Brady.

The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Brady, TX. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.

Bortle Scale
3
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
21.39
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
5
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Brady

  • Top Community Pick: Brady (~2.9 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 3 at Little Rock
  • Local Experts: Mason Star Gazers
  • Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots

If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Brady, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Brady for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Little Rock provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 3. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Brady and the more rural stretches of TX creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Brady

For the best results in Brady, aim for a ‘New Moon’ window. In these dark-sky conditions, the absence of moonlight allows the Milky Way to cast visible shadows.

Expert Tips for Brady Observers

Before heading out to Brady, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters the site. 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.

Local Top Spots

Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.

Community Gathering Point Confidence: 52.5%

Brady

2.9 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Brady, TX 76825
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Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 82.5%

San Angelo State Park

67.3 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

San Angelo, TX 76901
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Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 77.5%

Observing Site - Mountain Home, TX

57.9 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Harper, TX 78631
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Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 72.5%

Fort McKavett State Historic Site

48.5 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Fort McKavett, TX 76841
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Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 80%

Inks Lake State Park

65.3 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Burnet, TX 78611
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Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.

Little Rock

Enchanted Rock SP

21.39 SQM
Bortle Class 3

"few cirrus at start, gradually increasing and reflecting light pollution."

Observation Date
8/17/2015
Elevation
533m
Zenith Brightness
21.16

LBJ Ranch Dales Trap

Lyndon Johnson NHP

21.31 SQM
Bortle Class 3

"Sky quality measurements were recorded at LBJ Ranch Dales Trap in Lyndon Johnson NHP on 4/1/2005. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.31 SQM."

Observation Date
4/1/2005
Elevation
460m
Zenith Brightness
21.71

International Dark Sky Parks

Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.

IDA Certified Distance: 54.2 miles

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, named for its giant pink granite dome rising from the Llano Uplift, spans the border between Gillespie County and Llano…

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2014
Land Area
6.82 km2
Coordinates
30.5046, -98.8232
IDA Certified Distance: 55.1 miles

South Llano River State Park

South Llano River State Park is situated on approximately 1,050 hectares (2,600 acres) of land on the Edwards Plateau just east of the eponymous South Llano…

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2017
Land Area
10.5 km2
Coordinates
30.4261, -99.8002

Local Astronomy Clubs

Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#596

Mason Star Gazers

Mason, TX

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#104

San Angelo Astronomy Association

San Angelo, TX