Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India — Bortle class 4 (VIIRS satellite data, 2025). Estimated sky brightness SQM 20.49 mag/arcsec², naked-eye limiting magnitude ~4.7, radiance 3.23 nW/cm²/sr.
Rishikesh has a rural-to-suburban transition sky (Bortle 4). The Milky Way is visible overhead but washed out toward the horizon. Only around 100–250 stars are visible to the naked eye (limiting magnitude ~4.7).
Yes — the Milky Way is visible from Rishikesh on clear, moonless nights (Bortle 4 sky).
Satellite data shows a Bortle 4 sky (SQM ~21.52) about 9 km south-east of Rishikesh. Explore the light pollution map to plan a dark-sky trip.
Rishikesh has a rural-to-suburban transition sky (Bortle 4). The Milky Way is visible overhead but washed out toward the horizon. The estimated sky brightness is SQM 20.49 mag/arcsec² (VIIRS satellite data, 2025). Only around 100–250 stars are visible to the naked eye (limiting magnitude ~4.7).
Yes — the Milky Way is visible from Rishikesh on clear, moonless nights (Bortle 4 sky).
Satellite data shows a Bortle 4 sky (SQM ~21.52) about 9 km south-east of Rishikesh. Check the SkyQI light pollution map to plan a route and find nearby community readings.
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 Rishikesh improve the map for everyone.
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