Staten Island
Stargazing Guide.
Just 3 miles from the center of Staten Island, lies some of the region's best viewing at Great Kills Park. We feature instrumented readings from Meadow south of Church House to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Staten Island
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Great Kills Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~3.0 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 Amateur Astronomers, Inc. for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Staten Island offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Staten Island acts as a primary gateway to the Great Kills Park zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 5) at Meadow south of Church House just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Staten Island
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Staten Island, wait for the 4-day window surrounding the New Moon each month for the deepest contrast. Since the sun sets early in the late Winter months, you can often begin deep-sky imaging as early as 7 PM.
Expert Tips for Staten Island Observers
When observing from Great Kills Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Staten Island residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of NY 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 (89.2 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Staten Island
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 Staten Island environment.
Great Kills Park
" A short hop from Staten Island, 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. "
Sperry Observatory
" Just a quick dash for Staten Island residents, this location offers great convenience. Observing is held throughout the evening through our 2 large telescopes weather permitting. The public is welcome to look at the telescopes and see how they operate before it gets dark. "
Floyd Bennett Field
" A short hop from Staten Island, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Atmospheric Tip: Scintillation (star twinkling) is a sign of high-altitude turbulence. If stars are twinkling heavily, stick to low-magnification wide views. "
The High Line
" Practically in Staten Island's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Night Vision Tip: Red light is the only color that won't break your dark adaptation. Invest in a red headlamp for hands-free navigation. "
Carl Schurz Park
" Heading out from Staten Island toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Scientific Fact: Around 3 AM, the atmosphere is usually most stable, offering the 'steadiest seeing' for high-magnification planetary views. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Staten Island
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to Great Kills Park to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for Staten Island
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Discover which telescopes can best cut through the remaining regional skyglow to see these scientific targets by viewing our gear recommendations.
Meadow south of Church House
Hopewell Furnace NHS
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Meadow south of Church House provide Staten Island 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 Staten Island 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 Staten Island
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 Staten Island residents.
Cherry Springs State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Staten Island, Cherry Springs State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
Pennsylvania, USA
Sky Meadows State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Staten Island, Sky Meadows State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
11012 Edmonds Lane Delaplane, VA 20144 USA
Astronomy Clubs for Staten Island
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 Desert Specialist profile.
Gearing Up for Staten Island Nights
"The proximity of verified spots to Staten Island means thermal equilibrium is your biggest gear factor. Set your gear outside in Staten Island early so it's ready the moment you arrive at the eyepiece."
The Staten Island Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Staten Island requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional suburban benchmarks. With Great Kills Park sitting at a ~3-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.