Light Pollution in Dehradun

Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India — Bortle class 7 (VIIRS satellite data, 2025). Estimated sky brightness SQM 18.47 mag/arcsec², naked-eye limiting magnitude ~3.7, radiance 10.48 nW/cm²/sr.

Dehradun has a suburban-to-urban transition sky (Bortle 7). Skyglow washes out all but the brightest stars. Only a few dozen of the brightest stars are visible to the naked eye (limiting magnitude ~3.7).

Can you see the Milky Way from Dehradun?

No — the Milky Way is not visible from Dehradun (Bortle 7 sky). You need to travel to a darker location to see it.

Nearest darker sky

Satellite data shows a Bortle 4 sky (SQM ~21.53) about 16 km north-west of Dehradun. Explore the light pollution map to plan a dark-sky trip.

Dehradun night sky FAQ

How bad is light pollution in Dehradun?

Dehradun has a suburban-to-urban transition sky (Bortle 7). Skyglow washes out all but the brightest stars. The estimated sky brightness is SQM 18.47 mag/arcsec² (VIIRS satellite data, 2025). Only a few dozen of the brightest stars are visible to the naked eye (limiting magnitude ~3.7).

Can you see the Milky Way from Dehradun?

No — the Milky Way is not visible from Dehradun (Bortle 7 sky). You need to travel to a darker location to see it.

Where is the nearest dark sky near Dehradun?

Satellite data shows a Bortle 4 sky (SQM ~21.53) about 16 km north-west of Dehradun. Check the SkyQI light pollution map to plan a route and find nearby community readings.

How can I measure light pollution in Dehradun?

Photograph the night sky with the free SkyQI app (iOS and Android) or upload a photo at skyqi.in. You get an instant SQM value and Bortle class for your exact location — satellite estimates can understate the skyglow you actually see from the ground, so real measurements from Dehradun improve the map for everyone.

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