Drop a pin (or allow GPS) on this Bortle scale map to estimate sky brightness at your location from class 1 (pristine) to 9 (inner city). It is a planning guide, not a handheld SQM reading.

What is the Bortle scale?

The Bortle scale rates night-sky brightness from 1 (excellent dark sky) to 9 (inner-city). Observers use it to compare sites and decide whether the Milky Way or faint deep-sky targets are realistic.

Is this a light pollution map or a dark sky finder?

Both. The map shows relative light pollution / Bortle-style brightness and suggests darker corridors so you can find observing sites near you — a free dark sky finder workflow in one tool.

What are the teal areas on the map?

They are curated dark-sky suggestion zones (hubs and corridors such as Lethem and the Rupununi), not certified International Dark Sky Places. Tap a marker for access notes, then use Go here to recenter the map.

Can I see the Milky Way from Georgetown?

Georgetown is typically Bortle 7–8 — the Milky Way core is heavily washed out. Brighter stretches of the band may appear on moonless nights; for core detail, travel toward darker coastal or interior sites shown on this map.

How do I pick a safer dark site?

Prefer known access roads, travel with others when possible, and check weather plus moonless windows before night drives. The map guides brightness — you still plan logistics and permissions locally.

Tools

Bortle Scale Map for My Location — Free

See your Bortle class at the pin, compare nearby darker sites on the map, and plan around horizon glow before you leave.

Georgetown

6.8000°N, 58.1700°W

Georgetown

VIIRS atlas and dark-site areas

Drag to pan, scroll or use +/- to zoom. Dashed teal rings mark curated dark-sky areas. Double-click (or use Set location) to move your observer. Tap a point then Show road journey for an OSM driving path. Outside the Guyana atlas tile, values are modelled.

Range40 km

Drag to pan · scroll or +/- to zoom · double-click to set your location

darker · SQM 22sky brightnessSQM <17 · brighter

You City Dark-sky site

VIIRS 2024 · D. Lorenz light-pollution atlas. Colours show zenith sky brightness; Bortle is an approximate guide.

Tap the map

Drag to explore, then tap a point for Bortle / SQM. Cooler colours are better for stargazing.

Frequently asked questions

What Bortle am I in?: Drop a pin (or allow GPS) on this Bortle scale map to estimate sky brightness at your location from class 1 (pristine) to 9 (inner city). It is a planning guide, not a handheld SQM reading.
What is the Bortle scale?: The Bortle scale rates night-sky brightness from 1 (excellent dark sky) to 9 (inner-city). Observers use it to compare sites and decide whether the Milky Way or faint deep-sky targets are realistic.
Is this a light pollution map or a dark sky finder?: Both. The map shows relative light pollution / Bortle-style brightness and suggests darker corridors so you can find observing sites near you — a free dark sky finder workflow in one tool.
What are the teal areas on the map?: They are curated dark-sky suggestion zones (hubs and corridors such as Lethem and the Rupununi), not certified International Dark Sky Places. Tap a marker for access notes, then use Go here to recenter the map.
Can I see the Milky Way from Georgetown?: Georgetown is typically Bortle 7–8 — the Milky Way core is heavily washed out. Brighter stretches of the band may appear on moonless nights; for core detail, travel toward darker coastal or interior sites shown on this map.
How do I pick a safer dark site?: Prefer known access roads, travel with others when possible, and check weather plus moonless windows before night drives. The map guides brightness — you still plan logistics and permissions locally.

Combine the Bortle map with Stargazing Weather and the Milky Way Season Planner to align darker skies, clear clouds, and core visibility.