Burkburnett.

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

Bortle Scale
4
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
20.86
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
2
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Burkburnett

  • Top Community Pick: Fort Richardson State Park (~63.5 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 4.0 at Buckhorn Parking Lot
  • Local Experts: Lunar Sooners
  • Verified Observations: 2 distinct spots

Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Burkburnett, TX? While enthusiasts often gather at Fort Richardson State Park for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Buckhorn Parking Lot provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 4.0. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Burkburnett and the more rural stretches of TX creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Burkburnett

Since Burkburnett 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 Burkburnett Observers

When visiting Fort Richardson State Park, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters this location. 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.

Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 80%

Fort Richardson State Park

63.5 mi
Distance

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

Jacksboro, TX 76458
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Community Gathering Point Confidence: 62.5%

Plato Elementary School

47.2 mi
Distance

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

Duncan, OK 73533
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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.

Buckhorn Parking Lot

Chickasaw NRA

20.86 SQM
Bortle Class 4

"Sky looks hazy during the day. At night, sky right above the horizon looks bright in all direction. Light pollution extends to about 60 degrees above the horizon. Milky Way was still impressive right overhead but becomes invisible at about 20 degrees from the horizon."

Observation Date
7/26/2019
Elevation
280m
Zenith Brightness
21.29

Veterans Lake

Chickasaw NRA

20.37 SQM
Bortle Class 4

"Clear sky. The area right above the horizon appears bright from all the directions. Milky Way is impressive overhead but lasks the details of the bright/dark structure. Light dome extends up to about 60 degrees above the horizon."

Observation Date
7/25/2019
Elevation
295m
Zenith Brightness
20.52

International Dark Sky Parks

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

IDA Certified Distance: 68.1 miles

Copper Breaks State Park

Copper Breaks State Park, located in northern Texas some 21km south of the town of Quanah, contains two small lakes and 16 km of trails. “Breaks” refers to the…

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2014
Land Area
7.82 km2
Coordinates
34.1142, -99.7568
IDA Certified Distance: 112.2 miles

Lakewood Village, Texas

On April 26, 1977, Lakewood Village was officially incorporated as The Town of Lakewood Village, Texas. Located in the northern part of the Dallas/Ft.

Category
International Dark Sky Community
Certified
2019
Land Area
1.9 km2
Coordinates
33.1426, -96.9695

Local Astronomy Clubs

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

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#562

Lunar Sooners

Norman, OK

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#305

Norman North Astronomy Club

Norman, OK