The Milky Way Is Going To Be Its Most Visible This Week-Here's How To Catch It
Here's the thing about the Milky Way: you can't just look up any night and expect to see it stretching across the sky. There's a specific window to catch its glowing core-and it's closing soon. If you want to witness the celestial core of our galaxy before summer steals the show, mid-May is your moment.
The Best Time of Year to See the Milky Way
According to Space.com, from February to October, our planet's position in space allows clear views of the galaxy's luminous heart, a window astronomers refer to as "Core Season." But not all months are created equal. May offers a longer viewing window than June because the new moon on May 16 provides darker skies right when the nights are still long enough-before the summer solstice pushes twilight further into your stargazing hours.
Your best window is between midnight and sunrise, when the center climbs highest above the southern horizon. Any light-whether it's moonlight or city lights-will wash out the details you're after, so for the best views, you'll want to drive out to where there's little to no light pollution.
Where to Look (And How to Get There)
You probably won't be able to see it from your backyard in the suburbs. Minimal light pollution is essential-city glow will erase the faint dust clouds and dim stars from your view. Resources like DarkSky.org can help you find the best areas of darkness near you. National parks tend to make good viewing spots since they're removed from urban development.
@flyandfoto When can you see the Milky Way in the United States? The Milky Way core is visible from April through October, with peak visibility from June through August. But season alone isn't enough. To actually see the Milky Way clearly, you need: • Dark skies away from city light pollution • A new moon or low moon phase • Clear weather • The right time of night In April, the core rises much later in the night. If you're outside at 9pm, you won't see it because it hasn't risen yet. And a new moon in Los Angeles will still look like Los Angeles. Light pollution washes the Milky Way out. Planning around location, moon phase, and core rise time is what makes the difference between "I missed it" and a visible Milky Way core. Save this for your next stargazing trip. We're releasing a free Milky Way planning guide that breaks down core rise times by month, moon phases, and how to choose the right location. Join the waitlist in our bio. Follow us for practical Milky Way and Northern Lights planning tips. #milkyway#milkywayphotography#stargazing#darksky#astrophotography
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Once you're there, face south. Looking south, you'll trace the core's path through Aquila, Scutum, Sagittarius, and Scorpius as it lowers toward the horizon. You'll see clusters of stars, hazy clouds of interstellar dust, and that unmistakable glow that reminds you just how vast our galaxy really is.
If you want to photograph it, be sure to bring a camera with manual settings, a wide-angle lens, a tripod, and patience. Just remember, the so-called "Core Season" won't come back around for another eight months, so if you have your heart set on spying the Milky Way, be sure to set an alarm.
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This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 4:10 AM.