloud in best window · Waxing Gibbous (95% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 8:21 PM GMT-4
Best 3-hour window: 11 PM–2 AM GMT-4
Fri, Sep 25More reliable forecast
42/100Challenging39% cloud in best window · Full Moon (99% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 8:20 PM GMT-4
Best 3-hour window: 4 AM–7 AM GMT-4
Sat, Sep 26Forecast may change
1/100Poor100% nightly average cloud · Full Moon (100% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 8:18 PM GMT-4
Trend only — check again closer to the date.
Sun, Sep 27Forecast may change
6/100Poor100% nightly average cloud · Full Moon (99% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 8:16 PM GMT-4
Trend only — check again closer to the date.
Mon, Sep 28Check again closer to the date
11/100Poor95% nightly average cloud · Waning Gibbous (96% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 8:14 PM GMT-4
Trend only — check again closer to the date.
Tue, Sep 29Check again closer to the date
47/100Challenging41% nightly average cloud · Waning Gibbous (91% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 8:13 PM GMT-4
Trend only — check again closer to the date.
The first three nights include hourly detail. Days 4–7 are more likely to change, so check again before travelling.
89% illuminated · check local moonrise and moonset
Same three-hour window as the score
Local time
Current surface visibility
CURRENT SNAPSHOT, LAYER BY LAYER
Professional observing conditions
These are current forecast fields; the tonight score above uses the best three-hour window. Compare both with local conditions before travelling.
Near-surface layer
Middle atmosphere
Thin cloud can spread skyglow
PM2.5 7.3 μg/m³ · AOD 0.09
Optics dew indicator
7Timer ASTRO model
Local time
Higher values may reduce transparency
What this forecast means in New York
New York’s dense artificial lighting can hide faint Milky Way structure and many meteors even when clouds are low. Use the forecast to choose the clearest hours, block direct glare and set expectations around bright targets unless you can travel safely beyond the urban light dome.
HUMAN-REVIEWED OPTIONS
Where to try stargazing near New York
These are planning candidates, not guarantees of darkness, safety or nighttime access. A site may close before the forecast’s best window; compare its posted hours with the recommended time.
Brooklyn · southeast of Manhattan
Floyd Bennett Field
Good for: Moon, planets and public telescope sessions
A large former airfield with broad horizons; the NPS has hosted public astronomy sessions beside the Community Garden.
Before you go: Open daily 6am–9pm. Public observing dates are weather-dependent; confirm the event and closing time before travel.
Long Island · east of the city
Jones Beach State Park
Good for: Meteor showers and wide-horizon viewing
Designated after-sunset stargazing parking is listed for West End 2 and Field 6.
Before you go: A valid 2026 NYS Parks stargazing permit and observing equipment are required after sunset. Remain near your vehicle.
Far eastern Long Island
Montauk Point State Park
Good for: Darker coastal skies and meteor showers
Farther from New York City’s light dome, with designated stargazing access in the upper parking lot.
Before you go: A valid 2026 NYS Parks stargazing permit and observing equipment are required. Check travel time, weather and coastal conditions.
Official information reviewed August 20, 2026. Always confirm current access, weather, transport and local safety conditions before leaving.
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Sources and accuracy note
This forecast combines public model data with local astronomical calculations. Missing upstream fields are shown honestly rather than estimated without support.