Paragould
Stargazing Guide.
Just 59.4 miles from the center of Paragould, lies some of the region's best viewing at Village Creek State Park. We feature instrumented readings from Houchin's Field to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Paragould
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Village Creek State Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~59.4 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from Houchin's Field as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Memphis Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Paragould offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
As a regional observation basecamp, Paragould offers the essential amenities needed before heading into the isolated darkness of Houchin's Field. It marks the transition where the suburban light dome finally gives way to the true wilderness sky.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Paragould
In AR, the transitional periods of early Winter often provide a stable atmosphere between weather fronts. For Paragould residents, this means less 'star twinkling' (scintillation) and a significantly steadier view for high-magnification planetary observation.
Expert Tips for Paragould Observers
If you're visiting Village Creek State Park, bring a pack of chemical hand-warmers and rubber-band them to your eyepiece or camera lens. This acts as a 'budget' dew heater, which is essential for the humid nights often found in AR during the peak viewing seasons. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Houchin's Field (253.5 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Paragould
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 Paragould spots to preserve your night vision.
Village Creek State Park
" For the dedicated Paragould observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Sky Contrast Tip: To see the Milky Way, wait for the Moon to go below the horizon; even a 25% crescent Moon can wash out the faintest nebulae. "
Beale Street Landing
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Paragould; this destination is a justified detour. Sky Contrast Tip: To see the Milky Way, wait for the Moon to go below the horizon; even a 25% crescent Moon can wash out the faintest nebulae. "
DarkSky Missouri Festival near Big Spring
" For the dedicated Paragould observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Is there a fee for entering the park area or for the event itself? We hope to get astronomy groups to do demos and help with telescopes as needed. "
Polar Bluff High School
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Paragould; this destination is a justified detour. Deep Sky Advice: Allow at least 20 minutes in total darkness for your pupils to fully dilate. You'll notice faint nebulae that were invisible at first. "
KC's on the Current
" Paragould observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Observation Hack: Use a planisphere or a printed star chart under a red light instead of a digital app for the most authentic experience. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Paragould
Rural conditions near Paragould provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Paragould
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 Paragould nights in our observer field kit.
Houchin's Field
Mammoth Cave NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Houchin's Field provide Paragould residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"A very calm, humid and clear night. Dewfall occurred during data collection, however dew heater prevented lens fog. Multiple light domes evident from site, as well as a continuous glow along horizon in all directions. Airglow was present. Andromeda galaxy easily visible, Beehive (Pegasus) visible with medium effort. Prominent dust lanes in Milky Way visible at zenith, but not below ~50 degrees. Limiting magnitude found in Pegasus."
Log Cabins
Fort Donelson NB
Local Relevance
For observers in Paragould, Log Cabins serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"SQM of 20.47 at 2035 local time. Only fair transparency and seeing. Some fast moving clouds. High humidity. Milky Way visible from 20 degrees above north horizon. Great rift visible, Saggitarius cloud not easily visible, Scutum cloud not visible. Milky Way about 10-12 degrees wide, but faint and no fine details. To the NW a blue white light dome easily seen. Due East is the Clarksville lightdome almost 25 degrees high and 15 degrees wide. Core is bright. Adjacent to the light dome is a spotlight (which we determined was coming from the cemetary here in FODO park). To the West and Southwest is another lightdome fainter than Clarksville, but brighter than the Milky Way"
Dark Sky Oasis near Paragould
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Experience the full, pristine depth of these IDA certified skies with the precision stargazing gear we recommend for Paragould residents.
Buffalo National River
The protected skies at Buffalo National River represent a vital astronomical asset for the Paragould observing community.
170 Ranger Road, St Joe, AR 72675 U.S.A. Google Map
Stacy Park
The protected skies at Stacy Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Paragould observing community.
9750 Old Bonhomme Rd. Olivette, MO 63132
Astronomy Clubs for Paragould
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 Celestial Photographer profile.
Gearing Up for Paragould Nights
"With the long trek from Paragould, "ruggedness" becomes a gear priority. Ensure your tripod and mount are rated for uneven terrain, as the best dark sites near here often feature unpaved staging areas."
The Paragould Field Kit
Every observer in Paragould eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. With Village Creek State Park sitting at a ~59-mile benchmark, your gear selection should mirror your willingness to travel. Consider these categories as a roadmap for moving from casual backyard viewing to professional-grade observation near Paragould.