If you’ve ever tried capturing the Milky Way over Cape Cod’s lighthouses, beaches, or cranberry bogs, you’ve likely heard the phrase “Milky Way Season.” But what does it really mean—and why does this magnificent band of stars only seem to show itself during certain times of the year?
What Is “Milky Way Season”?
“Milky Way Season” refers to the time of year when the Galactic Core—the bright, photogenic center of our galaxy—is visible in the night sky. For night photographers on Cape Cod and throughout the Northern Hemisphere, this season typically runs from late February through early October.
While the Milky Way is always overhead, the Galactic Core is not always visible. That’s because the Earth’s tilt and orbit around the sun determine when and where the core appears in the sky during the night hours.
It is important to note that often times photographers will use the terms “Milky Way” and “Galactic Core” interchangeably. However, this is incorrect as the highly-coveted core is a smaller component of the overall Milky Way. Another term you may hear is the “galactic band’ which
is interchangeable.
An early season Milky Way appears more horizontally along the eastern horizon.
Why Does the Milky Way Rise at Different Times?
The core of the Milky Way rises and sets just like the sun and moon—but the timing changes with the seasons.
- In early spring (February–March): The core rises in the southeast just before dawn. You’ll need to be out shooting between 3 a.m. and sunrise. This is a great time to capture panorama shots and arcs as the galactic band is at its most horizontal alignment.
- In late spring to midsummer (April–July): The core rises earlier—closer to midnight or even after sunset. These months offer the longest viewing windows and most favorable weather, making them prime time for Milky Way photography. This is my personal favorite part of the season because I prefer a vertical Milky Way. It aligns well with structures and landscape and also allows for portrait oriented compositions.
- By late summer into early fall (August–October): The core becomes visible right after sunset but sets earlier each night. By October, it’s already dipping below the horizon shortly after dark. Technically, it’s been out most of the day and you’re just seeing the last of it after sunset.
This shift means photographers must carefully track rise times and adjust their schedules throughout the year. More importantly, each month dictates a different set of locations that best align with the Milky Way.
How It Impacts Photography Planning on Cape Cod
Cape Cod’s east- and south-facing coastlines offer excellent sightlines for Milky Way photography, but several planning considerations come into play:
1. Time of Night
You’ll need to know when the core will be above the horizon—and how high it will rise. Apps like PhotoPills or PlanIt Pro can help forecast the best viewing windows. Be warned, the idea of “the core” tricks photographers into thinking they cannot begin to photograph prior to its rise because there isn’t enough there to shoot. This couldn’t be further from the truth!
2. Moon Phase
A bright moon can wash out the Milky Way. Plan your shoots during new moons or when the moon has already set during your shooting window. More on this later.
A moonset from behind the camera provides just the right amount foreground light as the Milky Way rises at Stage Harbor. Residual moonlight will normally cast a blue tone into the sky.
3. Light Pollution and the Bortle Scale
Even on Cape Cod, light pollution from nearby towns can dull the sky. Stick to darker areas like Cape Cod National Seashore, Sandy Neck, or Wellfleet’s ocean-facing beaches for the best results. The Surf Drive area in Falmouth can provide opportunities for the folks along the Upper Cape.
However, as summer transitions to fall, the core is only visible for a short time after sunset and is often buried in light pollution to the west.
Bay facing locations such as the Sandwich Boardwalk, Grays Beach, Rock Harbor and the inner arm of the Cape suffers from the most light pollution.
The Bortle Scale is a numeric rating system that assesses the light pollution at a given location with 1 being the best (or the darkest) and 9 being the worst (brightest.)
The darker areas of Cape Cod are generally rated at a level 4 which are very workable conditions. Hyannis is the worst at a level 6. The very best place you could go is the Highland Light area in Truro as this gets you to the area’s lowest level at a 3. Just remember, photographing toward the west from here will reveal the light pollution of Provincetown. But it is clear sailing to the north and east.
The image below shows a “heat map” of the estimated light pollution of the Cape Cod area with reds being the most severe and the blues being the most favorable.
4. Seasonal Access
Some locations on the Cape may have limited or seasonal access. Make sure your preferred shooting spots are open to the public, especially during off-season months.
Many beach parking lots in the area will close at 10:00pm and a gate is locked. Your best opportunity to enjoy nighttime beach photography lies across the National Seashore where most areas close at midnight but even then you can usually stick around with little trouble.
5. About That Moon
The very first thing you should be thinking about is what the moon phase will be on the night you plan to shoot. As previously mentioned, the moon can quickly obscure your view of the Milky Way even when you perceive it to be quite dim. For those of you on Cape Cod, here’s a nifty resource that you should bookmark. You can also search for other locations.
https://moonphases.willyweather.com/ma/barnstable-county/cape-cod-national-seashore.html
Get Out There!
Milky Way Season is a rewarding time for night photographers on Cape Cod. Understanding how the Earth’s movement impacts the visibility of the Galactic Core helps you anticipate the best nights for shooting—and ensures you don’t show up with your tripod in July only to discover the Milky Way is already out of view by the time you’re ready.
So mark your calendars, charge your batteries, and plan ahead—Cape Cod’s skies are waiting.
See you out there, after dark. -T
