Booneville.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Booneville, MS. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Booneville
- Top Community Pick: UNA Planetarium & Observatory (~51.5 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 6.0 at Log Cabins
- Local Experts: Shoals Astronomy Club
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Booneville, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at UNA Planetarium & Observatory for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Log Cabins provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 6.0. Atmospheric stability in the Booneville region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Booneville
Since Booneville 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 Booneville Observers
Because UNA Planetarium & Observatory is a developed site, it often features established viewing pads and specialized equipment. For the best views here, 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.
Mississippi Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
UNA Planetarium & Observatory
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Corner of E.Tennesee and N.Seminary - Sidewalk
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
LaGrange College Historic Site - Shoals Astronomy Club Observatory - Lagrange, 1491 LaGrange College Road Leighton, AL 35646
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
LaGrange College Historic Site - Shoals Astronomy Club Observatory - Lagrange
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
LaGrange College Historic Site - Shoals Astronomy Club Observatory - Lagrange
" 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.
Log Cabins
Fort Donelson NB
"SQM of 20.47 at 2035 local time. 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). To the West and Southwest is another lightdome fainter than Clarksville, but brighter than the Milky Way"
Houchin's Field
Mammoth Cave NP
"A very calm, humid and clear night. 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. Limiting magnitude found in Pegasus."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
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…
Mammoth Cave National Park
Named for the enormity of its “mammoth” subterranean vaults and the unparalleled extent of its passages, Mammoth Cave National Park is the longest known cave…
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.