Jericho
Stargazing Guide.
Just 3 miles from the center of Jericho, lies some of the region's best viewing at Old Westbury Gardens. We feature instrumented readings from Meadow south of Church House to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Jericho
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Old Westbury Gardens. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~3.0 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class C (Suburban). Use the instrumented 5 rating from Meadow south of Church House as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Amateur Observers' Society of NY for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Jericho offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Jericho acts as a primary gateway to the Old Westbury Gardens zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 5) at Meadow south of Church House just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Jericho
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Jericho, wait for the 4-day window surrounding the New Moon each month for the deepest contrast. Since the sun sets early in the late Winter months, you can often begin deep-sky imaging as early as 7 PM.
Expert Tips for Jericho Observers
When observing from Old Westbury Gardens, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Jericho residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of NY to capture the lowest magnitude stars that are normally invisible from the city center. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 5 at Meadow south of Church House (123.8 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Jericho
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 Jericho spots to preserve your night vision.
Old Westbury Gardens
" Just a quick dash for Jericho residents, this location offers great convenience. Vision Technique: Try 'Averted Vision'—look slightly to the side of a faint object to use the more light-sensitive rods in your eyes. "
Carl Schurz Park
" Heading out from Jericho toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Meteor Watching Tip: Don't look at one spot; keep your eyes moving across the sky. Your peripheral vision is more sensitive to motion. "
Floyd Bennett Field
" Jericho observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Imaging Tip: If you're photographing the Milky Way, bring a clear filter or dew shield to prevent lens fogging in humid conditions. "
The High Line
" A manageable drive from Jericho, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Scientific Fact: Around 3 AM, the atmosphere is usually most stable, offering the 'steadiest seeing' for high-magnification planetary views. "
Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center
" A short hop from Jericho, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Local Horizon Tip: Before setting up, scout for north-facing tree clearings to ensure you have a clear path to the Polaris and the circumpolar stars. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Jericho
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to Old Westbury Gardens to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for Jericho
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. To resolve the deep-sky objects measured in these scientific reports, Jericho observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Meadow south of Church House
Hopewell Furnace NHS
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Meadow south of Church House provide Jericho 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."
Jockey Hollow
Morristown NHS
Local Relevance
Jericho enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Jockey Hollow to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Seeing very good, transparency fair. Very humid, dew on the grass. No part of the sky is dark, a gradient of sky brightness from horizon to zenith. The sky is grayish white, near the NYC and Newark light dome some peach color seen. Very bright near the horizon, which is actually at least 10 degrees above the true horizon. The site is in a "hollow" and has tall trees all around, so the brightest parts of light domes are masked. No distinct "domes" are seen, the sky is bright all around except toward the west, which looks dark by comparison. It is therefore impossible to attribute light pollution to any individual city. The Milky Way is not at the zenith at this time of the year, but even late when the summer Milky Way is higher it is invisible. Near the zenith there are some features, the Coma cluster is seen as 10-12 stars, the form of Ursa Major and Leo are readily seen, but anything below 60 degrees above the horizon is severely compromised. The land is well illuminated, navigation easy unless you are looking toward New York and Newark, where the light of the sky produces glare. Estimate about 1/4 of scoptopic vision is lost, unless looking at the eastern sky, which is much brighter. Bortle Class 7, could be 6 later on if it gets a bit darker."
Dark Sky Oasis near Jericho
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 Jericho observers.
Cherry Springs State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Jericho, Cherry Springs State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
Pennsylvania, USA
Sky Meadows State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Jericho, Sky Meadows State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
11012 Edmonds Lane Delaplane, VA 20144 USA
Astronomy Clubs for Jericho
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 Jericho residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Jericho Nights
"The proximity of verified spots to Jericho means thermal equilibrium is your biggest gear factor. Set your gear outside in Jericho early so it's ready the moment you arrive at the eyepiece."
The Jericho Field Kit
When observing near Jericho, the local atmospheric stability and the immediate access to verified hubs are your primary logistical factors. Since Old Westbury Gardens offers a specific Class 5 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.