Sullivan
Stargazing Guide.
Just 33.1 miles from the center of Sullivan, lies some of the region's best viewing at Jefferson College Observatory. We feature instrumented readings from Houchin's Field to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Sullivan
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Jefferson College Observatory. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~33.1 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from Houchin's Field as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Sullivan offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Sullivan is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the MO metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 4 skies found at Houchin's Field.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Sullivan
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Sullivan, 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 Sullivan Observers
When observing from Jefferson College Observatory, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Sullivan residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of MO 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 4 at Houchin's Field (284.3 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Sullivan
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 Sullivan spots to preserve your night vision.
Jefferson College Observatory
" A manageable drive from Sullivan, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. 'Join Jefferson College staff and St Louis Astronomical Society members for public telescope viewing at the Jeffersn College Observatory site. Events before it gets dark - Tour of observatory site - Training on how to read a star map - Library Telescope and Binocular Training Events after dark - Live telescope viewing - Laser guided constellation tours Bad weather or clouds could cancel the live event: - If so, a virtual event held on Facebook and Zoom - Check Jefferson College Observatory Facebook page one day prior to the event Bring: - Masks and hand sanitizer - Chairs and warm clothes - Binoculars and red flashlights', '5th grade from Hazelwood School district will visit Jefferson College Observatory', 'Join Jefferson College staff and St Louis Astronomical Society members for public telescope viewing at the Jeffersn College Observatory site. "
Stacy Park
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Sullivan; this destination is a justified detour. Vision Technique: Try 'Averted Vision'—look slightly to the side of a faint object to use the more light-sensitive rods in your eyes. "
McDonnell Planetarium - Forest Park
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Sullivan; this destination is a justified detour. 'SLSC Solar Public Telescope Viewing at McDonnell Planetarium, weather permitting, the St Louis Astronomical Society and the Science Center will set up telescopes outdoors to view the Sun and be on-hand to answer your questions. The telescopes will be set up right outside the McDonnell Planetarium building. "
Tower Grove Park - Stone Shelter
" While it's a bit of a journey from Sullivan, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. Comfort Tip: The ground cools faster than the air. Bring a reclining chair to keep your neck strain-free during marathon observation sessions. "
Gateway Arch
" While it's a bit of a journey from Sullivan, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. There will be free telescope viewing provided by volunteers from the St. Call 314-655-1704 that evening for an update if you aren't sure about the weather., 'Check out the stars on the Gateway Arch Entrance Plaza! "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Sullivan
Rural conditions near Sullivan provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Sullivan
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.
Houchin's Field
Mammoth Cave NP
Local Relevance
Sullivan enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Houchin's Field to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Dewfall occurred during data collection, however dew heater prevented lens fog. Multiple light domes evident from site, as well as a continuous glow along horizon in all directions. Airglow was present. Andromeda galaxy easily visible, Beehive (Pegasus) visible with medium effort. Prominent dust lanes in Milky Way visible at zenith, but not below ~50 degrees."
Log Cabins
Fort Donelson NB
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Log Cabins provide Sullivan residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Only fair transparency and seeing. Some fast moving clouds. High humidity. Milky Way visible from 20 degrees above north horizon. Great rift visible, Saggitarius cloud not easily visible, Scutum cloud not visible. Milky Way about 10-12 degrees wide, but faint and no fine details. To the NW a blue white light dome easily seen. Due East is the Clarksville lightdome almost 25 degrees high and 15 degrees wide. Core is bright. Adjacent to the light dome is a spotlight (which we determined was coming from the cemetary here in FODO park)."
Dark Sky Oasis near Sullivan
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 Sullivan residents.
Stacy Park
Sullivan stargazers often look to Stacy Park as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
9750 Old Bonhomme Rd. Olivette, MO 63132
Thousand Hills State Park
The protected skies at Thousand Hills State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Sullivan observing community.
Thousand Hills State Park 20431 State Highway 157 Kirksville, MO 63501
Astronomy Clubs for Sullivan
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 Sullivan Nights
"For the extended excursion from Sullivan, prioritize "travel-ready" optics. A 4.5-inch reflector or 70mm refractor provides the perfect balance of discovery power and trunk-space efficiency."
The Sullivan Field Kit
Every observer in Sullivan eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. The difference between the Sullivan city center and the instrumented readings at sites 33 miles away is staggering, requiring optics that can handle both glare and deep contrast. Consider these categories as a roadmap for moving from casual backyard viewing to professional-grade observation near Sullivan.