Trussville.

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

Bortle Scale
4
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
20.66
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
0
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Trussville

  • Top Community Pick: local vantage points (~N/A miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 4.0 at Cades Cove
  • Local Experts: Birmingham Astronomical Society
  • Verified Observations: 0 distinct spots

Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Trussville, AL? While enthusiasts often gather at local vantage points for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Cades Cove provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 4.0. The local landscape of Trussville offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Trussville

Since Trussville 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 Trussville Observers

Before heading out to local vantage points, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars this location 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.

Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

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

Cades Cove

Great Smoky Mountains NP

20.66 SQM
Bortle Class 4

"This was a very clear night. High humidity. Trees covered all of horizon from this site, but light scatter was evident to the north and west especially. LZM found in Pegasus. Moderate Milky Way detail was visible. M31 easily visible, M33 a difficult averted vision object. Airglow likely strong."

Observation Date
10/29/2008
Elevation
563m
Zenith Brightness
20.93

Log Cabins

Fort Donelson NB

20.38 SQM
Bortle Class 6

"SQM of 20.47 at 2035 local time. 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). To the West and Southwest is another lightdome fainter than Clarksville, but brighter than the Milky Way"

Observation Date
9/27/2013
Elevation
128m
Zenith Brightness
20.56

International Dark Sky Parks

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

IDA Certified Distance: 148.3 miles

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park & Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area

Pickett-Pogue International Dark Sky Park is composed of 1,618 hectares of land jointly managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and…

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2015
Land Area
16.2 km2
Coordinates
35.7730, -86.2820
IDA Certified Distance: 200.4 miles

Obed Wild and Scenic River

Obed Wild and Scenic River consists of about 2,020 hectares of land within roughly 400 meters on either side of the Obed River in Tennessee, U.S.

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2017
Land Area
20.2 km2
Coordinates
36.1087, -84.7245

Local Astronomy Clubs

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

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#157

Birmingham Astronomical Society

Alabaster, AL

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#237

Von Braun Astronomical Society

Huntsville, AL