Elizabeth City.

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

Bortle Scale
1
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
21.76
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
5
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Elizabeth City

  • Top Community Pick: Chesapeake Planetarium (~29.2 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 4.0 at Bodie Island
  • Local Experts: Back Bay Amateur Astronomers
  • Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots

Stargazing in Elizabeth City is surprisingly rewarding if you know exactly where to set up your tripod. While enthusiasts often gather at Chesapeake Planetarium for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Bodie Island provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 4.0. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Elizabeth City and the more rural stretches of NC creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Elizabeth City

For the best results in Elizabeth City, 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 Elizabeth City Observers

Before heading out to Chesapeake Planetarium, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars the site for sweeping views of the Moon’s craters and larger constellations. 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: 100%

Chesapeake Planetarium

29.2 mi
Distance

" {'Register at https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/cityofchesapeake/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=winter%20 "

Chesapeake, VA 23322
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Equestrian Area Northwest River Park

29.2 mi
Distance

" Event Etiquette: No running or playing around the telescopes. The dust and sand can be harmful to telescope optics. "

Chesapeake, VA 23322
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Elizabeth River Boat Landing and Park

29.2 mi
Distance

" Event Etiquette: No running or playing around the telescopes. The dust and sand can be harmful to telescope optics. "

Chesapeake, VA 23324
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 97.5%

Northwest River Park - Skywatch

29.2 mi
Distance

" Event Etiquette: No running or playing around the telescopes. The dust and sand can be harmful to telescope optics. "

Chesapeake, VA 23322
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 97.5%

Elizabeth River Park

29.2 mi
Distance

" Event Etiquette: No running or playing around the telescopes. The dust and sand can be harmful to telescope optics. "

Chesapeake, VA 23324
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Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

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

Bodie Island

Cape Hatteras NS

21.36 SQM
Bortle Class 4

"Re-visit of site from 2007. Bodie lighthouse is not operational at this time. Recent Hurricane Irene has limited access to most of Cape Hattera NS. Previous sites at "Boardwalk 27" and Frisco are not accessible due to Hwy 12 washouts. We planned on capturing data at Oregon Inlet Campground for "dark site", but upon return at night, found intense (DOT construction style) lights at roadblock just south of campground. These lights were too bright to collect data. The lights are present as alight dome from the maintenance/housing site, appearing almost due south. There is also a single bright white, unshielded light in the maintenance area to the north. Other light domes are visible to the west and north (Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, etc.). The Milky Way is prominent in anorth south alignment and Jupiter is bright in the eastern sky. A few passing clouds were visible prior to and during the 1st data set. Overall, a nice clear sky for the second consecutive night. There is a high extinction due to the excessive moisture in the air. This site is somewhat shielded from sea spray by a row of sand dunes (5-10 meters high). While power had been off earlier in the week, I believe that most lights (especially to the north) or now operational. The lights of Hatteras Island may not be on because of no access, but the light dome from the temporary road block prevents us from seing anything to the south."

Observation Date
9/1/2011
Elevation
15m
Zenith Brightness
21.68

Bodie Island

Cape Hatteras NS

21.76 SQM
Bortle Class 1

"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Bodie Island in Cape Hatteras NS on 11/14/2007. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.76 SQM."

Observation Date
11/14/2007
Elevation
4m
Zenith Brightness
22.06

International Dark Sky Parks

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

IDA Certified Distance: 101.3 miles

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Cape Lookout National Seashore is located off the coast of Carteret County, North Carolina, and consists of three natural barrier islands that are a total of 56…

Category
International Dark Sky Park
Certified
2021
Land Area
117.4 km2
Coordinates
34.8308, -76.3421
IDA Certified Distance: 138.7 miles

Staunton River State Park

Staunton River State Park is a 971-hectare property situated squarely in the heart of southern Virginia, about 40 km north of the North Carolina border.

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2015
Land Area
9.7 km2
Coordinates
36.7063, -78.6794

Local Astronomy Clubs

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

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#541

Back Bay Amateur Astronomers

Virginia Beach, VA

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#668

OBX Astronomy Club

Kill Devil Hills, NC