Harrisville
Stargazing Guide.
Just 43 miles from the center of Harrisville, lies some of the region's best viewing at Winchester Park. We feature instrumented readings from Ruby Point to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Harrisville
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Winchester Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~43.0 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from Ruby Point as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Ogden Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Harrisville offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Harrisville is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the UT metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 4 skies found at Ruby Point.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Harrisville
In UT, the transitional periods of early Summer often provide a stable atmosphere between weather fronts. For Harrisville residents, this means less 'star twinkling' (scintillation) and a significantly steadier view for high-magnification planetary observation.
Expert Tips for Harrisville Observers
If you're visiting Winchester 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 UT during the peak viewing seasons. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Ruby Point (73.5 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Harrisville
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Max out your local session by using the essential observer gear staged for the Harrisville environment.
Winchester Park
" Heading out from Harrisville toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Thermal Mastery: Set your telescope out an hour early to allow the mirrors to reach 'thermal equilibrium' with the night air. "
Stansbury Park Observatory Complex
" For the dedicated Harrisville observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Observation Hack: Use a planisphere or a printed star chart under a red light instead of a digital app for the most authentic experience. "
Stansbury Park Observatory Complex (SPOC)
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Harrisville; this destination is a justified detour. Observation Hack: Use a planisphere or a printed star chart under a red light instead of a digital app for the most authentic experience. "
Willow Park
" Heading out from Harrisville toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Equipment Logic: Small aperture telescopes are actually more resilient to localized heat currents than large ones on suburban nights. "
Perry Charter School
" Just a quick dash for Harrisville residents, this location offers great convenience. Sky Contrast Tip: To see the Milky Way, wait for the Moon to go below the horizon; even a 25% crescent Moon can wash out the faintest nebulae. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Harrisville
Rural conditions near Harrisville provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Harrisville
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Discover which telescopes can best cut through the remaining regional skyglow to see these scientific targets by viewing our gear recommendations.
Ruby Point
Fossil Butte NM
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Ruby Point provide Harrisville residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Clear skies"
Timpooneke Road
Timpanogos Cave NM
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Timpooneke Road provide Harrisville residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Set up on the ridge line served by Timpooneke Road approximately 1 mile south and 400' above the boundary of the park. This site provides an excellent regional monitoring location that includes views of the Greater Salt Lake City area and the Provo/Orem area. Skies were completely cloud free, but smoke and/or haze was easily visible on the horizon to the NW and SW. The lights of Provo/Orem and Lehi City were directly below and very bright. The lights of Provo/Orem were considerably brighter (cooler blue/white) than those in the Lehi City area."
Dark Sky Oasis near Harrisville
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Certified dark skies like these are most rewarding when paired with the right aperture. Check out our suggested kit for Harrisville observers.
North Fork Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Harrisville, North Fork Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
Weber County, Utah, USA
Antelope Island State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Harrisville, Antelope Island State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
4528 West 1700 South Syracuse, Utah 84075 USA
Astronomy Clubs for Harrisville
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Planning to join a local session? Make sure you have the essentials ready by checking our starter kit recommendations.
Gearing Up for Harrisville Nights
"For the extended excursion from Harrisville, prioritize "travel-ready" optics. A 4.5-inch reflector or 70mm refractor provides the perfect balance of discovery power and trunk-space efficiency."
The Harrisville Field Kit
When observing near Harrisville, the local atmospheric stability and the commute time to isolated zones are your primary logistical factors. Since Winchester Park offers a specific Class 4 horizon, your equipment needs to be calibrated for the unique transparency found in this part of the state. We've curated a specific progression of gear—from entry-level comfort to dedicated imaging hubs—to help you maximize every clear night.