Milky Way Position Calculator — Core Visibility Planner

The Milky Way galactic core is located in the constellation Sagittarius at approximately Right Ascension 18h, Declination -29°.

Maximum altitude = 90° - |latitude - core declination|

The core's visibility depends on the time of year (when it transits during darkness) and your latitude (which determines how high it rises). From the UK at ~52°N, the core never rises higher than about 19° above the horizon, making southern hemisphere locations more favourable for dramatic Milky Way photography.

Best viewing times shift approximately 2 hours earlier each month as the Earth orbits the Sun.