North Windham.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in North Windham, ME. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for North Windham
- Top Community Pick: Talmage Observatory at Starfield (~30.9 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 5 at Concord Bridge
- Local Experts: Southern Maine Astronomers
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of North Windham, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Talmage Observatory at Starfield for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Concord Bridge provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 5. The transition between the urban infrastructure of North Windham and the more rural stretches of ME creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.
The Best Times for Stargazing in North Windham
Since North Windham 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 North Windham Observers
Because Talmage Observatory at Starfield is a developed site, it often features established viewing pads and specialized equipment. For the best views here, try to observe targets when they are highest in the sky to minimize atmospheric interference. 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.
Maine Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Talmage Observatory at Starfield
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Bug Light Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Kettle Cove State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Sky Line Farms
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Sky Line Farms
" 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.
Concord Bridge
Minute Man NHP
"Fog in field lowland, possibly some patchy fog. Bright site"
Jordan Pond House
Acadia NP
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Jordan Pond House in Acadia NP on 3/16/2010. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.3 SQM."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
AMC Maine Woods
The Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) Maine Woods Initiative lands consist of over 400 square kilometers of land in central Maine, U.S. The park is at the edge…
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Within the North Woods of Maine, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument covers an area of approximately 87,500 acres within a larger landscape already…
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.