Milky Way season is still in full swing. You can see the galactic bulge because this July to October is the best time to see it in the sky.
The Milky Way exists all year round, but only on certain nights does it look amazing. According to Capture The Atlas, the Milky Way season runs from February to October, while the best time to see it is between 00:00 and 5:00. However, its shape will vary depending on the hemisphere, latitude, and other factors such as the phase of the moon.
Go Out at Midnight
The spectacular Galactic Center of the Milky Way can be seen by people in the northern and southern hemispheres with the naked eye. Keep in mind that just like any other astronomical object, the galaxy is visible for a certain period of time and will change depending on latitude and season.
You can decide when to go out to see the Milky Way. In most parts of the Earth, from November-January, the center of the Milky Way is not visible at all. From February-June, the Milky Way is visible in the morning. Then, in July-August, the Milky Way is visible at midnight, while from September-October, the Milky Way is visible at night.
You also need to consider the time of sunset and sunrise, especially in July and August 2024 as these times limit the hours of darkness. That’s the perfect time to see the Milky Way appear just after sunset.
Best Dates to Photograph the Milky Way
Generally, the best time to view the Milky Way is between 00:00 and 5:00 at night with a new moon during the Milky Way season. However, in addition to latitude and season, you also need to consider the location for viewing the Milky Way. Look for a place with a clear night sky with no moon. This requires proper research.
Avoid polluted areas as you might not see anything in the sky. Most important: 10 nights around the new moon, when there is no moon in the night sky or when the crescent moon is about to set.
Here are the best dates to see the Milky Way:
- June 28—July 8, 2024
- July 28—August 7, 2024
- August 26—September 6, 2024
- September 24—October 5, 2024
Milky Way Position every Month
The position of the Milky Way in the sky changes depending on the season. For this reason, it is very important that you plan the best Milky Way composition and photograph panoramas of the Milky Way.
- In April and May, the Milky Way will be practically horizontal above the horizon, perfect for panoramas that capture the arc of the Milky Way.
- In June and July, the Milky Way will be horizontal at a higher altitude in the sky, and will become more diagonal as the night progresses. This is usually the best time to photograph the Milky Way in different compositions.
- In August and September, the Milky Way will be more vertical, which is the perfect time if you want to highlight the elements.
Best Time to See the Milky Way Around the World
You can’t see the Milky Way in all its glory every night. So make sure you know when to go out to get a good picture. Capture The Atlas outlines the best times to view the Milky Way around the world.
- In Southern latitudes like Indonesia, Mexico or the Southern states of the US, the best time of the year to see the Milky Way is from late March to late September.
- In higher latitudes like most of the contiguous US states, the best time to see the Milky Way is from late March to late August.
- In the northern hemisphere, the best time to photograph the Milky Way to the southeast is at the beginning of the Milky Way season (February-May). As the season progresses, the Milky Way will be visible in the southern sky (June-August), and finally towards the southwest at the end of the Milky Way season (September-October).
- In the Southern Hemisphere, the best time to photograph the Milky Way towards the Southeast and East is at the beginning of the Milky Way season (February-April). Later in the season, the Milky Way is visible in the Northern Sky (May to July), and finally heads Northwest and West at the end of the Milky Way season (July-November).
