Monroeville.

The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Monroeville, AL. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.

Bortle Scale
6
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
20.17
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
0
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Monroeville

  • Top Community Pick: local vantage points (~N/A miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 6.0 at Fort Pickens
  • Local Experts: Escambia Amateur Astronomer’s Association
  • Verified Observations: 0 distinct spots

Stargazing in Monroeville 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 Fort Pickens provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 6.0. Atmospheric stability in the Monroeville region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Monroeville

Since Monroeville 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 Monroeville Observers

Before heading out to local vantage points, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters the site. 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.

Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.

Fort Pickens

Gulf Islands NS

19.71 SQM
Bortle Class 6

"Clear and calm conditions. Average transparency, low humidity, slight breeze. Setup on seawall on southwest corner of Fort Pickens unit. Bright lights north of the park from the Naval Yard, Pensacola, and the Pensacola bridges. Lighhouse is mostly blocked by vegetation to the west."

Observation Date
10/19/2022
Elevation
6m
Zenith Brightness
20.09

Pensacola Beach

Gulf Islands NS

20.17 SQM
Bortle Class 6

"The night started with clouds overhead but quickly diminished to just a low line of clouds over the sound and mainland. Average transparency and good seeing. Bright sources of light from the Portofino hotels to the west. Light domes from the hotels and Pensacola Beach over 40 degrees. To the north, a bright line of skyglow. Looking east there are no direct sources of light, but light domes from Nevarre and other communities reachong 25-30 degrees high. The gradient of light from north to south is very conspicuous, with light pollution visible almost up to senith, then falling off sharply towards the gulf. Pretty dark over the gulf, but this window of darkness is just a small wedge between scattered light."

Observation Date
4/20/2017
Elevation
0m
Zenith Brightness
20.56

International Dark Sky Parks

Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.

IDA Certified Distance: 297.3 miles

Stephen C. Foster State Park

Stephen C. Foster State Park is a small (32-hectare; 80-acre) property in the vast 1,627 km2 (402,000-acre) expanse of the surrounding Okefenokee National…

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2016
Land Area
0.32 km2
Coordinates
30.8232, -82.3648
IDA Certified Distance: 300.2 miles

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park & Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area

Pickett-Pogue International Dark Sky Park is composed of 1,618 hectares of land jointly managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and…

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2015
Land Area
16.2 km2
Coordinates
35.7730, -86.2820

Local Astronomy Clubs

Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#79

Escambia Amateur Astronomer's Association

Pensacola, FL

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#157

Birmingham Astronomical Society

Alabaster, AL