55 replies to this topic

[ClsscLib]

Just getting back into visual astronomy after decades away from it. Clearly my Bortle 6-7 Northern VA skies aren’t conducive to the DSO observing that I want to do.

 

What do you do — and what would you recommend beginners to do — to get to skies dark enough to make DSO observing enjoyable?

 

Camping or renting a mountain cabin?  If so, how do you go about it?

 

Attend star parties or astronomy gatherings?  If so, are they local or destination events to which you travel?  And how do you find out about such events?

 

For my fellow Virginians, have you observed at the Sky Meadows State Park designated dark skies observing location?  If so, how dark are the skies, and how accommodating is the venue?

 

Would appreciate any ideas or observations (ahem).

[Bob Campbell]

Just getting back into visual astronomy after decades away from it. Clearly my Bortle 6-7 Northern VA skies aren’t conducive to the DSO observing that I want to do.

 

What do you do — and what would you recommend beginners to do — to get to skies dark enough to make DSO observing enjoyable?

 

Camping or renting a mountain cabin?  If so, how do you go about it?

 

Attend star parties or astronomy gatherings?  If so, are they local or destination events to which you travel?  And how do you find out about such events?

 

For my fellow Virginians, have you observed at the Sky Meadows State Park designated dark skies observing location?  If so, how dark are the skies, and how accommodating is the venue?

 

Would appreciate any ideas or observations (ahem).

First I would recommend checking this out:

 

https://www.darkskym...htSkyBrightness

 

type in northern va usa and get your region. You can even type in your address to really hone in. Green and blue are good, even yellow is better than what you have likely. Looks like you might need to travel a bit.

 

But at this point you would just need to drill down and see if there are lodging/campground near some of these dark locations.

 

Edit: I live in bortle 8+ where visual is essentially impossible. I have found EAA (camera replaces eyepiece) to be fun, and you can really cut through the LP.

 

Bob

Edited by Bob Campbell, 22 April 2025 - 03:13 PM.

[havasman]

Be prepared to drive, sometimes long distances.

 

Join a local club that has a dark site for members' use.

 

Take advantage of State and National Parks.

 

Find out that friends have generational property in very dark spots and wrangle access.

 

Find that universities in your area have remote astronomy facilities to which access can be arranged at a cost.

 

Star parties? Many/most list themselves in Sky & Telescope's index of star parties. Okie-Tex is good.

[PeteConrad]

If not a member already, consider joining Northern Virginia Astronomy Club. As a member, you’ll get access to Spruce Knob in WV during moonless summer month weekends (where the Night Owl and Almost Heaven star parties are held)

[zleonis]

Camping or renting a mountain cabin?  If so, how do you go about it?

To find a campground that is more or less suitable for observing, I'd go to a website like David Lorentz Light Pollution Atlas and go for the ones that are in relatively dark locations. The nice thing about campgrounds is they usually have clearings where you have a reasonably unobstructed views (National Parks/Forests are great, but tree cover makes it tough to find good observing spots). One thing to keep in mind, I've observed in other Virginia state parks, and even if you're staying the night, you might want to check in with a ranger, since non-campsite areas often close at dusk. Even so, you may get a visit from a friendly ranger in a vehicle with bright lights.

 

For cabins, I've used Airbnb or Vrbo, combined with light pollution maps and Google maps satellite imaging to see if the property has clearings. Highland County Virginia is a worthwhile spot to consider: it's pretty dark, and there's comparatively little tree cover (also a beautiful place to visit, astronomy aside).

 

If you're fine roughing it, Highland Wildlife Preserve has dark skies and open horizons (primitive facilities and dispersed camping). Smoke Camp Knob in the Lake Buffalo Recreation area in the Monongahela National Forest is a terrific spot: 270 degrees of clear views to the horizon. It's remote, but accessible in any vehicle assuming no blowdowns, etc. 

 

Attend star parties or astronomy gatherings?  If so, are they local or destination events to which you travel?  And how do you find out about such events?

Virginia has a number of fairly active clubs. I think the Northern Virginia club does frequent events at Sky Meadows (looks like there's one coming up this weekend). Many Virginia state parks host astronomy events which are listed on the park website https://www.dcr.virg...te-parks/events. Most clubs will list events on their website. I enjoy doing outreach/public observing - it's a great way to meet other astronomers, check out others' gear or troubleshoot mine, and to share astronomy with visitors. I usually follow my club website / email list for local events (I've never traveled to a destination star party). There's a Cloudy Nights forum for star parties: https://www.cloudyni...ws-conferences/. 

