Allentown
Stargazing Guide.
Just 0.5 miles from the center of Allentown, lies some of the region's best viewing at LVAAS South Mountain Observatory. We feature instrumented readings from Meadow south of Church House to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Allentown
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: LVAAS South Mountain Observatory. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~0.5 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class C (Suburban). Use the instrumented 5 rating from Meadow south of Church House as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomical Society Inc. for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Allentown offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Allentown acts as a primary gateway to the LVAAS South Mountain Observatory zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 5) at Meadow south of Church House just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Allentown
While Autumn offers the most consistent clear nights for Allentown, wait for the 4-day window surrounding the New Moon each month for the deepest contrast. Since the sun sets early in the late Autumn months, you can often begin deep-sky imaging as early as 7 PM.
Expert Tips for Allentown Observers
When observing from LVAAS South Mountain Observatory, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Allentown residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of PA 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 5 at Meadow south of Church House (31.1 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Allentown
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Pro Tip: Always bring a red-light flashlight to these Allentown spots to preserve your night vision.
LVAAS South Mountain Observatory
" A short hop from Allentown, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Meteor Watching Tip: Don't look at one spot; keep your eyes moving across the sky. Your peripheral vision is more sensitive to motion. "
Valley Forge National Historical Park, Model Airplane Field
" Allentown observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Night Vision Tip: Red light is the only color that won't break your dark adaptation. Invest in a red headlamp for hands-free navigation. "
Green Lane Park
" Heading out from Allentown toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Thermal Mastery: Set your telescope out an hour early to allow the mirrors to reach 'thermal equilibrium' with the night air. "
Sperry Observatory
" While it's a bit of a journey from Allentown, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. Observing is held throughout the evening through our 2 large telescopes weather permitting. The public is welcome to look at the telescopes and see how they operate before it gets dark. "
Camp Laughing Water
" Allentown observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Thermal Mastery: Set your telescope out an hour early to allow the mirrors to reach 'thermal equilibrium' with the night air. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Allentown
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to LVAAS South Mountain Observatory to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for Allentown
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Discover which telescopes can best cut through the remaining regional skyglow to see these scientific targets by viewing our gear recommendations.
Meadow south of Church House
Hopewell Furnace NHS
Local Relevance
Allentown enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Meadow south of Church House to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"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."
Jockey Hollow
Morristown NHS
Local Relevance
Allentown enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Jockey Hollow to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"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."
Dark Sky Oasis near Allentown
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Experience the full, pristine depth of these IDA certified skies with the precision stargazing gear we recommend for Allentown residents.
Cherry Springs State Park
Allentown stargazers often look to Cherry Springs State Park as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
Pennsylvania, USA
Sky Meadows State Park
The protected skies at Sky Meadows State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Allentown observing community.
11012 Edmonds Lane Delaplane, VA 20144 USA
Astronomy Clubs for Allentown
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Local astronomy clubs are great for testing gear; see what we suggest for Allentown residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Allentown Nights
"The proximity of verified spots to Allentown means thermal equilibrium is your biggest gear factor. Set your gear outside in Allentown early so it's ready the moment you arrive at the eyepiece."
The Allentown Field Kit
Every observer in Allentown eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. The difference between the Allentown city center and the instrumented readings at sites 1 miles away is staggering, requiring optics that can handle both glare and deep contrast. Consider these categories as a roadmap for moving from casual backyard viewing to professional-grade observation near Allentown.