Hershey
Stargazing Guide.
Uncover the hidden celestial treasures of Hershey, PA. From the verified horizons at Edward L. Naylor Astronomical Center and Observatory to the scientific Bortle Class 6 reports at Caboose Farm, your journey to the stars starts here.
Stargazing Logistics for Hershey
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Edward L. Naylor Astronomical Center and Observatory. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~15.1 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class C (Suburban). Use the instrumented 6 rating from Caboose Farm as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Astronomical Society of Harrisburg (ASH) for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Hershey offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Hershey is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the PA metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 6 skies found at Caboose Farm.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Hershey
For the best experience, target the late-night window between 1 AM and 4 AM in Hershey. This is when local industrial lighting and residential 'sky glow' is at its minimum, and the most prominent Autumn constellations are directly overhead at the zenith.
Expert Tips for Hershey Observers
Don't underestimate the power of peripheral vision (averted vision). At sites near Hershey, looking slightly to the side of a faint nebula will reveal much more detail than looking directly at it, especially when dealing with the Class 5+ suburban skies of the PA region. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 6 at Caboose Farm (62.7 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Hershey
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 Hershey spots to preserve your night vision.
Edward L. Naylor Astronomical Center and Observatory
" A manageable drive from Hershey, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Veteran Pro-Tip: Avoid using your phone's white screen. Even with low brightness, it resets your eye's Rhodopsin levels instantly. "
John Rudy Park YCAS Observatory
" Heading out from Hershey 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. "
Ryan Observatory at Muddy Run
" Hershey observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Comfort Tip: The ground cools faster than the air. Bring a reclining chair to keep your neck strain-free during marathon observation sessions. "
Detwieller Park
" Practically in Hershey's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Scientific Fact: Around 3 AM, the atmosphere is usually most stable, offering the 'steadiest seeing' for high-magnification planetary views. "
Wildwood Park
" Just a quick dash for Hershey residents, this location offers great convenience. Equipment Logic: Small aperture telescopes are actually more resilient to localized heat currents than large ones on suburban nights. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Hershey
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to Edward L. Naylor Astronomical Center and Observatory to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for Hershey
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 Hershey nights in our observer field kit.
Caboose Farm
Catoctin Mountain Park
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Caboose Farm provide Hershey residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Numerous direct glare sources from local farms and a building at Camp Round Meadow. A few clouds around the horizon to start but skies cleared completely by third set. Very high humidity along with warm temps causing high extinction. Sky glow from Frederick easily visible, as is the greater Baltimore-D.C. area. Milky Way is barely visible and most deep sky objects not visible."
Meadow south of Church House
Hopewell Furnace NHS
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Meadow south of Church House provide Hershey residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Meadow south of Church House in Hopewell Furnace NHS on 8/16/2014. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 19.87 SQM."
Dark Sky Oasis near Hershey
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Planning a trip to a nearby Dark Sky Park? Ensure your kit is ready by viewing our staged observer advice below.
Sky Meadows State Park
The protected skies at Sky Meadows State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Hershey observing community.
11012 Edmonds Lane Delaplane, VA 20144 USA
Cherry Springs State Park
Hershey stargazers often look to Cherry Springs State Park as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
Pennsylvania, USA
Astronomy Clubs for Hershey
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Local astronomy clubs are great for testing gear; see what we suggest for Hershey residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Hershey Nights
"For the manageable 20-mile commute from Hershey, we recommend a "split-tube" or collapsible Dobsonian. It gives you the power of a large light bucket while still fitting comfortably in most standard Hershey commuter vehicles."
The Hershey Field Kit
Every observer in Hershey eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. With Edward L. Naylor Astronomical Center and Observatory sitting at a ~15-mile benchmark, your gear selection should mirror your willingness to travel. Consider these categories as a roadmap for moving from casual backyard viewing to professional-grade observation near Hershey.