Byron.

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

Bortle Scale
5
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
20.8
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
5
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Byron

  • Top Community Pick: Center Park (~3.9 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 4.0 at Stafford Air Strip
  • Local Experts: Middle Georgia Astronomical Society
  • Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots

Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Byron, GA? While enthusiasts often gather at Center Park for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Stafford Air Strip provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 4.0. The local landscape of Byron offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Byron

Since Byron 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 Byron Observers

When visiting Center Park, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars the site 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.

Local Top Spots

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

Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 77.5%

Center Park

3.9 mi
Distance

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

Centerville, GA 31028
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Jon Wood Astronomy Field

60.2 mi
Distance

" {'Guests will arrive on the field between 7 & 7:30 pm.'} "

Mansfield, GA 30055
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Charlie Elliott Wildlife Mngt Area

60.2 mi
Distance

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

Mansfield, GA 30055
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Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 80%

Madison Town Park

67.6 mi
Distance

" {'Visit the Madison Fest website to find out more.'} "

Madison, GA 30650
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Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 67.5%

Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center

56.3 mi
Distance

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

Mansfield, GA 30055
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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.

Stafford Air Strip

Cumberland Island NS

20.54 SQM
Bortle Class 4

"Set up equipment on grass air strip just NE of NPS fire weather station. Numerous feral horses grazing nearby, though they did not seem interested in the equipment. This site provides a great location for stagazing, as the nearby light domes from communities and the Navy base are mostly blocked by the surrounding forest. Given the size of the cleared area around the landing strip, the tree line only extends to about 5 degrees above the natural horizon. For the nearby campground, this is an excellent area for visitors to enjoy the night sky. The light dome from Jacksonville is very prominent to the south and the Naval Submarine base also brightens the sky to the SW. The smoke from the previous days burning at the Navy base had subsided and the skies were very clear. SQM reading of 20.77"

Observation Date
3/9/2018
Elevation
10m
Zenith Brightness
20.86

Clingmans Dome

Great Smoky Mountains NP

20.8 SQM
Bortle Class 5

"A very windy night with strong gusts. FWHM definitely affected, probably by vibrations of the observation tower itself. Light polltion sources visible both in foreground and at horizon. A thin layer of haze evident to east, possibly part of approaching clouds. First data set virtually cloud free. Sky free of contrails. Limiting magnitude found in Pegasus. Andromeda galaxy visible, M15 requires much effort. Milky Way detail easily detectable near zenith. Sky appeared noticeably brighter than previous nights, possibly due to some airglow. I also think it may have to do with the atmospheric clarity. All other nights contained some amount of possible light absorbing clouds. The second set of images from this night do contain some clouds, but the first set is clear."

Observation Date
10/26/2008
Elevation
2048m
Zenith Brightness
20.98

International Dark Sky Parks

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

IDA Certified Distance: 150.2 miles

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…

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2016
Land Area
0.32 km2
Coordinates
30.8232, -82.3648
IDA Certified Distance: 183.4 miles

Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) is nestled in the Pisgah National Forest at a former historic NASA facility. They provide a variety of activities…

Category
International Dark Sky Park
Certified
2020
Land Area
0.81 km2
Coordinates
35.1996, -82.8724

Local Astronomy Clubs

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

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#417

Middle Georgia Astronomical Society

Macon, GA

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#241

Flint River Astronomy Club

Griffin, GA