[GreggC69]

For those that appreciate a clear dark sky filled with stars, where are the "go to" places for best viewing; Not telescope only viewing but just naked eye viewing with full sky? I have seen a couple of references to an official "dark sky designated location" towards Orlando, which doesn't seem logical that you go towards a major metro area with light pollution, but looking for something closer. Thanks in advance.

[MarshBendLover]

I would suggest going to google maps satellite view and pick a location that has little to no buildings within a multiple mile area. I had to do this for my other home after my farm outside the city started getting surrounded by the burbs fleeing to the country.

28.962750, -81.827927

29.037490, -81.755753

[villagetinker]

There is an astronomy club, that should have your answer.

[Ignatz]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

There is an astronomy club, that should have your answer.

And check out the Astronomy Pads by Homestead Rec Center.

[jimhoward]

Relative to northern big city suburbs the villages is reasonably dark.....probably Bortle 6 or so (if that means anything to you). The south is a little darker than the north although that is rapidly changing with development.

If you go south of the villages (but not too far south) you can reach darker skies, Bortle 5 or 4.

Local light pollution can be as bad or worse than sky brightness in preventing you from seeing stars. You need to dark adapt your eyes for at least 15 minutes. Fortunately, everybody in the villages goes to bed and shuts off their lights early. Personally, I find the back yard of my Courtyard Villa to be pretty good. By midnight the neighbors have usually shut off their lights and I can see stars pretty well....certainly a lot better than my prior suburban Nashville home.

Another suggestion would be to consider using binoculars for your local stargazing. The reason is not to gain resolution (stars are points anyway), but because the binoculars will darken the background sky and also help reject local stray light. Many more stars will pop.

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by Ignatz

And check out the Astronomy Pads by Homestead Rec Center.

"Hours of use 7am to dusk"

And for our next project we will build a roof over the airport.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by rustyp

"Hours of use 7am to dusk"

And for our next project we will build a roof over the airport.

POTD - Post Of The Day.

[TheWatcher]

Kissimmee State Park is Florida's first designated "International Dark Sky Places" if your are a serious observer:

Dark Sky Designation | Florida State Parks

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park and Big Cypress National Preserve are the two in Florida. There are other dark sky areas just look them up on Google.

Used to go to 'Star Parties' from our house in Pennsylvania. Cherry Springs State Park in Northern Pa is one of the best places on the eastern seaboard for stargazing. Our club stumbled on the great Auroral display at the site in 10.2003 by happenstance - the weekend camping event was just coincidentally scheduled for the show.

Spaceweather.com: October 2003 Aurora Gallery

But you do not have to go to these to just have fun. Find a dark place with limited horizon light (nearby towns) or use houses and trees to block the horizon light. Or just go out your back door. Check out the villages Astronomy Club.

Use an observing app to help with 'seeing' that will let you know when the atmospheric conditions are good for special object(s) observing. You do not need equipment but a good low power binocular may be helpful. Enjoy the planet lineup happening now.

Astrospheric (hyperlocal weathercast)
Astrospheric

[TheWatcher]

Originally Posted by rustyp

"Hours of use 7am to dusk"

And for our next project we will build a roof over the airport.

Astronomy pads:

Astronomy Pads in The Villages(R)- Stargaze and Explore

Do not know the rules for the use of the pads here and not listed on the site but most park designated observing sites require a night pass or camping permit. The set up is before park closing. The gates are closed to further traffic after dusk to prevent vehicle/equipment/people movement at night for safety/liability reasons.

The Astronomy Club would have details.

TheWatcher

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by rustyp

"Hours of use 7am to dusk"

And for our next project we will build a roof over the airport.

Originally Posted by TheWatcher

Astronomy pads:

Astronomy Pads in The Villages(R)- Stargaze and Explore

Do not know the rules for the use of the pads here and not listed on the site but most park designated observing sites require a night pass or camping permit. The set up is before park closing. The gates are closed to further traffic after dusk to prevent vehicle/equipment/people movement at night for safety/liability reasons.

The Astronomy Club would have details.

TheWatcher

Every once in a blue moon we need to lighten up the day. Laughter the world's best medicine.

As for the rule sign leading into the astronomy pads there are 10 rules:
Rule one - "Hours of use 7 AM to dusk"
Rules 2-7 - standard fair who gets to use it residents guests etc
Rule 8 - for use contact the rec center - I'm sure this is meant for night use but of interest nowhere on this sign does the word night appear
Rule - 9 - proper attire required - what would that be and why - got to be a Uranus joke here somehow.
Rule 10 - users are responsible for their own equipment - who else would be responsible for it

I find a sort of "dark" humor in this sign.

[Ignatz]

Originally Posted by rustyp

Every once in a blue moon we need to lighten up the day. Laughter the world's best medicine.

As for the rule sign leading into the astronomy pads there are 10 rules:
Rule one - "Hours of use 7 AM to dusk"
Rules 2-7 - standard fair who gets to use it residents guests etc
Rule 8 - for use contact the rec center - I'm sure this is meant for night use but of interest nowhere on this sign does the word night appear
Rule - 9 - proper attire required - what would that be and why - got to be a Uranus joke here somehow.
Rule 10 - users are responsible for their own equipment - who else would be responsible for it

I find a sort of "dark" humor in this sign.

I was smiling with you figuring you were being funny. LOL

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by GreggC69

For those that appreciate a clear dark sky filled with stars, where are the "go to" places for best viewing; Not telescope only viewing but just naked eye viewing with full sky? I have seen a couple of references to an official "dark sky designated location" towards Orlando, which doesn't seem logical that you go towards a major metro area with light pollution, but looking for something closer. Thanks in advance.

I suggest Wyoming, Utah, sticks of New Mexico, anywhere with 100 miles of big city going block out probably 60% or more of stars. I highly doubt anywhere in flat land of Florida would be great star gazing. Maybe 100 miles off coast or 50 miles up coast from Tampa looking out over gulf where fewer light reflection?

I use free app Sky Guide and binoculars.