As of today, peak season now, through ~August 5. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
The Milky Way galactic core is the bright, densely starred central region of our galaxy, centered on the radio source Sagittarius A*.
From southern-hemisphere dark sky sites such as Castle Hill, the core forms a spectacular, well-defined arch above the horizon for several months each year.
Best viewing requires moonless nights, clear skies, and minimal light pollution.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Kura Tāwhiti / Castle Hill Scenic Reserve - Main Carpark |
| Flock Hill Station - High Country Plain Viewpoint (private access) |
| + 1 more spot, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.