Winter is the perfect time of year for stargazing due to longer hours of darkness and typically crisper, clearer air — what astronomer’s call “good seeing.”
From sighting twinkling stars and constellations to roving planets, distant galaxies, and countless astronomical wonders, stargazing not only allows us to embrace the night sky but also unlock our perspectives on the universe. Ideal stargazing locations exist far from light pollution, with unobstructed views of the skyline.New York State has many “dark sky destinations” (areas recognized for their absence of artificial light and views of the night sky), including Finger Lakes National Forest, Letchworth State Park, Montauk Point State Park, and various spots in the Adirondack Park, notably Tupper Lake.
Here are some tips to make the most of your outing:
- Check weather conditions to ensure clear night sky views. Pack accordingly and dress in layers.
- Give your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the dark.
- Bring a red-light flashlight to preserve night vision and protect wildlife.
- Telescopes are a luxury, not a necessity. A pair of binoculars will help, but dark sky locations will amaze with the naked eye.
- Looking at a star map for the day and time can help you get an idea of what you will see.
For a guided tour of the night sky, there are numerous planetariums and observatories in New York State.
The Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory in Tupper Lake in the northern Adirondacks has some of the darkest skies of any public observatory in New York State. They offer viewing events year-round, as weather permits, and a roll-off roof that opens to the outside. Visitors can be treated to spectacular programs with telescopes that search the skies.
The Martz-Kohl Observatory in Frewsburg (in Chautauqua County) located in the far southwestern part of New York State, has Open Observatory Night every Wednesday that offers guided viewings of the night sky.
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center in Vestal, NY (in Broome County near Binghamton, is one of the best-located and best-equipped public observatories in the Northeast and offers public viewing events throughout the year.
The next will be held on February 21, to celebrate Mikołaj Kopernik’s 553rd birthday. Kopernik, the man known to the world as Copernicus, is considered to be the “father” of modern astronomy.
Find dark sky spots or planetariums in your area and read find upcoming winter stargazing events at DEC’s environmental education centers here.
Upcoming Events
Dark Sky Walk, Feb. 18, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center, Erie County. Learn how to identify winter constellations and search for Jupiter during this winter night walk.
Full Moon Walk, March 2, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Albany County.
Photo of the Milky Way over Hurricane Mountain by Kevin Yang (provided by DEC).
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