Arlington
Stargazing Guide.
Uncover the hidden celestial treasures of Arlington, TN. From the verified horizons at Hinton Park to the scientific Bortle Class 4 reports at Houchin's Field, your journey to the stars starts here.
Stargazing Logistics for Arlington
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Hinton Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~15.0 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from Houchin's Field as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Memphis Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Arlington offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Arlington is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the TN metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 4 skies found at Houchin's Field.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Arlington
While Autumn offers the most consistent clear nights for Arlington, wait for the 4-day window surrounding the New Moon each month for the deepest contrast. Since the sun sets early in the late Autumn months, you can often begin deep-sky imaging as early as 7 PM.
Expert Tips for Arlington Observers
When observing from Hinton Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Arlington residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of TN to capture the lowest magnitude stars that are normally invisible from the city center. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Houchin's Field (235.2 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Arlington
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Max out your local session by using the essential observer gear staged for the Arlington environment.
Hinton Park
" A manageable drive from Arlington, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Sky Contrast Tip: To see the Milky Way, wait for the Moon to go below the horizon; even a 25% crescent Moon can wash out the faintest nebulae. "
Camp Fisherville, TN
" A manageable drive from Arlington, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Sky Contrast Tip: To see the Milky Way, wait for the Moon to go below the horizon; even a 25% crescent Moon can wash out the faintest nebulae. "
Beale Street Landing
" Arlington observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Local Horizon Tip: Before setting up, scout for north-facing tree clearings to ensure you have a clear path to the Polaris and the circumpolar stars. "
Rhodes College
" Heading out from Arlington toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Deep Sky Advice: Allow at least 20 minutes in total darkness for your pupils to fully dilate. You'll notice faint nebulae that were invisible at first. "
Brewster Elementary
" Heading out from Arlington toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Imaging Tip: If you're photographing the Milky Way, bring a clear filter or dew shield to prevent lens fogging in humid conditions. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Arlington
Rural conditions near Arlington provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Arlington
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. To resolve the deep-sky objects measured in these scientific reports, Arlington observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Houchin's Field
Mammoth Cave NP
Local Relevance
For observers in Arlington, Houchin's Field serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Dewfall occurred during data collection, however dew heater prevented lens fog. Multiple light domes evident from site, as well as a continuous glow along horizon in all directions. Airglow was present. Andromeda galaxy easily visible, Beehive (Pegasus) visible with medium effort. Prominent dust lanes in Milky Way visible at zenith, but not below ~50 degrees."
Log Cabins
Fort Donelson NB
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Log Cabins provide Arlington residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Only fair transparency and seeing. Some fast moving clouds. High humidity. Milky Way visible from 20 degrees above north horizon. Great rift visible, Saggitarius cloud not easily visible, Scutum cloud not visible. Milky Way about 10-12 degrees wide, but faint and no fine details. To the NW a blue white light dome easily seen. Due East is the Clarksville lightdome almost 25 degrees high and 15 degrees wide. Core is bright. Adjacent to the light dome is a spotlight (which we determined was coming from the cemetary here in FODO park)."
Dark Sky Oasis near Arlington
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Certified dark skies like these are most rewarding when paired with the right aperture. Check out our suggested kit for Arlington observers.
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park & Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area
The protected skies at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park & Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area represent a vital astronomical asset for the Arlington observing community.
Tennessee, USA
Buffalo National River
The protected skies at Buffalo National River represent a vital astronomical asset for the Arlington observing community.
170 Ranger Road, St Joe, AR 72675 U.S.A. Google Map
Astronomy Clubs for Arlington
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Don't show up to the club dark-site empty-handed. View the field kit we've curated for the The Desert Specialist profile.
Gearing Up for Arlington Nights
"For the manageable 20-mile commute from Arlington, we recommend a "split-tube" or collapsible Dobsonian. It gives you the power of a large light bucket while still fitting comfortably in most standard Arlington commuter vehicles."
The Arlington Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Arlington requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. Since Hinton Park offers a specific Class 4 horizon, your equipment needs to be calibrated for the unique transparency found in this part of the state. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.