Atmore.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Atmore, AL. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Atmore
- Top Community Pick: Building 82 - Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Adjacent to the “Constellations” Sculpture (~48.9 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 6.0 at Fort Pickens
- Local Experts: Escambia Amateur Astronomer’s Association
- Verified Observations: 1 distinct spots
Stargazing in Atmore is surprisingly rewarding if you know exactly where to set up your tripod. While enthusiasts often gather at Building 82 - Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Adjacent to the “Constellations” Sculpture for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Fort Pickens provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 6.0. The local landscape of Atmore offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Atmore
Since Atmore sits in a transitional light zone, viewing is best during the New Moon or after midnight when some commercial lighting is reduced.
Expert Tips for Atmore Observers
Because Building 82 - Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Adjacent to the “Constellations” Sculpture is a developed site, it often features established viewing pads and specialized equipment. For the best views the site, try to observe targets when they are highest in the sky to minimize atmospheric interference. Local enthusiasts often frequent this spot, making it a great place to meet experienced observers. Regardless of your gear, allow 30 minutes for your eyes to fully dark-adapt.
Alabama Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Building 82 - Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Adjacent to the "Constellations" Sculpture
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Fort Pickens
Gulf Islands NS
"Clear and calm conditions. Average transparency, low humidity, slight breeze. Setup on seawall on southwest corner of Fort Pickens unit. Bright lights north of the park from the Naval Yard, Pensacola, and the Pensacola bridges. Lighhouse is mostly blocked by vegetation to the west."
Perdido Key Turnaround
Gulf Islands NS
"Setup just south of the end of the road along Perdido Key. Adjecent to a sea turtle nest. Large lightdome(s) to the North and Northeast. Almost 40 degrees tall in the center. Dunes are sillouetted against the skyglow. Hotels visible due west along the key producing direct light and skyglow. Several direct glare sources north and north east along the inner harbor, reflecting off the water. Attempted to block these direct light sources with dunes and vegetation, while still capturing the light deoms. Transparency was good overhead, but noticable haze along the horizon. Stars visible at 7 degrees above horizon. Noticable extinction to east and west, with stars visible 4 degrees above horizon in east. TO north light dome washes out stars until 12 degrees above horizon. Milky Way is visible, but no fine detail. Some dust lanes visible in Cygnus region. M31 visible naked eye."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Stephen C. Foster State Park
Stephen C. Foster State Park is a small (32-hectare; 80-acre) property in the vast 1,627 km2 (402,000-acre) expanse of the surrounding Okefenokee National…
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park & Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area
Pickett-Pogue International Dark Sky Park is composed of 1,618 hectares of land jointly managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and…
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.