Demopolis.

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

Bortle Scale
5
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
20.21
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
0
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Demopolis

  • Top Community Pick: local vantage points (~N/A miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 6.0 at Fort Pickens
  • Local Experts: Birmingham Astronomical Society
  • Verified Observations: 0 distinct spots

Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Demopolis, AL? While enthusiasts often gather at local vantage points for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Fort Pickens provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 6.0. The local landscape of Demopolis offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Demopolis

Since Demopolis 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 Demopolis Observers

Before heading out to local vantage points, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. For the best views at this spot, 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.

Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

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

Fort Pickens

Gulf Islands NS

19.71 SQM
Bortle Class 6

"Clear and calm conditions. Average transparency, low humidity, slight breeze. Setup on seawall on southwest corner of Fort Pickens unit. Bright lights north of the park from the Naval Yard, Pensacola, and the Pensacola bridges. Lighhouse is mostly blocked by vegetation to the west."

Observation Date
10/19/2022
Elevation
6m
Zenith Brightness
20.09

Perdido Key Turnaround

Gulf Islands NS

20.21 SQM
Bortle Class 5

"Setup just south of the end of the road along Perdido Key. Adjecent to a sea turtle nest. Large lightdome(s) to the North and Northeast. Almost 40 degrees tall in the center. Dunes are sillouetted against the skyglow. Hotels visible due west along the key producing direct light and skyglow. Several direct glare sources north and north east along the inner harbor, reflecting off the water. Attempted to block these direct light sources with dunes and vegetation, while still capturing the light deoms. Transparency was good overhead, but noticable haze along the horizon. Stars visible at 7 degrees above horizon. Noticable extinction to east and west, with stars visible 4 degrees above horizon in east. TO north light dome washes out stars until 12 degrees above horizon. Milky Way is visible, but no fine detail. Some dust lanes visible in Cygnus region. M31 visible naked eye."

Observation Date
10/17/2014
Elevation
6m
Zenith Brightness
20.44

International Dark Sky Parks

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

IDA Certified Distance: 243.0 miles

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park & Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area

Pickett-Pogue International Dark Sky Park is composed of 1,618 hectares of land jointly managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and…

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2015
Land Area
16.2 km2
Coordinates
35.7730, -86.2820
IDA Certified Distance: 306.0 miles

Obed Wild and Scenic River

Obed Wild and Scenic River consists of about 2,020 hectares of land within roughly 400 meters on either side of the Obed River in Tennessee, U.S.

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2017
Land Area
20.2 km2
Coordinates
36.1087, -84.7245

Local Astronomy Clubs

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

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#157

Birmingham Astronomical Society

Alabaster, AL

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#79

Escambia Amateur Astronomer's Association

Pensacola, FL