Dallas.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Dallas, OR. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Dallas
- Top Community Pick: cruise ship (~58.0 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 4 at Burroughs Mountain
- Local Experts: Nightsky-45
- Verified Observations: 1 distinct spots
Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Dallas, OR? While enthusiasts often gather at cruise ship for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Burroughs Mountain provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 4. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Dallas and the more rural stretches of OR creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Dallas
For the best results in Dallas, 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 Dallas Observers
Before heading out to cruise ship, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. 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.
Oregon Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
cruise ship
" 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.
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Burroughs Mountain in Mount Rainier NP on 8/13/2007. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.28 SQM."
Hillman Peak
Crater Lake NP
"Site on summit of Hillman Peak, highest point on Crater Lake Rim, small area to set up instrument. Seeing very good transparency good. Fire smoke in many quadrants in the distance may obscure sky glow from distant cities. On this night no areas of the light domes are bright enough to hinder dark adaptation. Klamath Falls and Medford most obvious, but light domes do not extend beyond 10 degrees above the horizon. A nearly pristine sky."
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.