
If you're looking for a place to stargaze in Texas, you'll want to head somewhere with minimal light pollution. The Brazos Bend observatory is a good option for city dwellers, but you'll still see a third of the sky blotted out by Houston's lights. For a better view, try West Texas, where you'll find higher altitudes, less pollution and less humidity. The Van Horn and Sierra Blanca area is recommended, as is the area where the road to Fort Davis intersects with US90.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Place | West Texas |
Fort Davis | |
Alpine | |
Sierra Blanca | |
Van Horn | |
Outside city limits |
What You'll Learn
West Texas
One user recommends the area south of San Angelo and slightly north-west of Lubbock. They say that most nights, just outside the city limits, you can see plenty of stars. Another user seconds this, saying that the whole area is a dark sky reserve.
Fort Davis is also recommended, with one user saying the stars are "unreal" and that the star parties are "so worth a late night". The area where the road to Fort Davis intersects US90 is also said to have some of the best stars in Texas.
The Van Horn and Sierra Blanca area is also a good option, with one user saying that even with the lights of the rest area near Van Horn, they got a great view of the sky.
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Fort Davis
The stars in Fort Davis are described as "unreal", and the town even hosts "star parties", where people gather to admire the night sky. These parties are well worth staying up late for, according to locals.
If you're looking for a place to stay in Fort Davis, there are several options, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds. The town also has a variety of restaurants and shops to explore during the day.
To get to Fort Davis, you can take US90, and the intersection with the road to Ft. Davis is said to offer some of the best stargazing in all of Texas. So if you're looking for a place to escape light pollution and connect with the night sky, Fort Davis is definitely worth considering.
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Van Horn and Sierra Blanca
West Texas is a great place to go stargazing without light pollution. The Van Horn and Sierra Blanca area is highly recommended, with one user saying that even with the lights of the rest area near Van Horn, they got a great view of the sky.
If you're in the Houston area, you can try the observatory in Brazos Bend, but be warned that a third of the sky is blotted out by the city's lights. For a better view, head to the intersection of the road to Ft. Davis and US90, which has been described as a "dark sky reserve". Fort Davis itself is also a great place to see the stars, with "star parties" that are well worth a late night.
If you're willing to travel a little further, Alpine is another place with gorgeous skies. And if you're looking for a more remote location, try the area south of San Angelo and slightly northwest of Lubbock.
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South of San Angelo
If you're looking for a place to stargaze in Texas without light pollution, head south of San Angelo. This area of west Texas is known for its dark skies and abundant stars. Growing up in west Texas, one resident recalls how most nights just outside the city limits, you can see plenty of stars.
The area surrounding Fort Davis is particularly renowned for its lack of light pollution and stunning night skies. Fort Davis is located just outside the city of San Angelo, making it a convenient destination for those seeking a dark sky experience. The star parties held here are a popular attraction, offering a unique opportunity to observe the night sky in all its glory.
For those seeking a more remote location, the Van Horn and Sierra Blanca area in west Texas is another excellent option. Even with the lights of the nearby rest area, the night sky here is still impressive. The higher altitude, lower pollution levels, and reduced humidity of west Texas contribute to clearer skies and better stargazing conditions.
If you're looking for a place to escape the light pollution of the city and connect with the night sky, south of San Angelo is a perfect choice. Whether you attend a star party at Fort Davis or venture further into west Texas, you're sure to be amazed by the beauty of the dark skies in this region. So pack your telescope and head out to experience the stars like never before!
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North-west of Lubbock
If you're looking for a more specific destination, try Fort Davis, which is just outside the city of Fort Davis and has been described as having "gorgeous skies" and "unreal" stars. The area is a dark sky reserve, meaning there is no light pollution. Fort Davis also hosts star parties, which are well worth a late night.
If you're in the Houston area, you might want to try the observatory in Brazos Bend, although be warned that a third of the sky is blotted out by the city's lights. For a better view, head to the rest area near Van Horn, where you can still see the lights of the city but will be treated to a great view of the sky.
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Frequently asked questions
West Texas is a great option, with less pollution, less humidity and higher altitude. The Van Horn and Sierra Blanca area is recommended, as is the area just outside Fort Davis, which is a dark sky reserve.
Yes, the area just outside Lubbock is also recommended, as is the Brazos Bend observatory, although a third of the sky is blotted out by Houston lights.
Fort Davis is known for its star parties, which are well worth a late night.