[Martinbruce]

Here is a current thread that is close to what you are asking. https://www.cloudyni...spruce-knob-wv/
 

You’re actually closer to dark sky’s than some of us. Cheers 

[Jethro7]

What do you do — and what would you recommend beginners to do — to get to skies dark enough to make DSO observing enjoyable?

 

Would appreciate any ideas or observations (ahem).

Hello ClsscLib,

Welcome back to the Hobby. Here is an alternative approach to having to travel to dark skies. I live under Bortle 8 skies and my Bortle 3 dark skies are about 2 hrs away. For the most part this drive is inconvenient. Several years ago on the advice of other CN members, I purchased a PV14 night vision device and what a game changer this gadget turned out to be. This device mitigates the terrible effects of my heavy light pollution, giving me Bortle 2 skies right from my Bortle 8 back yard and using that device under real dark skies is like tripling my aperture. Unfortunately, these night vision devices are very expensive but turned out to be the best money that I have ever spent for my Backyard Astronomy Project. Not only for the convenience of not having to make the drive every time I really want to see what's up there in the sky. Also the way these night vision devices make most of my targets just pop in the eyepiece and all of this is in real time viewing.

 

https://youtube.com/...Tc1iNHhvRPOhjQ9

 

https://www.cloudyni...sion-astronomy/

 

HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro

Edited by Jethro7, 22 April 2025 - 10:09 PM.

[JayinUT]

I'm fortunate. I still live where darks skies are still relatively close. I drive from 45 minutes (SQM 21.5 to 21.6) to 1 hour and 30 minutes or so for SQM 21.8 to 21.9 range.  During "standard time" I can get out, set up, cool down and be ready to observe when darkness arrives after astronomical twilight has ended. That is usually around 6:30pm and I stay out until midnight or 1:00 a.m. I then come home and get home between 1:30 am to 2:00 am. I sleep in the next morning and do my work from 10:00 to 4:00 pm IF I am working that day. 

 

If however I stay over and that becomes more of a necessity after Daylight Savings begins, I begin observing when darkness arrives. Right now that is around 9:30pm and it will go later as the summer comes on. I then observe until between 3:00 am to 4:00 am and I car camp.  I have a Subaru Ascent and I have the seats second row and third row laid down for transport. Now I simply cover the scope up and then I will have rolled out my camping air mattress and over that lay a 2 inch memory foam mattress (?) and I then lay on top of that with a pillow and the appropriate sleeping bag or blanket. Then I sleep until I get up (always point the car so the Sun isn't shinning in to wake you up). I then make my breakfast, and spend the day hiking or relaxing and reading and enjoying my time out in nature. Next evening I am set up so I check collimation and then I eat a dinner and am ready to go. 

 

I also have recently purchased a night vision device and will use that outside of new moon. I LOVE traveling to my dark sites as the journey out to them is very relaxing as I leave behind all my worries, caress, stresses of day to day life and just reconnect with nature and the universe. In reality it is a good dose of humility in that I realize how short my time is here and to really focus when I am not observing on the relationships that matter most, my wife, my adult kids, grandkids and a few close friends. It is THAT experience that I always yearn for. In the end, you as each of has to, will decide what works for you. However don't limit yourself just to dark sky observing. There are plenty of double stars, open clusters and the moon itself that are REALLY rewarding from suburbia. I have fallen in love with the moon to be honest. I love observing it as it goes through its various phases (sans full moon).  Welcome back and I hope you find what it is you are looking to enjoy in the hobby.  

Edited by JayinUT, 22 April 2025 - 05:42 PM.

[izar187]

What they all said.  : )

I will add another vote for going to the David Lorentz Light Pollution Atlas.

Find where it is darker around you, and where is the closest real darkness to you.

Then if you can, go to these places during the day, to learn first hand what the land is like.

Research the likely places via mapping and web sites. Sure.

But also go to them in person, to see how the land is being used by others, and real physical accessibility.

IMHO+E this can be a day trip well spent.

To something anything darker and/or more open sky nearby, or more better darkerness relatively far away. Both.

[BKBrown]

I can certainly sympathize with your plight, having lived in northern Virginia for 36 years. In 2019 I finally moved out from under the orange/gray skies of eastern Loudoun county to a rural area south of Charlottesville. But while under the astronomy hostile skies I was mainly a lunar and planetary imager, while also enjoying double stars and clusters, and dipping my toe in the narrow band imaging pool. If you are not already a member of NOVAC, join ASAP. There are lots of folks who can give you advice, and you will have access to some decent observing sites. Also, keep an eye on the star party forum for upcoming events like the Staunton River Star Party gatherings in the spring and fall.

