Below the Horizon

Interpreting Your Local Forecast

The panels above provide a complete toolkit for planning your astronomical observations from Erquinghem-Lys. The Live Status Dashboard at the top gives you immediate, actionable advice by combining the forecast with M88's real-time position in your sky. The "Tonight's Viewing Conditions" gauge gives a quick look at tonight's potential, while the weekly chart provides a detailed breakdown for long-term planning. Use these tools together to find the perfect night and time to hunt for M88.

The Night Sky Above Erquinghem-Lys

From the latitude of Erquinghem-Lys, M88 and the entire Virgo Cluster are best placed for observation during the spring months in the Northern Hemisphere (or autumn in the Southern Hemisphere). During this time, the constellation Virgo is high in the sky during the evening, placing the galaxies in an optimal viewing position. Remember that your local environment, including nearby streetlights and buildings, can affect your view. For the best results, try to find a location with an open view of the sky, away from direct sources of light. Even a local park or a field on the outskirts of town can offer a significant improvement over a backyard in a brightly lit neighborhood.