Ulysses
Stargazing Guide.
Uncover the hidden celestial treasures of Ulysses, KS. From the verified horizons at Dodge Center Public LIbrary to the scientific Bortle Class 3 reports at Monument Overlook, your journey to the stars starts here.
Stargazing Logistics for Ulysses
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Dodge Center Public LIbrary. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~74.2 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 3 rating from Monument Overlook as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Selman Living Laboratory Observatory for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 1 recognized sites near Ulysses offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
As a regional observation basecamp, Ulysses offers the essential amenities needed before heading into the isolated darkness of Monument Overlook. It marks the transition where the suburban light dome finally gives way to the true wilderness sky.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Ulysses
While Spring offers the most consistent clear nights for Ulysses, wait for the 4-day window surrounding the New Moon each month for the deepest contrast. Since the sun sets early in the late Spring months, you can often begin deep-sky imaging as early as 7 PM.
Expert Tips for Ulysses Observers
When observing from Dodge Center Public LIbrary, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Ulysses residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of KS 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 3 at Monument Overlook (92.1 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Ulysses
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 Ulysses environment.
Dodge Center Public LIbrary
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Ulysses; this destination is a justified detour. We’ll also discuss the unique beauty of the summer sky, highlighting constellations, planets, and other celestial phenomena visible during this magical time of year. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Ulysses
Rural conditions near Ulysses provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Ulysses
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. To resolve the deep-sky objects measured in these scientific reports, Ulysses observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Monument Overlook
Sand Creek Massacre NHS
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Monument Overlook provide Ulysses residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Low extinction night, super bright zodical light, Gegenshein visible. Airglow visible beween 4-5. Earlier sets had bright zodiacal and gegenshein."
Atop Restroom
Bent's Old Fort NHS
Local Relevance
Ulysses enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Atop Restroom to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Excellent data with smooth atmosphere, no layered haze or directional anomolies, stable extinction coefficient, and no clouds. 5th set shows some signs of dewfall. 4th set used for measurement as Milky Way was least prominent during that set. Data shows remarkable zenith brightness of 22.14 despite substantial light pollution to west. Measured LM of 6.7 at 45 deg to NW and 7.0 at 60 deg to NE. Glimpsed one mag 7.4 star. Visual scene is substantially hampered by streetlights along highway and park lighting, visible in images (especially at azi 305 deg). These impede dark adaptation and result in Bortle Class 4 rating, when potentially site could be Bortle Class 3. SQM of 21.73 at 06:15."
Dark Sky Oasis near Ulysses
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Certified dark skies like these are most rewarding when paired with the right aperture. Check out our suggested kit for Ulysses observers.
Black Mesa State Park
The protected skies at Black Mesa State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Ulysses observing community.
Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve OK-325, Kenton, OK, USA
Clayton Lake State Park
The protected skies at Clayton Lake State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Ulysses observing community.
New Mexico, USA
Astronomy Clubs for Ulysses
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Planning to join a local session? Make sure you have the essentials ready by checking our starter kit recommendations.
Gearing Up for Ulysses Nights
"As an expeditionary observer leaving Ulysses for isolated dark skies, power management is your priority. Since these sites are often off-grid, bring a portable power station to keep your tracking motors or heated dew bands running all night."
The Ulysses Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Ulysses requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. With Dodge Center Public LIbrary sitting at a ~74-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.