Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India — Bortle class 4 (VIIRS satellite data, 2025). Estimated sky brightness SQM 21.47 mag/arcsec², naked-eye limiting magnitude ~5.2, radiance 1.17 nW/cm²/sr.
Shimla has a rural-to-suburban transition sky (Bortle 4). The Milky Way is visible overhead but washed out toward the horizon. Roughly 200–500 stars are visible to the naked eye on a clear night (limiting magnitude ~5.2).
Yes — the Milky Way is visible from Shimla on clear, moonless nights (Bortle 4 sky).
Satellite data shows a Bortle 1 sky (SQM ~22) about 9 km north-east of Shimla. Explore the light pollution map to plan a dark-sky trip.
Shimla 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 21.47 mag/arcsec² (VIIRS satellite data, 2025). Roughly 200–500 stars are visible to the naked eye on a clear night (limiting magnitude ~5.2).
Yes — the Milky Way is visible from Shimla on clear, moonless nights (Bortle 4 sky).
Satellite data shows a Bortle 1 sky (SQM ~22) about 9 km north-east of Shimla. 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 Shimla improve the map for everyone.
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