Struthers.

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

Bortle Scale
6
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
20.05
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
5
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Struthers

  • Top Community Pick: Wagman Observatory (~50.2 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 6.0 at Caboose Farm
  • Local Experts: Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society
  • Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots

Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Struthers, OH? While enthusiasts often gather at Wagman Observatory for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Caboose Farm provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 6.0. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Struthers and the more rural stretches of OH creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Struthers

Since Struthers 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 Struthers Observers

Because Wagman Observatory is a developed site, it often features established viewing pads and specialized equipment. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars here for sweeping views of the Moon’s craters and larger constellations. 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%

Wagman Observatory

50.2 mi
Distance

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

Tarentum, PA 15084-3205
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Mingo Creek Park Observatory

65.3 mi
Distance

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

Finleyville, PA 15332
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Letha House Medina Parks Ohio

74.7 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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Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 80%

Lakewood Park

70.2 mi
Distance

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

Lakewood, OH 44107
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Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 77.5%

Sandscrest Scout Reservation

68.5 mi
Distance

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

Wheeling, WV 26003
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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.

Caboose Farm

Catoctin Mountain Park

20 SQM
Bortle Class 6

"Set up camera in field at Caboose Farm about 200 yds SW of Camp Round Meadow. Numerous direct glare sources from local farms and a building at Camp Round Meadow. A few clouds around the horizon to start but skies cleared completely by third set. Very high humidity along with warm temps causing high extinction. Sky glow from Frederick easily visible, as is the greater Baltimore-D.C. area. Milky Way is barely visible and most deep sky objects not visible. Decent view of most standard constellations and the night sky is still markedly better than from within Frederick or other comparable cities."

Observation Date
6/7/2018
Elevation
463m
Zenith Brightness
20.42

Murphy-Chambers Farm

Harpers Ferry NHP

20.05 SQM
Bortle Class 6

"Set up on dirt road near canons at Murphy-Chambers Farm. Sky is cloud free at start of data collection with some low clouds along the horizon appearing later in the evening. Very nice location for night sky viewing, as this site is blocked from all direct glare sources. Milky Way is washed out in the lower sky from skyglow. Charles Town is easily visible to the west, the metro areas of Baltimore and D.C. have a light dome up to 30 degrees. For the most part, this area is surrounded by very bright skyglow along the horizon, though the natural terrain produces shielding that allows for comparatively good viewing. An SQM reading of 20.39 around midnight."

Observation Date
6/4/2018
Elevation
148m
Zenith Brightness
20.4

International Dark Sky Parks

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

IDA Certified Distance: 44.8 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
IDA Certified Distance: 47.5 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

Local Astronomy Clubs

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

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#410

Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society

Huntsburg, OH

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#567

Astronomy Club of Akron

Akron, OH