Normandy Park
Stargazing Guide.
Uncover the hidden celestial treasures of Normandy Park, WA. From the verified horizons at Covington Community Park to the scientific Bortle Class 4 reports at Burroughs Mountain, your journey to the stars starts here.
Stargazing Logistics for Normandy Park
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~12.3 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from Burroughs Mountain as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Boeing Employees' Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Normandy Park offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Normandy Park acts as a primary gateway to the Covington Community Park zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 4) at Burroughs Mountain just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Normandy Park
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Normandy Park, wait for the 4-day window surrounding the New Moon each month for the deepest contrast. Since the sun sets early in the late Winter months, you can often begin deep-sky imaging as early as 7 PM.
Expert Tips for Normandy Park Observers
When observing from Covington Community Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Normandy Park residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of WA to capture the lowest magnitude stars that are normally invisible from the city center. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Burroughs Mountain (47.8 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Normandy Park
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Max out your local session by using the essential observer gear staged for the Normandy Park environment.
Covington Community Park
" A short hop from Normandy Park, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Paramount School Park
" Heading out from Normandy Park toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" A manageable drive from Normandy Park, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" Heading out from Normandy Park toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Meteor Watching Tip: Don't look at one spot; keep your eyes moving across the sky. Your peripheral vision is more sensitive to motion. "
Big Rock Park
" A manageable drive from Normandy Park, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. 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. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Normandy Park
Rural conditions near Normandy Park provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Normandy Park
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Seeing the faint magnitude targets listed in these NPS readings often requires the specific gear we've staged for Normandy Park nights in our observer field kit.
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Burroughs Mountain provide Normandy Park residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"High Cirrus to North West"
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
For observers in Normandy Park, Plummer Peak serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Plummer Peak in Mount Rainier NP on 9/23/2005. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.09 SQM."
Dark Sky Oasis near Normandy Park
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Planning a trip to a nearby Dark Sky Park? Ensure your kit is ready by viewing our staged observer advice below.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
The protected skies at Cottonwood Canyon State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Normandy Park observing community.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
As one of the closest certified environments to Normandy Park, Antelope, Oregon offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Normandy Park
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 Planetary Expert profile.
Gearing Up for Normandy Park Nights
"For the manageable 20-mile commute from Normandy Park, we recommend a "split-tube" or collapsible Dobsonian. It gives you the power of a large light bucket while still fitting comfortably in most standard Normandy Park commuter vehicles."
The Normandy Park Field Kit
When observing near Normandy Park, the local atmospheric stability and the immediate access to verified hubs are your primary logistical factors. The difference between the Normandy Park city center and the instrumented readings at sites 12 miles away is staggering, requiring optics that can handle both glare and deep contrast. We've curated a specific progression of gear—from entry-level comfort to dedicated imaging hubs—to help you maximize every clear night.