Star Visibility Calculator
Estimate which bright stars may be visible based on your location, date, and viewing conditions.
Visibility rating
Excellent — 9 bright stars
Estimate only: weather, moonlight and local obstructions all change the real view.
Best target
Arcturus
Magnitude -0.1.
Where to look
SE
Azimuth 144.8°.
Altitude above horizon
66.3°
90° is straight overhead.
Bright stars likely above your horizon
- ⭐ ArcturusSE · 66.3° up · mag -0.1
- ⭐ VegaE · 32.8° up · mag 0
- ⭐ CapellaNW · 10.4° up · mag 0.1
- ⭐ SpicaS · 38.1° up · mag 1
- ⭐ AntaresSE · 10.9° up · mag 1.1
- ⭐ PolluxW · 20.7° up · mag 1.1
- ⭐ DenebNE · 17.4° up · mag 1.3
- ⭐ RegulusW · 37.6° up · mag 1.4
- ⭐ PolarisN · 40° up · mag 2
- Runs entirely in your browser
- No data is stored
- Free forever
What is this calculator?
The brightest stars rise and set on a schedule set by your latitude and the date. This calculator estimates which famous stars are above your horizon at the time you choose, roughly how high each one sits, the direction to face, and a simple visibility rating that folds in light pollution and sky clarity.
How does it work?
Your date and time are converted to local sidereal time, which is compared with each star's right ascension and declination to get its altitude and azimuth. Stars below the horizon are dropped, and the remaining ones are rated using their brightness against your chosen light pollution and clarity levels.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this?+
It is an estimate. Star positions are computed properly, but real visibility also depends on weather, moonlight, haze and whatever is blocking your horizon.
Why are some stars missing?+
They are either below your horizon at that moment or too faint for the light pollution level you chose.
What does altitude mean?+
Degrees above the horizon. Zero is the horizon, 90 is straight overhead. Anything under about 20 degrees is often washed out.
Why can't I see Polaris?+
Polaris sits above the north celestial pole, so it never rises for observers in the southern hemisphere.
Does the Moon affect this?+
Yes. A bright moon can wash out fainter stars, and this estimate does not account for it.
What light pollution level should I pick?+
City for a bright urban sky, suburban for the edge of town, rural for dark countryside and remote for a truly black sky.
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