Clearfield
Stargazing Guide.
Discover why the Clearfield area serves as a strategic corridor for PA observers. We combine community-vetted spots like Fort Roberdeau Mt Lion Observatory with professional NPS sky reports at Murphy-Chambers Farm for a complete astronomical perspective.
Stargazing Logistics for Clearfield
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Fort Roberdeau Mt Lion Observatory. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~34.8 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class C (Suburban). Use the instrumented 6 rating from Murphy-Chambers Farm as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Central Pennsylvania Observers for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Clearfield offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Clearfield is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the PA metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 6 skies found at Murphy-Chambers Farm.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Clearfield
Observation in Clearfield is most rewarding during the Spring months. During this time, the colder air masses over the Appalachia region often result in significantly higher transparency, allowing you to see objects like the Andromeda Galaxy or Orion Nebula with much more definition.
Expert Tips for Clearfield Observers
If you're visiting Fort Roberdeau Mt Lion Observatory, bring a pack of chemical hand-warmers and rubber-band them to your eyepiece or camera lens. This acts as a 'budget' dew heater, which is essential for the humid nights often found in PA during the peak viewing seasons. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 6 at Murphy-Chambers Farm (123.5 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Clearfield
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Pro Tip: Always bring a red-light flashlight to these Clearfield spots to preserve your night vision.
Fort Roberdeau Mt Lion Observatory
" Heading out from Clearfield toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Imaging Tip: If you're photographing the Milky Way, bring a clear filter or dew shield to prevent lens fogging in humid conditions. "
Canoe Creek State Park
" A manageable drive from Clearfield, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Observation Hack: Use a planisphere or a printed star chart under a red light instead of a digital app for the most authentic experience. "
Cherry Springs State Park
" While it's a bit of a journey from Clearfield, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. Scientific Fact: Around 3 AM, the atmosphere is usually most stable, offering the 'steadiest seeing' for high-magnification planetary views. "
Tudek Park
" Heading out from Clearfield toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Observation Hack: Use a planisphere or a printed star chart under a red light instead of a digital app for the most authentic experience. "
Bernel Park
" Heading out from Clearfield toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Comfort Tip: The ground cools faster than the air. Bring a reclining chair to keep your neck strain-free during marathon observation sessions. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Clearfield
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to Fort Roberdeau Mt Lion Observatory to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for Clearfield
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Discover which telescopes can best cut through the remaining regional skyglow to see these scientific targets by viewing our gear recommendations.
Murphy-Chambers Farm
Harpers Ferry NHP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Murphy-Chambers Farm provide Clearfield residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Set up on dirt road near canons at Murphy-Chambers Farm. Sky is cloud free at start of data collection with some low clouds along the horizon appearing later in the evening. Very nice location for night sky viewing, as this site is blocked from all direct glare sources. Milky Way is washed out in the lower sky from skyglow."
Caboose Farm
Catoctin Mountain Park
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Caboose Farm provide Clearfield residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Set up camera in field at Caboose Farm about 200 yds SW of Camp Round Meadow. Numerous direct glare sources from local farms and a building at Camp Round Meadow. A few clouds around the horizon to start but skies cleared completely by third set. Very high humidity along with warm temps causing high extinction. Sky glow from Frederick easily visible, as is the greater Baltimore-D.C. area. Milky Way is barely visible and most deep sky objects not visible. Decent view of most standard constellations and the night sky is still markedly better than from within Frederick or other comparable cities."
Dark Sky Oasis near Clearfield
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Experience the full, pristine depth of these IDA certified skies with the precision stargazing gear we recommend for Clearfield residents.
Cherry Springs State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Clearfield, Cherry Springs State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
Pennsylvania, USA
Geauga Observatory Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Clearfield, Geauga Observatory Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
10610 Clay Street Montville Township, OH 44064 USA
Astronomy Clubs for Clearfield
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Local astronomy clubs are great for testing gear; see what we suggest for Clearfield residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Clearfield Nights
"The transition from the Clearfield skyglow to these mid-range sites is significant. A simple red-light headlamp is your most important accessory here to navigate safely without ruining your hard-won night vision."
The Clearfield Field Kit
Every observer in Clearfield eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. With Fort Roberdeau Mt Lion Observatory sitting at a ~35-mile benchmark, your gear selection should mirror your willingness to travel. Consider these categories as a roadmap for moving from casual backyard viewing to professional-grade observation near Clearfield.