Billings
Stargazing Guide.
Discover why the Billings area serves as a strategic corridor for MT observers. We combine community-vetted spots like Pictograph State Park with professional NPS sky reports at Calhoun Hill for a complete astronomical perspective.
Stargazing Logistics for Billings
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Pictograph State Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~2.7 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 3 rating from Calhoun Hill as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Yellowstone Valley Astronomy Association for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Billings offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Billings acts as a primary gateway to the Pictograph State Park zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 3) at Calhoun Hill just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Billings
While Spring offers the most consistent clear nights for Billings, wait for the 4-day window surrounding the New Moon each month for the deepest contrast. Since the sun sets early in the late Spring months, you can often begin deep-sky imaging as early as 7 PM.
Expert Tips for Billings Observers
When observing from Pictograph State Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Billings residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of MT 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 3 at Calhoun Hill (56.9 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Billings
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 Billings environment.
Pictograph State Park
" A short hop from Billings, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Imaging Tip: If you're photographing the Milky Way, bring a clear filter or dew shield to prevent lens fogging in humid conditions. "
Pompeys Pillar National Monument
" Billings observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Atmospheric Tip: Scintillation (star twinkling) is a sign of high-altitude turbulence. If stars are twinkling heavily, stick to low-magnification wide views. "
Billings Public Library
" A short hop from Billings, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Imaging Tip: If you're photographing the Milky Way, bring a clear filter or dew shield to prevent lens fogging in humid conditions. "
Cooney State Park - Red Lodge Camp Ground
" A manageable drive from Billings, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Scientific Fact: Around 3 AM, the atmosphere is usually most stable, offering the 'steadiest seeing' for high-magnification planetary views. "
Randy Begger's House
" Practically in Billings's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Observation Hack: Use a planisphere or a printed star chart under a red light instead of a digital app for the most authentic experience. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Billings
Rural conditions near Billings provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Billings
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, Billings observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Calhoun Hill
Little Bighorn Battlefield NM
Local Relevance
For observers in Billings, Calhoun Hill serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Billings and Sheridan light domes visible but not bright. Overall the direct glare was distracting, but blocking this allowed for dark adaptation. Milky Way was easily seen with detail in sagittarius, and dust lanes. Visible from tail of Scorpius in South to Cassiopeia. SQM 21.64 at 0130; SQM-L 21.63 at 0152."
Devil Canyon Overlook
Bighorn Canyon NRA
Local Relevance
For observers in Billings, Devil Canyon Overlook serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Prancing Horse barely visible. Daytime visibilty slightly impaired by agricultural burning in the Big Horn Valley. The Devil Canyon Overlook is a great spot for observing the night sky or astrophotography. The Horseshoe Bend Campground is even more protected by terrain from the direct glare of Lovell."
Dark Sky Oasis near Billings
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 Billings observers.
Teton County
As one of the closest certified environments to Billings, Teton County offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
220 N King St Jackson, WY 83001 USA
Jackson Hole Airport
Billings stargazers often look to Jackson Hole Airport as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
1250 East Airport Road Jackson, WY 83001
Astronomy Clubs for Billings
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Planning to join a local session? Make sure you have the essentials ready by checking our starter kit recommendations.
Gearing Up for Billings Nights
"With such a short hop from Billings to the stars, your gear kit should prioritize "setup speed." Use a stable Alt-Az mount that lets you start viewing the moment you park."
The Billings Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Billings requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. Since Pictograph State Park offers a specific Class 3 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.