Light Pollution in Delhi

Delhi, Delhi, India — Bortle class 9 (VIIRS satellite data, 2025). Estimated sky brightness SQM 15.6 mag/arcsec², naked-eye limiting magnitude ~3, radiance 50.14 nW/cm²/sr.

Delhi has an inner-city sky (Bortle 9). The night sky glows brightly and only the Moon, planets and a handful of stars can be seen. Only a few dozen of the brightest stars are visible to the naked eye (limiting magnitude ~3).

Can you see the Milky Way from Delhi?

No — the Milky Way is not visible from Delhi (Bortle 9 sky). You need to travel to a darker location to see it.

Nearest darker sky

Satellite data shows a Bortle 4 sky (SQM ~21.52) about 65 km west of Delhi. Explore the light pollution map to plan a dark-sky trip.

Community measurements near Delhi

Citizen scientists have contributed 10 sky quality readings near Delhi, averaging SQM 20.27 (Bortle ~3.9).

Delhi night sky FAQ

How bad is light pollution in Delhi?

Delhi has an inner-city sky (Bortle 9). The night sky glows brightly and only the Moon, planets and a handful of stars can be seen. The estimated sky brightness is SQM 15.6 mag/arcsec² (VIIRS satellite data, 2025). Only a few dozen of the brightest stars are visible to the naked eye (limiting magnitude ~3).

Can you see the Milky Way from Delhi?

No — the Milky Way is not visible from Delhi (Bortle 9 sky). You need to travel to a darker location to see it.

Where is the nearest dark sky near Delhi?

Satellite data shows a Bortle 4 sky (SQM ~21.52) about 65 km west of Delhi. Check the SkyQI light pollution map to plan a route and find nearby community readings.

How can I measure light pollution in Delhi?

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 Delhi improve the map for everyone.

Light pollution in other Indian cities · Measure your sky now

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