The Horsehead Nebula is a dark nebula located in Orion, it looks like a shadow against an illuminated background. The Horsehead Nebula is 13 light years across and is located in the Orion molecular cloud complex located approximately 1,344 light years away. This equals over 70 trillion miles across. A craft traveling at the rate…
The Pleiades is one of the most recognizable objects in the night sky, it is visible in the night sky even in cities and areas with lots of light pollution. It is very bright and very open. Often when I am out with my telescope, people will point to it in the sky and ask…
The Dumbell Nebula is a planetary nebula which is also called Messier 27. It is more than 1,200 light years away. The Dumbbell nebula is visible in the Northern Hemisphere in summer and spring. It is located in the Vulcapula constellation. The Dumbbell Nebula is a planetary nebula which means that it is formed by…
Arkansas has seen a lot of development in recent years and some local astronomers are frustrated, but if you know where to look there are still some beautiful skies to observe. Most of the dark skies in the state are in the northern half of the state. The central part of the state is mostly…
Virginia has some beautiful dark sky areas. The further west you can go the darker the skies will become in Virginia. The list here comes from my experience observing in Virginia. All of these places have been vetted by real astronomers who have gone out and set up. Virginia has just 4 designated Dark Sky…
Arizona is home to many remote dark sky areas. The sites in this article are recommended by astronomers who use them. These insider spots are a great place to stargaze or set up a telescope for a night of observing. Choose a location on Bureau of Land Management land to enjoy the free boondock camping…
Utah has the most recognized International Dark Sky certified areas in the world. Finding astronomy friendly sites is easy in Utah, but the sites on this list have been suggested and visited by astronomers. I will be giving details for visiting these areas so you can enjoy a night of observing. I will also include…
Colorado is an incredible place to observe with many well known dark sky areas, but if you are looking to find the best spots that locals use to set up for a comfortable night of observing. While you can visit the 8 International Dark Sky Areas, these dark areas have been visited by astronomers and…
Michigan is home to six protected dark sky areas and has some incredible dark skies. The locations on this list have all been visited by astronomer friends of mine. Michigan has many opportunities for dark sky observing. Some of the best places are in the northern part of the state close to the border. Be…
Texas has some incredible dark sites worth visiting with your telescope. Texas has 4 International Dark Sky Parks, and many areas of Bortle 1 and 2 skies where astronomers and astrophotographers can enjoy the night sky. This list contains only sites that I have seen reviewed by amature astronomers. There are some big parks and…
