Bronte Wells
Stargazers and nature enthusiasts alike are always on the lookout for places with minimal light pollution to get the best views of the night sky. While it is challenging to find places with zero light pollution, several destinations in the United States offer remarkably clear and unobstructed views of the stars. These locations provide opportunities for breathtaking celestial displays and a chance to connect with nature in a unique way. From the Grand Canyon in Arizona to the remote Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, each of these places offers a distinct experience under the starry canopy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Areas with no light pollution in the US | Southeast Oregon, Northwest Nevada, Big Bend National Park in Texas, Death Valley in California, Utah, West of Green River, Colorado, West Texas, Central Nevada, Arizona |
| Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the US | Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, Glacier National Park in Montana, Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada |
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What You'll Learn
Southeast Oregon and northwest Nevada
Light pollution has been a growing concern for stargazers in recent years, with truly dark skies becoming harder to find. However, some of the darkest areas in the continental US can be found in southeast Oregon and northwest Nevada. This region is renowned for its strikingly dark skies, offering incredible stargazing opportunities.
The center of this dark region is located in Oregon, approximately halfway between the Sheldon National Antelope Refuge and Steens Mountain. Camping on Steens Mountain provides a spectacular view of the night sky, with the Milky Way clearly visible. The absence of nearby cities and minimal on-property lighting contribute to the exceptional darkness of this area.
Southeast Oregon, in particular, offers a unique stargazing experience. The high sierras create a mind-blowing visual of the Milky Way, resembling a vast mountain range of clouds. Meteor showers observed from this region are described as even more captivating, appearing to come directly at the observer.
Northwest Nevada, being part of this dark region, also boasts exceptional stargazing conditions. While specific locations in Nevada are not mentioned, the overall darkness of the region makes it ideal for observing the night sky.
For those seeking to explore these dark skies, resources such as Dave Lorenz's site and the Light Pollution Atlas can be utilized to identify the darkest areas. Additionally, Dark Site Finder provides updated light pollution information on a map, aiding stargazers in their search for optimal viewing spots. By seeking out these dark sky regions in southeast Oregon and northwest Nevada, astronomy enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos.
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Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park in Texas is one of the most remote places in the United States. Located in southwest Texas, it is about a six-hour drive from San Antonio, the nearest city. The park is known for its breathtaking vistas and hiking trails, and it offers truly incredible stargazing opportunities. The night sky in the Big Bend region is iconic and has been a part of human culture for countless generations.
The Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, of which Big Bend National Park is a part, is a collaborative effort between multiple parks, communities, groups, and protected lands on both sides of the Rio Grande. The reserve aims to protect the night sky through better lighting practices. The reserve recognises that light pollution disrupts the natural rhythm of day and night, which can have severe negative consequences for ecosystems and human health.
Big Bend National Park is one of the darkest areas in the lower 48 United States. On a moonless night in April 2017, rangers took 39 readings at 13 sites in the park using a Sky Quality Meter (SQM). The mean SQM reading for that night was 21.73, which is considered exceptionally dark according to the International Dark Sky Association guidelines.
The park offers a unique experience where visitors can hike, view ancient petroglyphs, and spend the night gazing at the twinkling canopy above. The night sky at Big Bend is truly something else, and it is a great destination for those seeking a place with minimal light pollution.
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Death Valley, California
The Oasis at Death Valley has taken measures to minimise light pollution, such as switching to dimmable LED and LPS (low-pressure sodium) lights, which emit a soft, downward-facing glow. The National Park Service has also hosted family-friendly events like the Dark Sky Festival in 2019, which included photography classes, hikes with scientists, and stargazing sessions. During the winter and spring months, Death Valley National Park Rangers host several stargazing events within the park.
The International Dark Sky Association has recognised Death Valley National Park as the largest Dark Sky National Park in the country. The park's remote location and dark skies make it a prime spot for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts. Under the crystal-clear skies of this Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park, participants can join astronomy enrichment sessions led by renowned astrophysicist Maxwell F.X. Paláu. With his guidance, visitors can explore the mysteries of space and capture stunning astrophotography images.
Death Valley is not only a great place for stargazing but also offers a variety of other attractions. By day, visitors can hike, cycle, and explore ancient petroglyphs left behind by the area's Indigenous Northern Paiute people. The Mesquite Sand Dunes are also a popular spot, where visitors can watch the sunset before laying back and stargazing. The park's efforts to protect the night sky and provide educational and recreational opportunities make it a unique and valuable destination for astronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
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Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah was the world's first International Dark Sky Park, certified by the International Dark-Sky Association in 2007. The park is known for its stunning natural bridges, carved by water over thousands of years, and its cool canyons.
The park is a great place for stargazing, with dark skies and glistening, bright stars. Visitors can enjoy the night sky from one of the 13 reservable campsites in the park, priced at $16 per night. Entrance to the park is $10 per person per week, or $20 per carload, and entrance is free with a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The park is open year-round, but summer offers the best star-viewing conditions, with clear skies and mild nights.
The Natural Bridges visitor centre provides interpretive displays that introduce the area and describe the attractions of Bridge View Drive. The park is also rich in human history, with evidence of ancient people occupying the complex system of canyons from around 500 BC to AD 1270. The Ancestral Puebloans built cliff dwellings that can still be seen today, and petroglyphs left behind by the area's Indigenous Northern Paiute people can also be viewed.
The park is located in Bluff, a central point along the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway, and is a gateway to other attractions such as Monument Valley, Bears Ears National Monument, and Valley of the Gods.
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Grand Canyon, Arizona
Arizona has been a preferred location for astronomers since the early 1900s, thanks to its good weather and mountainous geography. DarkSky International has designated 20 dark sky areas across the state. Flagstaff was the first city designated as a Dark Sky Place for its commitment to regulating light pollution and promoting dark-sky tourism.
The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the best places in Arizona to view the night sky and go stargazing. The National Park Service has committed to treating darkness as a resource to be preserved for future generations, and the park has been working towards becoming a Dark Sky Park since 2016. The lamps in the park are shielded to direct light downward, preserving your night vision so you can experience a true night sky.
When the day winds down, watch the sunset move across the canyon walls. After the sun sets, the canyon takes on a whole new perspective. The longer you gaze into the night sky, the more you will see—stars rising from one horizon, falling off the edge of the Earth at the other, the sky above filling with their light.
The Grand Canyon Star Party takes place annually in June, so be sure to check it out if you're visiting during that time.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several places in the US with little to no light pollution. These include:
- Southeast Oregon and northwest Nevada
- Big Bend National Park in Texas
- The center of Utah, somewhere west of Green River
- Death Valley, California
- Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah
- Grand Canyon viewpoints in Arizona
- Southeast of Stephen C. Foster State Park in Georgia
- Lake Michigan's Beaver Island
While there are places with very low light pollution, it is hard to find anywhere with zero light pollution.
During the day, visitors can hike, cycle, and explore ancient petroglyphs left behind by Indigenous people.
Some places, like Beaver Island, are only accessible by ferry or plane. It is also important to be aware of the weather conditions, as some places have very low temperatures and snow in February.
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