Okay stargazing guide. Stargazing is my thing, or at least I try to make it my thing. I’m just some guy in the US right now sitting in my living room with the TV on low and the blinds half open letting in that annoying orange streetlight glow that ruins everything. I’ve been obsessed with looking up at the night sky since I was a kid but I suck at it half the time. Like seriously I once drove all the way to a supposed dark sky spot and the clouds rolled in right when I got there. I sat in my car eating gas station chips and cursing the weather app. Anyway.
My Messy Take on the Best Stargazing Locations in the US
I’m no expert okay. I just like feeling tiny under the stars and pretending I know what I’m doing. Here are some best stargazing locations I’ve actually been to or really want to go back to.
- Death Valley National Park, California — This place is wild. I went there last year or maybe the year before idk and the sky was so dark I thought I was hallucinating. The Milky Way looked like someone dumped glitter on black paint. Go in spring or fall tho cuz summer is death literally. Check the park site here if you want.
- Big Bend National Park, Texas — Darkest spot I’ve ever seen. I camped there and the stars were so bright I could see the Milky Way like it was painted on. Saw Saturn too with my junky binoculars. It’s a Dark Sky Sanctuary or whatever that means. More info at DarkSky.
- Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania — Good for east coasters like me sometimes. I drove there once and it was amazing but I forgot my chair and my butt hurt after an hour. They have pads for telescopes and stuff.
- Great Basin National Park, Nevada — Super remote. I went in the fall and it was freezing but the stars were perfect. They have an observatory if you’re fancy.
- Joshua Tree National Park, California — My favorite cuz it’s kinda close. I dragged some friends there during a new moon and we just laid on rocks staring up. The sky was nuts but I got bit by bugs so bad I looked like I had chicken pox the next day.
Best Times to Go Stargazing (Learned From My Dumb Mistakes)
Timing is key and I’ve screwed it up so many times it’s embarrassing.
Moon Phases Are Everything Stargazing Guide
New moon is the best. No moon = super dark sky = you see all the stars. I tried during a full moon once and all I got was moonlight washing everything out. First quarter or last quarter can work but full moon is a no go.
Seasons and Weather Stuff Stargazing Guide
Summer for the Milky Way cuz it’s higher up. Winter skies are clearer but cold as hell. I stargazed in Joshua Tree in winter and my hands were numb but the view was worth it. Spring and fall are the best no extremes.
Time of Night
Wait till late like 10 or 11 PM. I used to go out at 8 and wonder why only a few stars. Patience dude.
Stargazing Tips From My Flawed Life Stargazing Guide
- Get a red flashlight. White light kills your night vision. I forgot mine and used my phone and blinded myself for like 20 minutes.
- Apps help. I use Stellarium or SkyView. Makes me feel less stupid.
- Layers. It gets cold fast. I learned that after shivering like an idiot.
- Snacks. Stargazing with chips is better. Don’t @ me.
Wrapping This Up (This Is Getting Chaotic)
So yeah that’s my stargazing guide. Best stargazing locations are those dark sky places, best times to stargaze are new moon nights, and just go do it. I still mess up all the time like last night I tried from my balcony and saw mostly airplanes and a bat or something. Whatever. Stars are cool. Go look at them. Or stay inside and watch Netflix I don’t care. I might go try again tonight or maybe not. Idk. My back hurts from lying on the ground too much anyway. Stars forever or something. Peace out. Or not. Whatever.
