Lewistown.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Lewistown, MT. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Lewistown
- Top Community Pick: local vantage points (~N/A miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 3.0 at Calhoun Hill
- Local Experts: Yellowstone Valley Astronomy Association
- Verified Observations: 0 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Lewistown, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at local vantage points for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Calhoun Hill provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 3.0. Atmospheric stability in the Lewistown region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Lewistown
For the best results in Lewistown, 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 Lewistown Observers
Before heading out to local vantage points, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars this location for sweeping views of the Moon’s craters and larger constellations. 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.
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Calhoun Hill
Little Bighorn Battlefield NM
"Clear night with fair transparency above 20 degrees. Haze visible along the horizon. Seeing fair. Local light from the reservation was direct glare, while the light dome from Hardin was the largest. Billings and Sheridan light domes visible but not bright. Overall the direct glare was distracting, but blocking this allowed for dark adaptation. Milky Way was easily seen with detail in sagittarius, and dust lanes. Visible from tail of Scorpius in South to Cassiopeia. SQM 21.64 at 0130; SQM-L 21.63 at 0152."
Devil Canyon Overlook
Bighorn Canyon NRA
"Clear skies, aside from some low clouds on the northern horizon, which mostly cleared out by 9:00 pm local time. Excellent site along the canyon rim with a direct view down into the town of Lovell. Another night of high airglow similar to the previous night at DETO. Milky Way overhead, but fine detail somewhat washed out toward the horizon and in the Sagitarrius star cloud by the airglow. Prancing Horse barely visible. Daytime visibilty slightly impaired by agricultural burning in the Big Horn Valley. The Devil Canyon Overlook is a great spot for observing the night sky or astrophotography. The Horseshoe Bend Campground is even more protected by terrain from the direct glare of Lovell."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Teton County
Teton County, Wyoming, lies at the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest intact ecosystem in the contiguous United States.
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada, and Glacier National Park in Montana, U.S., are collectively the first IDA International Dark Sky Parks…
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.