This summer, NASA’s release of jaw-dropping new images from the James Webb Space Telescope sparked a robust discussion about stars, moons, planets, and galaxies. Despite this, night sky viewing can be challenging, aside from the occasional release of new space photos.
Ken Walczak, a senior manager, said, “There’s a reason why everybody’s not a stargazer. One hundred years ago, everybody was a stargazer because 100 years ago before the rampant advent of outdoor electric lighting.”
It was once possible for everyone to see the Milky Way from their yards, but now it is harder to do. Here are some great places to see stars, planets, nebulae, and stargazing tips.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Kathy D. Reasor
Cherry Springs State Park In Coudersport, Pennsylvania
Derrick Pitts, the chief astronomer at Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania, said the location is well-known. Their purpose is to serve telescopic observers.” When you arrive after dark, you’ll see a drive-in movie parking lot at the park, which is specially outfitted for stargazers. A telescope power station is divided into rows by posts.
Maunakea Visitor Information Station In Hilo, Hawaii
On the Big Island, Maunakea has an astronomer-only summit that Pitts describes as a significant astronomical location. You can also stargaze from the visitor’s station.
There is a lot of darkness at the station at roughly 9,000 feet.
Pitts said, ” There is no light up there, and all the other light is on the coast thousands of feet below you. The area is also famous for hiking.”
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Gila National Forest In Silver City, New Mexico
Gila National Forest in New Mexico is Walczak’s favorite place for stargazing. He recommended visiting Quemado Lake in the National Forest. An area of the campground is nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, so you’ll be able to see the stars at night.
Great Basin National Park In Baker, Nevada
Great Basin National Park in Nevada is also a fantastic observing site,” Walczak said.
The park also supports astrotourism and has special events and offerings throughout the year. The park offers an annual Astronomy Festival in the fall, a star train ride, and solar telescopes for viewing the sky.