Rogers
Stargazing Guide.
Just 12.2 miles from the center of Rogers, lies some of the region's best viewing at Highlands Plaza. We feature instrumented readings from Astro Program Hill to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Rogers
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Highlands Plaza. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~12.2 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 3 rating from Astro Program Hill as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Explore Alliance for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Rogers offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Rogers acts as a primary gateway to the Highlands Plaza zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 3) at Astro Program Hill just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Rogers
While Summer offers the most consistent clear nights for Rogers, wait for the 4-day window surrounding the New Moon each month for the deepest contrast. Since the sun sets early in the late Summer months, you can often begin deep-sky imaging as early as 7 PM.
Expert Tips for Rogers Observers
When observing from Highlands Plaza, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Rogers residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of AR 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 3 at Astro Program Hill (199.3 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Rogers
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 Rogers environment.
Highlands Plaza
" A short hop from Rogers, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Observation Hack: Use a planisphere or a printed star chart under a red light instead of a digital app for the most authentic experience. "
Hobbs State Park
" Just a quick dash for Rogers residents, this location offers great convenience. 'It may chilly...dress for cold weather' "
Waterway Christian Church
" A short hop from Rogers, this spot is a top-tier local choice. 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. "
Mulberry Public Library
" For the dedicated Rogers observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. 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. "
Walmart Supercenter, Clarksville, Arkansas
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Rogers; 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 Rogers
Rural conditions near Rogers provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Rogers
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. To resolve the deep-sky objects measured in these scientific reports, Rogers observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Astro Program Hill
Tallgrass Prairie NPres
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Astro Program Hill provide Rogers residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Emporia is brightest light dome on the horizon. Clear night, no clouds. Fair transparency"
Veterans Lake
Chickasaw NRA
Local Relevance
For observers in Rogers, Veterans Lake serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Clear sky. The area right above the horizon appears bright from all the directions. Milky Way is impressive overhead but lasks the details of the bright/dark structure. Light dome extends up to about 60 degrees above the horizon."
Dark Sky Oasis near Rogers
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Certified dark skies like these are most rewarding when paired with the right aperture. Check out our suggested kit for Rogers observers.
Buffalo National River
Rogers stargazers often look to Buffalo National River as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
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 Rogers observing community.
9750 Old Bonhomme Rd. Olivette, MO 63132
Astronomy Clubs for Rogers
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 Solar System Guide profile.
Gearing Up for Rogers Nights
"Staging for a night near Rogers requires a balance of power and portability. Consider 10x50 binoculars as a primary scouting tool while your main telescope acclimates to the cooler rural air."
The Rogers Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Rogers requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. Since Highlands Plaza offers a specific Class 3 horizon, your equipment needs to be calibrated for the unique transparency found in this part of the state. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.