Fulton.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Fulton, MO. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Fulton
- Top Community Pick: Gardner Camp (~71.1 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 3 at Astro Program Hill
- Local Experts: Central Missouri Amateur Astronomers
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Fulton, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Gardner Camp for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Astro Program Hill provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 3. The local landscape of Fulton offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Fulton
For the best results in Fulton, 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 Fulton Observers
Before heading out to Gardner Camp, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars here 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.
Missouri Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Gardner Camp
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Whiteside Conservation Area [Dark Sky Site]
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Babler State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
La Salle Retreat Center
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Dardenne Prairie City Hall
" 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.
Astro Program Hill
Tallgrass Prairie NPres
"Emporia is brightest light dome on the horizon. Clear night, no clouds. Fair transparency"
Log Cabins
Fort Donelson NB
"SQM of 20.47 at 2035 local time. Only fair transparency and seeing. Some fast moving clouds. High humidity. Milky Way visible from 20 degrees above north horizon. Great rift visible, Saggitarius cloud not easily visible, Scutum cloud not visible. 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"
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Stacy Park
Stacy Park is a 35-acre park located in Olivette, Missouri and is approximately 10 miles west of St. Louis City. Established in 1926, Stacy Park is one of five…
Thousand Hills State Park
Thousand Hills State Park is situated in northeast Missouri just a few miles west of the city of Kirksville. The park consists of 3,086 acres with Forest Lake…
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.