 

Clear Skies,

Brian 

[Sketcher]

What do you do — and what would you recommend beginners to do — to get to skies dark enough to make DSO observing enjoyable?

 

Camping or renting a mountain cabin?  If so, how do you go about it?

 

Attend star parties or astronomy gatherings?  If so, are they local or destination events to which you travel?  And how do you find out about such events?

What I do?  I just step outside to access dark skies, though I realize that that's not a possibility for most people.  What to recommend beginners do?  Concentrate on the Sun, Moon, and planets when you're unable to access dark skies.  Don't concern yourself overly with deep-sky objects until you're under skies that are dark enough to satisfy what you want to accomplish.  To get to dark skies?  Use whatever means works for you.  When nothing works for you, fall back to the Sun, Moon, and planets.  Those objects can keep an interested individual busy for pretty much forever -- and they don't require dark skies to enjoy.

 

Camping, renting?  Yes, those can be viable options for some people.  The "how to" will depend on various details and personal preferences that can be very different for different instances of camping and/or renting.

 

Star parties or astro gatherings?  The suitability of such things (for dark sky access) will be very dependent on the specific details that are involved with the specific events and the travel details (or obstacles) that each such event can require.  Do your research on specific gatherings prior to attending.

 

In short, details will vary depending on one's location and the distances/obstacles involved in getting to skies that are dark enough for what the individual wants to accomplish.  It's difficult, if not impossible, to provide specific details for such general questions.

 

Self-thoughts:  Why do so many ignore those celestial wonders that are easily accessible to them with no travel involved, while fretting over those things that they cannot see in a manner that satisfies them from their own homes?  It's like:  "If I can easily see it, then I don't want to bother with it."  and if I can't see it from home, then that's what I want to be able to see."  That (common attitude) just sounds self-defeatist to me.

[desertstars]

Mostly, I drive away from town. Here in southern Arizona, I'm fortunate that better than suburban skies are half an hour away, and truly dark skies are about 90 minutes away. I make use of nearby state parks and sites maintained by the local astronomy club.

 

According to the readings I get with a Sky Quality Meter, in my back yard I'm looking up into a Bortle 7 sky. At home, I observe double stars, planets, and (or course) the Moon. Also some of the brighter open and globular clusters. Galaxies and most bright nebulae elude me; those I save for dark sky excursions. By using this generalist, divide and conquer approach, I can keep the momentum going between my all too infrequent trips out to darker skies. I've logged a lot of hours with a telescope in my back yard, and enjoyed them.

[sevenofnine]

I'm mostly in the planning stage because there's no place accessible with a sky better than my Bortle 5 (20.5 SQM) backyard. So I bought a small one man tent and plan visiting our very dark Northern State Parks. Here's the setup so far and it all packs into a duffel bag:...

 

.

Edited by sevenofnine, 23 April 2025 - 11:42 AM.

[Peter Besenbruch]

For me, it would involve flying to a neighbor island, or driving 45 minutes to Mokuleia to our club's dark viewing area twice a month. However, the best solution involved purchasing a smart scope. I can use that in my yard.

[RalphMeisterTigerMan]

Back in the day I would drive about an hour or so to get to our dark sky observing site. It was well worth it to be able to observ DSO's with my "observing buddies".

 

Clear skes and keep looking up!

RalphMeisterTigerMan

[Dave Mitsky]

If not a member already, consider joining Northern Virginia Astronomy Club. As a member, you’ll get access to Spruce Knob in WV during moonless summer month weekends (where the Night Owl and Almost Heaven star parties are held)

Information on the Almost Heaven Star Party can be found at https://www.ahsp.org/

[jcj380]

1st tier - a couple of club dark(er) sites that are about an hour's drive away.  Can't camp there though, so driving home can be challenging.  Also, it's hard to get out there if I want to observe pre-dawn.

 

2nd tier - State campgrounds in dark areas.  I stay well away from any RVs as many owners light theirs up like ocean liners.  Not sure why since they seem to stay inside and watch TV   .  

 

3rd tier - Rent an AirBNB or VRBO under dark skies.  I check the phase of the moon, LP maps, and Google maps.  I now check as best I can for security lights etc. since a couple places have had inconveniently placed yard / security lights that I couldn't turn off. Best places I've been to have been on lakes - nice, clear horizon(s).

