156/160 observing locations currentCoverage details

Forecasts are withheld individually when their recorded expiry is reached; other independently current areas remain available.

National comparisons: Sunday night, September 13-14. Other current local nights remain available on their place pages and map.

Each place changes to its coming night at natural dawn. Next forecast renewal is due by 2026-09-14T07:02:05.147Z.

State forecasts are available for 46 of 50 states. The map includes 146 current forecast areas and withholds 4 unavailable areas. The next currently available identity expires at 2026-09-14T09:00:00.000Z.

Boston, MA — unavailable: The model could not support an observing window from the complete current-night inputs. No forecast score is published.
Billings, MT — unavailable: The model could not support an observing window from the complete current-night inputs. No forecast score is published.
Williston, ND — unavailable: The model could not support an observing window from the complete current-night inputs. No forecast score is published.
Newport, RI — unavailable: The model could not support an observing window from the complete current-night inputs. No forecast score is published.
Massachusetts — unavailable: This state forecast is unavailable because at least one of its three regional forecasts is withheld. See the affected region for its reason.
Montana — unavailable: This state forecast is unavailable because at least one of its three regional forecasts is withheld. See the affected region for its reason.
North Dakota — unavailable: This state forecast is unavailable because at least one of its three regional forecasts is withheld. See the affected region for its reason.
Rhode Island — unavailable: This state forecast is unavailable because at least one of its three regional forecasts is withheld. See the affected region for its reason.

Stargazing map

National and state stargazing map

The Star Window map helps you compare broad stargazing conditions across supported areas, then move into a state or curated destination for a more specific forecast. Use it to narrow where conditions look more promising. The map does not turn a forecast area into a verified observing site, parking area, or access recommendation.

National Darkness suitability map

Scope: National view

Layer: Darkness suitability | Mode: Tonight | Forecast updated Sep 13

Last checked for selected area: Sep 14, 7:01 AM UTC | updated 33 minutes ago

Update details

UTC timestamp: Monday, Sep 14, 2026, 7:01 AM UTC

Tonight decision

Select a state to see tonight's recommendation.

Use the search box, top-state controls, or tap the map. Then this panel will show the score, best window, and main limiter.

Active map metric: Darkness suitability

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State buttons remain available while the map loads.

Darkness suitability legend and methodology

Supported darkness suitability during the selected viewing window. It is not a Bortle class, SQM reading, or site-level darkness measurement.

State colors are broad planning signals, not site-level guarantees. Use location pages before travel.

National view is state-first. State scope reveals local markers.

Low suitability (0-39%)Moderate suitability (40-69%)High suitability (70-100%)Unavailable

Turn the map into a stargazing decision

Compare where conditions are strongest tonight, then drill into a state view for local execution and final go/no-go timing.

Check tonight's forecast View national forecast Astronomy events calendar Stargazing event hub Check local Milky Way timing Milky Way season calendar

Need full ranking?

State-level ranking from 2026-09-13

Use the States page for the full best-tonight ranking and direct state drill-in.

View state forecast Compare states

Guides Linked To Map Decisions

When map signals are mixed, use these practical guides

How to Choose a Good Public Stargazing Spot Bortle Scale for Stargazing: What Each Class Really Means How to Read a Stargazing Forecast Stargazing From Cities and Suburbs All stargazing guides

Location trust data

Access details are still being collected

Use map scores for tonight's forecast. Check posted access, parking, and local safety before traveling.

Journey From Map To Action

Use this sequence when conditions are borderline

Pick event constraints first Compare state forecasts Check access + safety guide