5 States to Go to for Stargazing

Sleeping outdoors might imply you at all times have unbelievable sky views, however not all spots are created equal on the subject of stargazing. Components like gentle air pollution, elevation, and clear climate all play a job within the high quality of the night time sky. These 5 states stand out for his or her exceptionally darkish skies, world-class observatories, instructional applications, and unbelievable views day or night time. 

Arizona

As of January 2025, Tucson, famend for its darkish sky insurance policies, is now residence to the brand-new Astro Path. A sequence of stops close to Tucson (together with state parks, 4 observatories, a planetarium, Saguaro Nationwide Park, and extra), the Astro Path guides fans across the skies. The free sign-up is fast and may be accomplished in your cell phone, and provides you entry to the path information and different perks.

In case you’re on the lookout for a spot to camp, Kartchner Caverns State Park is a part of the Astro Path. It’s additionally a acknowledged Darkish Sky Park and gives exceptionally clear and darkish skies that are perfect for night-time viewing or images. 

New Mexico

New Mexico boasts expansive darkish skies, open areas for viewing them, and quite a few observatories across the state. Some prime spots to go to are Salinas Pueblo Missions Nationwide Monument, which gives Darkish Sky occasions all through the summer season, Clayton Lake State Park, which has an on-site observatory, and Capulin Volcano Nationwide Monument, which hosts a Darkish Sky Competition in mid-September.

For tenting, there isn’t any place higher than the Worldwide Darkish Sky Sanctuary of Cosmic Campground in Gila Nationwide Forest. With clear views of the skies and the closest city gentle supply over 40 miles away, guests have unparalleled views of the Milky Approach.

Oregon

If you consider Oregon, you won’t instantly think about it a main location for night time sky viewing. Nonetheless, quite a few darkish areas exist past the boundaries of Portland and the West Coast! Oregon Outback Worldwide Darkish Sky Sanctuary close to Lakeview gives in all probability the darkest skies within the state. The terrain is sort of rugged, with restricted cell service. However the remoteness is a part of its allure, and the views of the night time sky are unparalleled. 

For a darkish sky web site with full-hookup or tent tenting choices, think about visiting Prineville Reservoir Campground in Prineville Reservoir State Park. The park gives quite a few darkish sky applications each weekend all through the summer season. 

Kansas

With flat terrain and small communities, there are many locations to take pleasure in expansive views of the night time sky in Kansas. Tallgrass Prairie Nationwide Protect gives distinctive night time sky viewing and intensive climbing and wildlife viewing alternatives. There are additionally a number of observatories across the state, most of which host public occasions! 

If you would like a spot to dive into astrotourism, whereas tenting, think about visiting Casner Creek Campground at Fall River State Park—yearly, the Kansas Astronomical Observers hosts a Star Get together and academic Program.

Texas

With a lot open land, it’s straightforward to think about Texas as a stargazing hotspot. Huge Bend Ranch State Park and Huge Bend Nationwide Park are well-known Darkish Sky Parks and provide nice tenting and academic alternatives. Huge Bend Nationwide Park, specifically, has fairly a couple of occasions all year long, and Chisos Basin and Cottonwood campgrounds have restricted gentle air pollution and are nice locations to chill out within the night and search for. 

Just some hours north, the McDonald Observatory is effectively definitely worth the journey. With Star Events, particular viewing nights, and workshops, the observatory is a superb place to study extra about our photo voltaic system. Think about visiting the world in Might for the annual Texas Star Get together!

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