Stargazing in Maine

True astronomical darkness runs from 11:43 PM to 9:07 AM (9.4 hours) at Maine's central latitude — this is the real window when the sky is darkest.

Cloud cover decides whether you can see anything at all, so check a local forecast before you go. In Maine, skies are usually clearest after a cold front passes, and higher, drier sites tend to beat valleys and coasts. Hourly cloud outlook →

The Moon is Waning Crescent at 9% illumination. Moonlight shouldn't significantly interfere with deep-sky observing tonight. Full Moon details →

• Jupiter — visible in Leo, toward the East (up to 32° altitude).
• Saturn — visible in Cetus, toward the South (up to 47° altitude).
• Mars — visible in Cancer, toward the East-Southeast (up to 45° altitude).

Draconids is active tonight. A minor, unpredictable shower best watched right after nightfall, unlike most showers which peak before dawn. Full calendar →

Next visible pass: Invalid Date. Live ISS tracker →

Current planetary Kp is 2.7; Maine's central latitude needs roughly Kp 7.4 for aurora to become visible. Aurora is unlikely from most of the state tonight at current activity levels. Full Aurora forecast →

Planetary Kp is 2.7 right now. Full space weather conditions →

Darkness and Moon conditions tonight favor deep-sky and Milky Way viewing, assuming clear skies and distance from city lights. This doesn't account for light pollution at your specific spot — a real light-pollution measurement isn't currently available for this location, so use distance from city lights as a practical guide instead. Check Milky Way visibility →

Moonlight is low tonight, which favours the Milky Way and fainter deep-sky objects. 3 planets are realistically observable. Pick a dark site away from city lights and confirm the local cloud forecast before you go.

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is a certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary. The AMC Maine Woods area is a certified International Dark Sky Park. Acadia National Park on the coast is popular for night-sky programs.

• Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument — International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the North Woods.
• AMC Maine Woods — International Dark Sky Park managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club.
• Acadia National Park — Coastal park known for night-sky events; some glow from nearby towns.

The southern coast (Portland, brightest), the midcoast and Downeast, and the very dark North Woods interior.

Light pollution is mostly limited to the Portland area and southern coast. The northern half of the state is among the darkest areas in the eastern U.S.

Visible from dark sites roughly May through September.

The Perseids are best; winter showers need serious cold-weather gear.

Late summer and early autumn; coastal fog is common in early summer.

Good statewide on clear nights; planets sit lower than from southern states.

Aurora is possible from northern Maine during moderate storms and statewide during strong ones; look for a clear northern horizon.

Lighthouses, rocky coastlines and North Woods lakes make strong foregrounds.

Major meteor showers (Quadrantids, Lyrids, Perseids, Geminids), Milky Way core season and any eclipses apply here as they do nationally -- dates shift each year, so check the current calendar.

North Woods roads are often private logging roads with gate fees and no services. Bring insect protection in June and July.