Butte.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Butte, MT. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Butte
- Top Community Pick: Montana WILD (~56.2 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 2.0 at nimí·pu· Camp
- Local Experts: Helena Astronomical Society
- Verified Observations: 2 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Butte, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Montana WILD for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at nimí·pu· Camp provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 2.0. The local landscape of Butte offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Butte
For the best results in Butte, 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 Butte Observers
Before heading out to Montana WILD, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars at this spot for sweeping views of the Moon’s craters and larger constellations. 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.
Montana Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Montana WILD
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Sieben property
" 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.
nimí·pu· Camp
Big Hole NB
"Set up camera equipment on the trail to the camp. Clouds in the afternoon all cleared out by 9:00 pm, though it appeared as if some fire smoke moved through the northern horizon later in the night. Excellent night sky viewing from this park, rivaling sites on the Colorado Plateau. A single yard light on a ranch building 2.5 miles north was bothersome, otherwise no visible lights seen from this location. A very faint light dome from Butte (60 miles distant) and nothing apparent from Wisdom, the nearest community (9 miles). Very fine detail visble in the Milky Way, with the Prancing Horse easily seen and the dust lanes in great detail. Stars are visible to the horizon in the south. Saw limiting magnitude star of 7.2 in Draco. Mars and Jupiter very bright to the SE and SW."
Lower Madison River
Yellowstone NP
"Evening started out with widespread thunderstorms, which slowly dissipated through the night until skies were almost cloud free. The light dome of West Yellowstone (only 1.5 miles to the west) is very prominent and dominates the western horizon. Bozeman is barely visible to the north, likely due to low clouds in the distance. Even with the bright lights of West Yellowstone, you can see some good detail in the Milky Way before it becomes obscured by the light dome."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Teton County
Teton County, Wyoming, lies at the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest intact ecosystem in the contiguous United States.
Ketchum, Idaho
The City of Ketchum is a municipality of about 2,750 inhabitants situated at an elevation of 1,784 m in the Wood River Valley of central Idaho, U.S.
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.