Susanville.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Susanville, CA. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Susanville
- Top Community Pick: Sierra Valley Preserve (~45.2 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 2 at Devastation Parking Lot
- Local Experts: Astronomical Society of Nevada
- Verified Observations: 4 distinct spots
Stargazing in Susanville is surprisingly rewarding if you know exactly where to set up your tripod. While enthusiasts often gather at Sierra Valley Preserve for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Devastation Parking Lot provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 2. Atmospheric stability in the Susanville region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Susanville
For the best results in Susanville, aim for a ‘New Moon’ window. In these dark-sky conditions, the absence of moonlight allows the Milky Way to cast visible shadows.
Expert Tips for Susanville Observers
When visiting Sierra Valley Preserve, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters the site. 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.
California Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Sierra Valley Preserve
" 'Bring red flashlights and be mindful of bright white lights which are not good for viewing the night sky.' "
Plumas Eureka State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Galena Creek Visitors Center
" ASN will bring the telescopes.', 'There will be Solar scopes available for public viewing.' "
Fleischmann Planetarium
" 'There is parking available by the Planetarium but you will need to come in and get a parking pass from Planetarium personnel.' "
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Devastation Parking Lot
Lassen Volcanic NP
"Intermittent clouds"
Lassen Peak
Lassen Volcanic NP
"Site on south summit away from rock outcrop, not good for public or telescope, exposed, cold, windy. Smoke from forest fires in northern California visible at twilight in fine streaks, high in atmosphere. Seeing fair, breezy, transparency very good. Sky very bright from airglow, many cities visible from summit, nearby small towns below horizon so will not show up on data. Illumination to south greatest, combination of many cities. Zenith quite dark, much detail in Milky Way. Still a pretty dark site."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area
Nestled between the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area (BRNCA) and the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR)…
Oregon Outback
Eastern Lake County (Phase 1 of the proposed Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary) is located in a remote and sparsely populated area of southeastern…
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.