Lebanon.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Lebanon, NH. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Lebanon
- Top Community Pick: 1879 Perkinsville Schoolhouse, Hoisington Field (~22.3 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 5 at Concord Bridge
- Local Experts: SoVerA - Southern Vermont Astronomy Group
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Lebanon, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at 1879 Perkinsville Schoolhouse, Hoisington Field for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Concord Bridge provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 5. The local landscape of Lebanon offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Lebanon
Since Lebanon sits in a transitional light zone, viewing is best during the New Moon or after midnight when some commercial lighting is reduced.
Expert Tips for Lebanon Observers
Before heading out to 1879 Perkinsville Schoolhouse, Hoisington Field, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. For the best views this location, try to observe targets when they are highest in the sky to minimize atmospheric interference. 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.
New Hampshire Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
1879 Perkinsville Schoolhouse, Hoisington Field
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Sullivan Observatory
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
1879 Perkinsville Schoolhouse
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Ashuelot River Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Vermont Academy
" 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.
Concord Bridge
Minute Man NHP
"Fog in field lowland, possibly some patchy fog. Bright site"
Park Road
Mont-Megantic National Park
"Clear, calm night with good transparency. A slight haze visible over the low horizon to the north. Seeing is fair. Fine detail in the Milky Way, with several easy deep-sky objects readily visible. The core of the Sherbrooke light dome is blocked by Mont Notre Dame and Mont Megantic creating a dark bowl like effect, excellent for visual observing. The light dome from Quebec city was visible low on the north horizon, parially blocked by trees, but still evident when dark adapted. No light dome was so bright as to interfere with dark adaptation."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
AMC Maine Woods
The Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) Maine Woods Initiative lands consist of over 400 square kilometers of land in central Maine, U.S. The park is at the edge…
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Within the North Woods of Maine, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument covers an area of approximately 87,500 acres within a larger landscape already…
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.