Star Gazing (Dallas, Austin, Frisco: lease, house, camping)

[artik]

Any good star gazing spots in the dallas area?

[cdelena]

Not really. The high levels of light pollution, humidity, and particulates make the area less than ideal even on the best of nights (and the regular wind is not good for most telescopes). It is OK for looking at the moon and the brightest objects but to get better conditions you must travel a good distance (200+ miles west is much better).

[Big G]

Originally Posted by cdelena

Not really. The high levels of light pollution, humidity, and particulates make the area less than ideal even on the best of nights (and the regular wind is not good for most telescopes). It is OK for looking at the moon and the brightest objects but to get better conditions you must travel a good distance (200+ miles west is much better).

+1.

The light pollution here is terrible (remember, DFW is the 4th largest metropolitan area in the country). If you went outside your house on a typical evening and started counting the stars, you'd be hard-pressed to go over the century mark.

The only positive is that it's extremely easy to make observations of the planets. They're just about the only objects you can clearly see.

[HockeyDadof2]

We use to have an RV that we parked at Lake Fork. It is an incredible place to look at the stars. Unfortunately we became too busy with the kids activities and decided not to renew our lease and sold the RV.

[GayleTX]

You'll need to go as far west of DFW as you can.....less light, less pollution, less humidity all make for lots more stars. (see my post re Three Rivers Foundation)

[cincopete2003]

What time of the year is best for star gazing in the southwest?

[vryeesfeathers]

I've taken my 10" scope to Frisco Field and had some success. There are regular astronomical meetups there, which you can find info on topic related forums for the Dallas metroplex. I prefer, however, to head east along 20 to get out of town and away from the light.

As always, the best viewing times are in the winter on still evenings. The colder weather makes for fewer atmospheric variations, reducing that twinkle you get.

[Korel]

Just for every body's information, a lunar calender can be found at: Lunar Calendar 2010
Although I think west Texas in the mountains during the winter would be the best area to view the celestial lights. However, while camping at Lake Buchanan near Burnett, the Austin Astronomy Club has a place at the Canyon of the Eagles, LCRA Park and they claim it to be the "Darkest Place in Texas" to star gaze; http://www.canyonoftheeagles.com/fea...servatory.html