 

So I bought a small one man tent and plan visiting our very dark Northern State Parks. Here's the setup so far and it all packs in a duffel bag:...

I've thought about getting a tentcot for short overnighters rather than dragging / setting up my regular camping gear.  It looks like they pop up pretty easily and would probably be more comfortable than sleeping in the back of my SUV.  Dunno.

[JayinUT]

 

 

I've thought about getting a tentcot for short overnighters rather than dragging / setting up my regular camping gear.  It looks like they pop up pretty easily and would probably be more comfortable than sleeping in the back of my SUV.  Dunno.

I have a tent cot and I like it,  but is very large and I don't have the room after putting in my scope and equipment in the back of the Ascent.  I find a 2" memory foam topper with an sleeping bag air mattress works great in the back of my Ascent. If you have the room for the Tent Cot then do so. Like I said I like mine a lot. 

[rjacks]

I posted the following just last week in a similar forum:

 

Finding East Coast Dark Sites:

 

1. Check the astronomy clubs near you - they usually have a site.

2. Learn the David Lorenz' light pollution map for your area, then look for state parks, state wildlife management areas, and national parks in the dark skies. Then check the maps of those state lands for open areas you can access.  Check them out in satellite view in Google Maps. Drive out there and check them out in the daytime. If there is a lot of trash or shell casings, skip it!

3. Look for state parks with dark sky designations.

4. Google astronomy viewing spots in your state. 

5. Turnouts on the Blue Ridge Parkway (where Hurricane Helene didn't destroy it).

6. Check for observatories near you - sometimes they have public viewing areas.

 

As you are in Virginia, you should look up the Virginia State Parks that advertise as dark sky sites - there are several. Grayson Highlands State Park is great.  I suggest observing from the parking lot outside the visitor center - it's a better spot than the campground itself.  Also, there is the Staunton River Star Party twice a year. There are also well-known viewing locations in West Virginia.   

[stargazer1]

The nearest dark skies for us are a minimum of 4 hours away. We have some nice, albeit brighter sites closer. 

 

I'm fortunate that my wife likes camping. We started astronomy camping with our kids while they were still too young to question whether this was what they wanted. Now two of the three like to camp.  We're still using a tent, but will probably upgrade to either a popup trailer or travel trailer in the next couple of years. Given the effort to set up and tear down (takes us about an hour), we like to stay for several days in one spot. If you're content being a minimalist (think backpacking), then you can cut that time in half with a little organization. 

[Mike W]

I'm lucky our club uses a dark site on top of a small mountain 45min. away. I happens to be an Arboretum so I go there for daytime hikes as well.

 

Edited by Mike W, 23 April 2025 - 04:55 PM.

[ayadai]

If so, how do you go about it?

Sail due North for about 48 hours.
 

[izar187]

I made a 4 hr run one way to dark sky, during the day last week.

Specifically to check if the timber cuts were open to access.

Some are, some are not due to storm damage. Snow is gone.

But I put eyes, tires and feet on 4 different site options in the area.

Wide open flat land, right down the horizons, with easy in/out.

Spent several hours looking for elk antlers/horns too. No luck. : (

But the trip was well worth the investment in time, to confirm observing sites.

I have been using this area for 4 years, and it atlas rates as a 21.89 possible.

Even if it can not get quite that dark, due to atmospherics, it's been very worth telescoping there.

Searching out and using telescope sites is very akin to trying out hiking trails and fishing spots.

Very worthwhile IMHO+E

[12BH7]

It's obvious that if you want to do any dim stuff you're going to have to travel. However, you could look into more suitable targets. Double stars, globular and open clusters, carbon stars, etc...

 

What I do in between going to dark sites is a LOT of lunar and planetary (when available).  Before I never bothered much with the moon and considered it more a nuisance. Now I'm a hooked on finishing my Lunar 100 list. 

 

I am a bit lucky in that I can do "some" deep sky from my driveway. Which is not that good a spot, but it's all I have in between dark sky trips.

[EricSi]

I belong to a local club that has semi-dark skies about 45 minutes drive from my very light-polluted driveway, and I go there most months except in the winter. And a couple of years ago I bought shares in the Goldendale Sky Village, and had a 10 x 12 foot shed installed so I have a place to sleep. It's about a four hour drive, but it has what I think are around Bortle 2 skies.