Scranton
Stargazing Guide.
Just 56.3 miles from the center of Scranton, lies some of the region's best viewing at LVAAS South Mountain Observatory. We feature instrumented readings from Meadow south of Church House to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Scranton
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: LVAAS South Mountain Observatory. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~56.3 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class C (Suburban). Use the instrumented 5 rating from Meadow south of Church House as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Greater Hazleton Area Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Scranton offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
As a regional observation basecamp, Scranton offers the essential amenities needed before heading into the isolated darkness of Meadow south of Church House. It marks the transition where the suburban light dome finally gives way to the true wilderness sky.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Scranton
While Autumn offers the most consistent clear nights for Scranton, wait for the 4-day window surrounding the New Moon each month for the deepest contrast. Since the sun sets early in the late Autumn months, you can often begin deep-sky imaging as early as 7 PM.
Expert Tips for Scranton Observers
When observing from LVAAS South Mountain Observatory, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Scranton residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of PA 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 5 at Meadow south of Church House (83.0 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Scranton
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 Scranton spots to preserve your night vision.
LVAAS South Mountain Observatory
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Scranton; this destination is a justified detour. Equipment Logic: Small aperture telescopes are actually more resilient to localized heat currents than large ones on suburban nights. "
Louis Schiavo City View Park
" Scranton observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Local Horizon Tip: Before setting up, scout for north-facing tree clearings to ensure you have a clear path to the Polaris and the circumpolar stars. "
Green Lane Park
" For the dedicated Scranton 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. "
Camp Laughing Water
" For the dedicated Scranton observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Comfort Tip: The ground cools faster than the air. Bring a reclining chair to keep your neck strain-free during marathon observation sessions. "
Hazle Twp Commons Building
" Heading out from Scranton toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Comfort Tip: The ground cools faster than the air. Bring a reclining chair to keep your neck strain-free during marathon observation sessions. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Scranton
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to LVAAS South Mountain Observatory to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for Scranton
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 Scranton nights in our observer field kit.
Meadow south of Church House
Hopewell Furnace NHS
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Meadow south of Church House provide Scranton residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Meadow south of Church House in Hopewell Furnace NHS on 8/16/2014. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 19.87 SQM."
Jockey Hollow
Morristown NHS
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Jockey Hollow provide Scranton residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Seeing very good, transparency fair. Very humid, dew on the grass. No part of the sky is dark, a gradient of sky brightness from horizon to zenith. The sky is grayish white, near the NYC and Newark light dome some peach color seen. Very bright near the horizon, which is actually at least 10 degrees above the true horizon. The site is in a "hollow" and has tall trees all around, so the brightest parts of light domes are masked. No distinct "domes" are seen, the sky is bright all around except toward the west, which looks dark by comparison. It is therefore impossible to attribute light pollution to any individual city. The Milky Way is not at the zenith at this time of the year, but even late when the summer Milky Way is higher it is invisible. Near the zenith there are some features, the Coma cluster is seen as 10-12 stars, the form of Ursa Major and Leo are readily seen, but anything below 60 degrees above the horizon is severely compromised. The land is well illuminated, navigation easy unless you are looking toward New York and Newark, where the light of the sky produces glare. Estimate about 1/4 of scoptopic vision is lost, unless looking at the eastern sky, which is much brighter. Bortle Class 7, could be 6 later on if it gets a bit darker."
Dark Sky Oasis near Scranton
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 Scranton residents.
Cherry Springs State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Scranton, Cherry Springs State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
Pennsylvania, USA
Sky Meadows State Park
The protected skies at Sky Meadows State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Scranton observing community.
11012 Edmonds Lane Delaplane, VA 20144 USA
Astronomy Clubs for Scranton
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 Scranton Nights
"With the long trek from Scranton, "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 Scranton Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Scranton requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional suburban benchmarks. With LVAAS South Mountain Observatory sitting at a ~56-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.