Mercer Island.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Mercer Island, WA. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Mercer Island
- Top Community Pick: Paramount School Park (~14.1 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 4 at Burroughs Mountain
- Local Experts: Boeing Employees’ Astronomical Society
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
Stargazing in Mercer Island is surprisingly rewarding if you know exactly where to set up your tripod. While enthusiasts often gather at Paramount School Park for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Burroughs Mountain provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 4. Atmospheric stability in the Mercer Island region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Mercer Island
For the best results in Mercer Island, 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 Mercer Island Observers
When visiting Paramount School Park, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars at this spot 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.
Washington Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Paramount School Park
" 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Covington Community Park
" Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Big Rock Park
" Park in the lower lot near the street. If that lot is full please park in the lot as far from the middle field as you can with your headlights facing away from the fields. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" 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.
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
"High Cirrus to North West"
Obstruction Point
Olympic NP
"Transparency remarkably good after yesterday's fire smoke, seeing very good. Few high clouds to the west and north, remnants of fire smoke to the northeast. Direct glare from many very bright lights on Vancouver Island and a few Port Angeles lights, otherwise the high ridges of the Olympic Mountains effectively block any other glare from the Puget Sound area. After moon sets, the zenith is quite dark with the Cygnus Milky Way very detailed, but a broad and fairly bright light dome toward Seattle and Puget Sound dominates the eastern sky. Excellent site for monitoring. Perhaps an area 30 degrees in diameter near the zenith offers reasonable visual observations. Otherwise the sky is very modified by light pollution. ZLM 6.9 with difficulty, the eastern sky must be shielded by the ridgetop to achieve this as it definitely affects scotopic vision. The treeless ridge is easy to navigate by the light of the sky. Milky Way easily seen near the zenith,but loses its character rapidly approaching the horizon. Fog appears to move in in early morning through the Strait of Juan de Fuca into the northern Puget Sound area, suppressing light pollution and significantly improving the sky quality."
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Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.