Moline
Stargazing Guide.
Just 2 miles from the center of Moline, lies some of the region's best viewing at Ben Butterworth Center. We feature instrumented readings from Dune Trail to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Moline
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Ben Butterworth Center. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~2.0 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class C (Suburban). Use the instrumented 5 rating from Dune Trail as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Popular Astronomy Club for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Moline offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Moline acts as a primary gateway to the Ben Butterworth Center zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 5) at Dune Trail just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Moline
For the best experience, target the late-night window between 1 AM and 4 AM in Moline. This is when local industrial lighting and residential 'sky glow' is at its minimum, and the most prominent Winter constellations are directly overhead at the zenith.
Expert Tips for Moline Observers
Don't underestimate the power of peripheral vision (averted vision). At sites near Moline, looking slightly to the side of a faint nebula will reveal much more detail than looking directly at it, especially when dealing with the Class 5+ suburban skies of the IL region. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 5 at Dune Trail (324.6 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Moline
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 Moline spots to preserve your night vision.
Ben Butterworth Center
" Practically in Moline's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. 'Al presented on the occultation of Mars by the Moon and then we went outside and observed this event through his 10 telescope.' "
Niabi Zoo
" Practically in Moline's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Night Vision Tip: Red light is the only color that won't break your dark adaptation. Invest in a red headlamp for hands-free navigation. "
Witte Observatory Complex
" For the dedicated Moline observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Equipment Logic: Small aperture telescopes are actually more resilient to localized heat currents than large ones on suburban nights. "
Illiniweek Campground
" A short hop from Moline, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Meteor Watching Tip: Don't look at one spot; keep your eyes moving across the sky. Your peripheral vision is more sensitive to motion. "
Palisades-Dows Observatory
" While it's a bit of a journey from Moline, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. Imaging Tip: If you're photographing the Milky Way, bring a clear filter or dew shield to prevent lens fogging in humid conditions. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Moline
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to Ben Butterworth Center to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for Moline
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Discover which telescopes can best cut through the remaining regional skyglow to see these scientific targets by viewing our gear recommendations.
Dune Trail
Sleeping Bear Dunes NL
Local Relevance
For observers in Moline, Dune Trail serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"No clouds, but high moisture in atmosphere is creating poor transparency. Stars are soft, with a ring of moisture visible around bright stars. High airglow apparent. Milky Way just visible, no detials apparent."
Kemil Beach
Indiana Dunes NL
Local Relevance
For observers in Moline, Kemil Beach serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Set up about 50' from the water in a depression in the sand dunes. Local glare from the western most home in the "1933 Century of Progress" homes. Other glare sources from the power plants to the SW and NE along the lakeshore are easily visible but did not saturate the camera sensor. A clear view across Lake Michigan to the Chicago skyline, though clouds and haze never completely cleared away. I suspect the industrial developments from the Port of Indiana all the way around to Chicago has a significant impact on aeresols and local cloud development. Even so, at 35 miles distant, the illuminated buildings of the Chicago skyline were easily visible to the naked eye on this evening. The light dome of Michigan City (5 miles to the ENE) was very bright, but the dome from Chicago all the way to south of INDU is by far the greatest source of skyglow. The Milky Way was visible from 15° above the horizon at both ends. Not a lot of detail was visible in the Sagittarius or Cygnus star clouds. M31 was barely visible to the naked eye without using averted vision. Comparitively, for the region, this is not too bad a place to view the night sky. If not for the local glare sources, it would be fairly quick to dark adapt and be able to see many celestial features. Was able to see 6.2 LM in Ursa Major (which was over the lake to the darker north)."
Dark Sky Oasis near Moline
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 Moline observers.
Homer Glen, Illinois
The protected skies at Homer Glen, Illinois represent a vital astronomical asset for the Moline observing community.
Illinois, USA
Hawthorn Woods, Illinois
The protected skies at Hawthorn Woods, Illinois represent a vital astronomical asset for the Moline observing community.
2 Lagoon Drive Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047 USA
Astronomy Clubs for Moline
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Don't show up to the club dark-site empty-handed. View the field kit we've curated for the The Forest Observer profile.
Gearing Up for Moline Nights
"The proximity of verified spots to Moline means thermal equilibrium is your biggest gear factor. Set your gear outside in Moline early so it's ready the moment you arrive at the eyepiece."
The Moline Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Moline requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional suburban benchmarks. Since Ben Butterworth Center offers a specific Class 5 horizon, your equipment needs to be calibrated for the unique transparency found in this part of the state. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.