Cleveland.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Cleveland, MS. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Cleveland
- Top Community Pick: Lake Chicot State Park (~43.0 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 6.0 at Log Cabins
- Local Experts: Memphis Astronomical Society
- Verified Observations: 4 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Cleveland, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Lake Chicot State Park for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Log Cabins provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 6.0. Atmospheric stability in the Cleveland region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Cleveland
Since Cleveland 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 Cleveland Observers
When visiting Lake Chicot State Park, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. For the best views the site, try to observe targets when they are highest in the sky to minimize atmospheric interference. 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.
Mississippi Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Lake Chicot State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Mississippi River State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Senatobia Elementary
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Arkansas Baptist Homes for Children
" 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.
Log Cabins
Fort Donelson NB
"SQM of 20.47 at 2035 local time. Only fair transparency and seeing. Some fast moving clouds. High humidity. Milky Way visible from 20 degrees above north horizon. Great rift visible, Saggitarius cloud not easily visible, Scutum cloud not visible. Milky Way about 10-12 degrees wide, but faint and no fine details. To the NW a blue white light dome easily seen. Due East is the Clarksville lightdome almost 25 degrees high and 15 degrees wide. Core is bright. Adjacent to the light dome is a spotlight (which we determined was coming from the cemetary here in FODO park). To the West and Southwest is another lightdome fainter than Clarksville, but brighter than the Milky Way"
Horn Island
Gulf Islands NS
"Mosly clear night, with a bank of clouds to the south/southeast. Clearing. Visible haze on the southern horizon over the Gulf as well as east and west. Above horizon transparency is moderate/good. One major light dome from Pascagoula dominates the northern horizon. This is part of the military ship yard. Out on the gulf there are several discrete lights from oil ships waitng to come into port. To the west is an elongated light dome, less intense than to the North. Milky Way is visible, especially early in the night when it is over the Gulf. Dust lanes visible overhead in Cygnus, moderate detial. However Milky Way loses contrast as it moves to the northern horizon and into the light dome, and Saggitarius sets."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Buffalo National River
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Pickett CCC Memorial State Park & Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area
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Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.