Powell
Stargazing Guide.
Just 43.5 miles from the center of Powell, lies some of the region's best viewing at Cooney State Park - Red Lodge Camp Ground. We feature instrumented readings from Calhoun Hill to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Powell
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Cooney State Park - Red Lodge Camp Ground. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~43.5 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 3 rating from Calhoun Hill as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Yellowstone Valley Astronomy Association for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Powell offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Powell is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the WY metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 3 skies found at Calhoun Hill.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Powell
In WY, the transitional periods of early Summer often provide a stable atmosphere between weather fronts. For Powell residents, this means less 'star twinkling' (scintillation) and a significantly steadier view for high-magnification planetary observation.
Expert Tips for Powell Observers
If you're visiting Cooney State Park - Red Lodge Camp Ground, 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 WY during the peak viewing seasons. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 3 at Calhoun Hill (84.5 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Powell
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. To get the most out of these verified spots, ensure your mobile reconnaissance kit is ready for Powell's local horizons.
Cooney State Park - Red Lodge Camp Ground
" Powell observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. 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. "
Pictograph State Park
" For the dedicated Powell observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Scientific Fact: Around 3 AM, the atmosphere is usually most stable, offering the 'steadiest seeing' for high-magnification planetary views. "
Billings Public Library
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Powell; this destination is a justified detour. Comfort Tip: The ground cools faster than the air. Bring a reclining chair to keep your neck strain-free during marathon observation sessions. "
Randy Begger's House
" While it's a bit of a journey from Powell, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. Comfort Tip: The ground cools faster than the air. Bring a reclining chair to keep your neck strain-free during marathon observation sessions. "
Connect Group Building
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Powell; this destination is a justified detour. Atmospheric Tip: Scintillation (star twinkling) is a sign of high-altitude turbulence. If stars are twinkling heavily, stick to low-magnification wide views. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Powell
Rural conditions near Powell provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Powell
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 Powell nights in our observer field kit.
Calhoun Hill
Little Bighorn Battlefield NM
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Calhoun Hill provide Powell residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Clear night with fair transparency above 20 degrees. Haze visible along the horizon. Seeing fair. Local light from the reservation was direct glare, while the light dome from Hardin was the largest. Billings and Sheridan light domes visible but not bright."
Devil Canyon Overlook
Bighorn Canyon NRA
Local Relevance
For observers in Powell, Devil Canyon Overlook serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Excellent site along the canyon rim with a direct view down into the town of Lovell. Another night of high airglow similar to the previous night at DETO. Milky Way overhead, but fine detail somewhat washed out toward the horizon and in the Sagitarrius star cloud by the airglow. Prancing Horse barely visible. Daytime visibilty slightly impaired by agricultural burning in the Big Horn Valley. The Devil Canyon Overlook is a great spot for observing the night sky or astrophotography."
Dark Sky Oasis near Powell
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.
Teton County
Powell stargazers often look to Teton County as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
220 N King St Jackson, WY 83001 USA
Jackson Hole Airport
As one of the closest certified environments to Powell, Jackson Hole Airport offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
1250 East Airport Road Jackson, WY 83001
Astronomy Clubs for Powell
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Local astronomy clubs are great for testing gear; see what we suggest for Powell residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Powell Nights
"For the extended excursion from Powell, prioritize "travel-ready" optics. A 4.5-inch reflector or 70mm refractor provides the perfect balance of discovery power and trunk-space efficiency."
The Powell Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Powell requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. With Cooney State Park - Red Lodge Camp Ground sitting at a ~44-mile benchmark, your gear selection should mirror your willingness to travel. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.