Miles City.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Miles City, MT. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Miles City
- 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
Stargazing in Miles City is surprisingly rewarding if you know exactly where to set up your tripod. 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. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Miles City and the more rural stretches of MT creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Miles City
For the best results in Miles City, 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 Miles City 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."
Skyline Vista
Theodore Roosevelt NP
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Skyline Vista in Theodore Roosevelt NP on 9/30/2010. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.45 SQM."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Medicine Rocks State Park
Medicine Rocks State Park is full of history, culture, unique topography, and wonderfully dark skies. The park is also a haven for wildlife. They host dark sky…
Teton County
Teton County, Wyoming, lies at the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest intact ecosystem in the contiguous United States.
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.