Grass Valley.

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

Bortle Scale
4
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
21.55
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
5
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Grass Valley

  • Top Community Pick: Community Observatory (~35.8 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 5.0 at State Line Lookout
  • Local Experts: Nevada County Astronomers
  • Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots

If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Grass Valley, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Community Observatory for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at State Line Lookout provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 5.0. Atmospheric stability in the Grass Valley region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Grass Valley

For the best results in Grass Valley, 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 Grass Valley Observers

Because Community Observatory is a developed site, it often features established viewing pads and specialized equipment. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters the site. 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%

Community Observatory

35.8 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Placerville, CA 95667
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Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 80%

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park

38 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

folsom, CA NaN
Get Directions
Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 77.5%

Plumas Eureka State Park

41.4 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Johnsville, CA 96103
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Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 77.5%

Sierra Valley Preserve

54 mi
Distance

" 'Bring red flashlights and be mindful of bright white lights which are not good for viewing the night sky.' "

Beckwourth, CA 96129
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Community Gathering Point Confidence: 47.5%

1849 Brewing Company

0.7 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Grass Valley, CA 95945
Get Directions
Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

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

State Line Lookout

Lake Tahoe Basin

21.03 SQM
Bortle Class 5

"Site of old State Line Fire Lookout, directly above the Biltmore Hotel on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. A tree blocks much of the northern sky, and some of the light dome of Reno, but otherwise pretty good location. Seeing very good, transparency very good. Glare from nearby lights severe, especially to the west toward Tahoe City. Glare severely affects night vision, but by shielding eyes reasonbly dark skies near the zenith can be seen. Fairly good detail in the MIlky Way near zenith, washed out near the southern horizon. Incline Village has pretty good lights, not very obtrusive even though only a few kilometers away."

Observation Date
8/17/2006
Elevation
2144m
Zenith Brightness
21.08

Buckhorn Group Camp

Black Butte Lake RA

21.55 SQM
Bortle Class 4

"Site on a knoll just northwest of the group camp, excellent monitoring site with easy access. Seeing excellent, transparency poor. Lingering smoke and haze from wildfire, humid. Despite high extinction, an excellent sky near the zenith, with the dark lane in the Cygnus star cloud visible. Northeast through south along the horizon has numerous bright light domes, the brightest of which definitely affects dark adaptation. Early evening sky is much brighter overhead than late, presumably because of outdoor lights being shut off, but airglow decrease also a factor. By early morning, the light domes are seen to extend to less than 45 degrees above the horizon, while in early evening to at least 60 degrees, with only a small area near the zenith lacking a distinct brightness gradient. SQM 21.44 at 9:30 PM (Sales), 21.77 (Duriscoe) 12:30 AM LMT."

Observation Date
9/22/2014
Elevation
178m
Zenith Brightness
21.8

International Dark Sky Parks

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

IDA Certified Distance: 185.6 miles

Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area

Nestled between the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area (BRNCA) and the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR)…

Category
International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Certified
2019
Land Area
409.9 km2
Coordinates
41.7008, -119.6842
IDA Certified Distance: 226.4 miles

Oregon Outback

Eastern Lake County (Phase 1 of the proposed Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary) is located in a remote and sparsely populated area of southeastern…

Category
International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Certified
2024
Land Area
10,074.21 Sq. Km
Coordinates
42.4480, -120.2809

Local Astronomy Clubs

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

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#384

Nevada County Astronomers

Nevada City, CA

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#358

Community Observatory

Placerville, CA