Shelby.

The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Shelby, OH. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.

Bortle Scale
5
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
20.86
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
5
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Shelby

  • Top Community Pick: Warren Rupp Observatory (~11.5 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 6.0 at Kemil Beach
  • Local Experts: Warren Rupp Observatory
  • Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots

If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Shelby, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Warren Rupp Observatory for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Kemil Beach provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 6.0. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Shelby and the more rural stretches of OH creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Shelby

Since Shelby 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 Shelby Observers

Because Warren Rupp Observatory is a developed site, it often features established viewing pads and specialized equipment. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters at this spot. 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.

Local Top Spots

Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.

Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Warren Rupp Observatory

11.5 mi
Distance

" {'There will be a short business meeting at 7 PM, followed by the program at 8 PM.'} "

Mansfield, OH 44901
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Warren Rupp Observatory

19.8 mi
Distance

" {'Public welcome.'} "

Bellville, OH 44813
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 90%

Lowe-Volk Nature Center

7.9 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Crestline, OH 44827
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Letha House Medina Parks Ohio

36.2 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Chatham Twp, OH 44256
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Nielsen Observatory

37.1 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Lagrange, OH NaN
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Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.

Kemil Beach

Indiana Dunes NL

19.88 SQM
Bortle Class 6

"Set up about 50' from the water in a depression in the sand dunes. Local glare from the western most home in the "1933 Century of Progress" homes. Other glare sources from the power plants to the SW and NE along the lakeshore are easily visible but did not saturate the camera sensor. A clear view across Lake Michigan to the Chicago skyline, though clouds and haze never completely cleared away. I suspect the industrial developments from the Port of Indiana all the way around to Chicago has a significant impact on aeresols and local cloud development. Even so, at 35 miles distant, the illuminated buildings of the Chicago skyline were easily visible to the naked eye on this evening. The light dome of Michigan City (5 miles to the ENE) was very bright, but the dome from Chicago all the way to south of INDU is by far the greatest source of skyglow. The Milky Way was visible from 15° above the horizon at both ends. Not a lot of detail was visible in the Sagittarius or Cygnus star clouds. M31 was barely visible to the naked eye without using averted vision. Comparitively, for the region, this is not too bad a place to view the night sky. If not for the local glare sources, it would be fairly quick to dark adapt and be able to see many celestial features. Was able to see 6.2 LM in Ursa Major (which was over the lake to the darker north)."

Observation Date
7/24/2017
Elevation
179m
Zenith Brightness
20.08

Hogback Overlook

Shenandoah NP

20.86 SQM
Bortle Class 5

"Site on pullout of Skyline Drive, south sky pretty well blocked by hillside. Seeing good, transparency excellent. Bright light domes from D.C. and Front Royal dominate the north and northeast, but zenith is remarkably dark, revealing the brighter parts of the Milky Way easily. Gradient from horizon to zenith however. Milky Way invisible in dim areas like Monoceros and Gemini. Airglow appears brighter than normal because of high gradient from zenith, even toward the west where there are no bright light domes. Lots of bright glare from Front Royal, Winchester, core of D.C. light dome very bright, damages night vision, 20 degrees wide. SQM 21.33 late. NELM measured by Duriscoe but with spectacles, no contacts, in fatigued state, in Triangulum."

Observation Date
10/24/2014
Elevation
1034m
Zenith Brightness
21.1

International Dark Sky Parks

Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.

IDA Certified Distance: 70.7 miles

Fry Family Park

Fry Family Park is located in southern Stark County, approximately 8 miles from Canton, Ohio. This 348-acre property is known for its rural country setting…

Category
Urban Night Sky Place
Certified
2021
Land Area
1.4 km2
Coordinates
40.6600, -81.3400
IDA Certified Distance: 95.2 miles

Geauga Observatory Park

The idea for Observatory Park began with the donation of a 0.64-meter telescope and a small parcel of land. In 2008, the park acquired nationally recognized…

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2011
Land Area
4.45 km2
Coordinates
41.5848, -81.0806

Local Astronomy Clubs

Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#244

Warren Rupp Observatory

Mansfield, OH

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#552

Black River Astronomical Society

Lagrange, OH