Centralia.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Centralia, WA. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Centralia
- Top Community Pick: Covington Community Park (~60.4 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 4 at Plummer Peak
- Local Experts: Tacoma Astronomical Society
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
Stargazing in Centralia is surprisingly rewarding if you know exactly where to set up your tripod. While enthusiasts often gather at Covington Community Park for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Plummer Peak provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 4. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Centralia and the more rural stretches of WA creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Centralia
For the best results in Centralia, 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 Centralia Observers
When visiting Covington Community Park, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters at this spot. 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.
Washington Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Covington Community Park
" Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Sasquatch Family Farms
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Pierce College Ft Steilacoom
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Flaming Geyser State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Salmon Hatchery
" 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.
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Plummer Peak in Mount Rainier NP on 9/23/2005. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.09 SQM."
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
"Considerable detail visible in Milky Way, including dust lanes of Cygnus. M31 an easy averted, but difficult direct vision object. Faint shadows are cast by the light of Seattle/Tacoma. High humidity visible in valley below (settling into a very thin fog). Coastal cloud wall evident to west. ZLM of 6.4 seen in Auriga. SQM: 21.12 (1st), 21.08 (2nd), 21.17 (3rd)."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
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Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.