Ellisville
Stargazing Guide.
Just 11.9 miles from the center of Ellisville, lies some of the region's best viewing at Stacy Park. We feature instrumented readings from Houchin's Field to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Ellisville
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Stacy Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~11.9 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from Houchin's Field as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Ellisville offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Ellisville acts as a primary gateway to the Stacy Park zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 4) at Houchin's Field just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Ellisville
Observation in Ellisville is most rewarding during the Summer months. During this time, the colder air masses over the Midwest region often result in significantly higher transparency, allowing you to see objects like the Andromeda Galaxy or Orion Nebula with much more definition.
Expert Tips for Ellisville Observers
If you're visiting Stacy Park, bring a pack of chemical hand-warmers and rubber-band them to your eyepiece or camera lens. This acts as a 'budget' dew heater, which is essential for the humid nights often found in MO during the peak viewing seasons. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Houchin's Field (262.3 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Ellisville
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Pro Tip: Always bring a red-light flashlight to these Ellisville spots to preserve your night vision.
Stacy Park
" Just a quick dash for Ellisville residents, this location offers great convenience. Night Vision Tip: Red light is the only color that won't break your dark adaptation. Invest in a red headlamp for hands-free navigation. "
McDonnell Planetarium - Forest Park
" Heading out from Ellisville toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. 'SLSC Solar Public Telescope Viewing at McDonnell Planetarium, weather permitting, the St Louis Astronomical Society and the Science Center will set up telescopes outdoors to view the Sun and be on-hand to answer your questions. The telescopes will be set up right outside the McDonnell Planetarium building. "
Tower Grove Park - Stone Shelter
" Ellisville observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Deep Sky Advice: Allow at least 20 minutes in total darkness for your pupils to fully dilate. You'll notice faint nebulae that were invisible at first. "
Gateway Arch
" A manageable drive from Ellisville, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. There will be free telescope viewing provided by volunteers from the St. Call 314-655-1704 that evening for an update if you aren't sure about the weather., 'Check out the stars on the Gateway Arch Entrance Plaza! "
Jefferson College Observatory
" Heading out from Ellisville toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. 'Join Jefferson College staff and St Louis Astronomical Society members for public telescope viewing at the Jeffersn College Observatory site. Events before it gets dark - Tour of observatory site - Training on how to read a star map - Library Telescope and Binocular Training Events after dark - Live telescope viewing - Laser guided constellation tours Bad weather or clouds could cancel the live event: - If so, a virtual event held on Facebook and Zoom - Check Jefferson College Observatory Facebook page one day prior to the event Bring: - Masks and hand sanitizer - Chairs and warm clothes - Binoculars and red flashlights', '5th grade from Hazelwood School district will visit Jefferson College Observatory', 'Join Jefferson College staff and St Louis Astronomical Society members for public telescope viewing at the Jeffersn College Observatory site. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Ellisville
Rural conditions near Ellisville provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Ellisville
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Seeing the faint magnitude targets listed in these NPS readings often requires the specific gear we've staged for Ellisville nights in our observer field kit.
Houchin's Field
Mammoth Cave NP
Local Relevance
For observers in Ellisville, Houchin's Field serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"A very calm, humid and clear night. Dewfall occurred during data collection, however dew heater prevented lens fog. Multiple light domes evident from site, as well as a continuous glow along horizon in all directions. Airglow was present. Andromeda galaxy easily visible, Beehive (Pegasus) visible with medium effort. Prominent dust lanes in Milky Way visible at zenith, but not below ~50 degrees. Limiting magnitude found in Pegasus."
Log Cabins
Fort Donelson NB
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Log Cabins provide Ellisville residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"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."
Dark Sky Oasis near Ellisville
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Experience the full, pristine depth of these IDA certified skies with the precision stargazing gear we recommend for Ellisville residents.
Stacy Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Ellisville, Stacy Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
9750 Old Bonhomme Rd. Olivette, MO 63132
Thousand Hills State Park
The protected skies at Thousand Hills State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Ellisville observing community.
Thousand Hills State Park 20431 State Highway 157 Kirksville, MO 63501
Astronomy Clubs for Ellisville
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Don't show up to the club dark-site empty-handed. View the field kit we've curated for the The Planetary Expert profile.
Gearing Up for Ellisville Nights
"Staging for a night near Ellisville requires a balance of power and portability. Consider 10x50 binoculars as a primary scouting tool while your main telescope acclimates to the cooler rural air."
The Ellisville Field Kit
Every observer in Ellisville eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. The difference between the Ellisville city center and the instrumented readings at sites 12 miles away is staggering, requiring optics that can handle both glare and deep contrast. Consider these categories as a roadmap for moving from casual backyard viewing to professional-grade observation near Ellisville.