Wappingers Falls.

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

Bortle Scale
5
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
19.87
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
5
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Wappingers Falls

  • Top Community Pick: John J. McCarthy Observatory (~26.3 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 7.0 at Jockey Hollow
  • Local Experts: Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association
  • Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots

Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Wappingers Falls, NY? While enthusiasts often gather at John J. McCarthy Observatory for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Jockey Hollow provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 7.0. Atmospheric stability in the Wappingers Falls region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Wappingers Falls

Since Wappingers Falls 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 Wappingers Falls Observers

Because John J. McCarthy Observatory is a developed site, it often features established viewing pads and specialized equipment. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters here. 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%

John J. McCarthy Observatory

26.3 mi
Distance

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

New Milford, CT 06776
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Meadow Parking Lot, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

27.5 mi
Distance

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

Cross River, NY 10518
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Carl Schurz Park

57 mi
Distance

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

New York, NY 10028
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White Memorial Conservation Center

37.4 mi
Distance

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

Litchfield, CT 06759
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The High Line

59 mi
Distance

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

New York, NY 10014
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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.

Jockey Hollow

Morristown NHS

19.36 SQM
Bortle Class 7

"Site next to Wick House in a field north of the orchard. Seeing very good, transparency fair. Very humid, dew on the grass. No part of the sky is dark, a gradient of sky brightness from horizon to zenith. The sky is grayish white, near the NYC and Newark light dome some peach color seen. Very bright near the horizon, which is actually at least 10 degrees above the true horizon. The site is in a "hollow" and has tall trees all around, so the brightest parts of light domes are masked. No distinct "domes" are seen, the sky is bright all around except toward the west, which looks dark by comparison. It is therefore impossible to attribute light pollution to any individual city. The Milky Way is not at the zenith at this time of the year, but even late when the summer Milky Way is higher it is invisible. Near the zenith there are some features, the Coma cluster is seen as 10-12 stars, the form of Ursa Major and Leo are readily seen, but anything below 60 degrees above the horizon is severely compromised. The land is well illuminated, navigation easy unless you are looking toward New York and Newark, where the light of the sky produces glare. Estimate about 1/4 of scoptopic vision is lost, unless looking at the eastern sky, which is much brighter. Bortle Class 7, could be 6 later on if it gets a bit darker. With patience, remarkably ZLM of 5.9 is achieved."

Observation Date
4/13/2010
Elevation
188m
Zenith Brightness
19.78

Meadow south of Church House

Hopewell Furnace NHS

19.87 SQM
Bortle Class 5

"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Meadow south of Church House in Hopewell Furnace NHS on 8/16/2014. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 19.87 SQM."

Observation Date
8/16/2014
Elevation
200m
Zenith Brightness
20.23

International Dark Sky Parks

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

IDA Certified Distance: 201.7 miles

Cherry Springs State Park

Due to its exceptionally dark skies, Cherry Springs State Park is one of the best places in the eastern U.S. for stargazing. Situated at 700 m above sea level…

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2008
Land Area
4.3 km2
Coordinates
41.6628, -77.8222
IDA Certified Distance: 260.1 miles

AMC Maine Woods

The Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) Maine Woods Initiative lands consist of over 400 square kilometers of land in central Maine, U.S. The park is at the edge…

Category
International Dark Sky Park
Certified
2021
Land Area
404.25 km2
Coordinates
43.9229, -69.8848

Local Astronomy Clubs

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

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#436

Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association

New Paltz, NY

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#275

John J. McCarthy Observatory

New Milford, CT