Clifton Heights.

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

Bortle Scale
5
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
19.87
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
5
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Clifton Heights

  • Top Community Pick: Valley Forge National Historical Park, Model Airplane Field (~14.8 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 5.0 at Meadow south of Church House
  • Local Experts: Rittenhouse Astronomical Society
  • Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots

Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Clifton Heights, PA? While enthusiasts often gather at Valley Forge National Historical Park, Model Airplane Field for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Meadow south of Church House provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 5.0. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Clifton Heights and the more rural stretches of PA creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Clifton Heights

Since Clifton Heights 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 Clifton Heights Observers

When visiting Valley Forge National Historical Park, Model Airplane Field, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. For the best views this location, 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.

Local Top Spots

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

Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 97.5%

Valley Forge National Historical Park, Model Airplane Field

14.8 mi
Distance

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

Valley Forge, PA 19406
Get Directions
Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

LVAAS South Mountain Observatory

47.4 mi
Distance

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

Allentown, PA 18103
Get Directions
Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 77.5%

Tyler Arboretum

7.1 mi
Distance

" {'Cancelled due to inclement weather'} "

Media, PA 19063
Get Directions
Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 80%

West Goshen Park

13.8 mi
Distance

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

West Chester, PA 19380
Get Directions
Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Ryan Observatory at Muddy Run

55.1 mi
Distance

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

Holtwood, PA 17532
Get Directions
Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.

Meadow south of Church House

Hopewell Furnace NHS

19.87 SQM
Bortle Class 5

"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Meadow south of Church House in Hopewell Furnace NHS on 8/16/2014. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 19.87 SQM."

Observation Date
8/16/2014
Elevation
200m
Zenith Brightness
20.23

Jockey Hollow

Morristown NHS

19.36 SQM
Bortle Class 7

"Site next to Wick House in a field north of the orchard. Seeing very good, transparency fair. Very humid, dew on the grass. No part of the sky is dark, a gradient of sky brightness from horizon to zenith. The sky is grayish white, near the NYC and Newark light dome some peach color seen. Very bright near the horizon, which is actually at least 10 degrees above the true horizon. The site is in a "hollow" and has tall trees all around, so the brightest parts of light domes are masked. No distinct "domes" are seen, the sky is bright all around except toward the west, which looks dark by comparison. It is therefore impossible to attribute light pollution to any individual city. The Milky Way is not at the zenith at this time of the year, but even late when the summer Milky Way is higher it is invisible. Near the zenith there are some features, the Coma cluster is seen as 10-12 stars, the form of Ursa Major and Leo are readily seen, but anything below 60 degrees above the horizon is severely compromised. The land is well illuminated, navigation easy unless you are looking toward New York and Newark, where the light of the sky produces glare. Estimate about 1/4 of scoptopic vision is lost, unless looking at the eastern sky, which is much brighter. Bortle Class 7, could be 6 later on if it gets a bit darker. With patience, remarkably ZLM of 5.9 is achieved."

Observation Date
4/13/2010
Elevation
188m
Zenith Brightness
19.78

International Dark Sky Parks

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

IDA Certified Distance: 156.2 miles

Sky Meadows State Park

Sky Meadows State Park is a 754-hectare site in northern Virginia, U.S., about one hour from the Washington, D.C., metro area. The name ‘Sky Meadows’ comes from…

Category
International Dark Sky Park
Certified
2021
Land Area
7.54 km2
Coordinates
38.9910, -77.9589
IDA Certified Distance: 174.4 miles

Rappahannock County Park

The Rappahannock County Park is a 7.3-acre park located centrally in Rappahannock County off Route 211 near the town of Washington, Virginia, mere miles east of…

Category
International Dark Sky Park
Certified
2019
Land Area
.03 km2
Coordinates
38.7110, -78.1523

Local Astronomy Clubs

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

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#575

Rittenhouse Astronomical Society

Philadelphia, PA

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#507

Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers

Radnor, PA, PA