Finley.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Finley, WA. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Finley
- Top Community Pick: Moses Lake: General (~67.3 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 2.0 at Blue Basin Overlook
- Local Experts: Tri-City Astronomy Club of Southeastern Washington
- Verified Observations: 1 distinct spots
Stargazing in Finley is surprisingly rewarding if you know exactly where to set up your tripod. While enthusiasts often gather at Moses Lake: General for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Blue Basin Overlook provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 2.0. The local landscape of Finley offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Finley
For the best results in Finley, 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 Finley Observers
Before heading out to Moses Lake: General, 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 here. 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.
Washington Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Moses Lake: General
" 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.
Blue Basin Overlook
John Day Fossil Beds NM
"Very clear night! Cloud free, but fire smoke visible to the south and east from N. Calofornia fires. Possibly some smoke to the north low along the horizon. No visible light domes in any direction and only one or two single glare sources in the valleys below from ranches. Exceptionally bright Milky Way with rich detail from Sagitarrius Star Cloud to Cygnus. Easily visble from horizon to horizon. M31 easily visble with naked eye. SQM readings probably a little low due to Milky Way being almost overhead. Milky Way casting shadows with no problem. One of the best nights skies this observer has seen."
Burch Mountain
Chelan County
"Partly cloudy at the beginning of the night and gradually became clear later. Humid but no wind."
International Dark Sky Parks
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Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.