Caribou.

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

Bortle Scale
2
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
21.45
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
0
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Caribou

  • Top Community Pick: local vantage points (~N/A miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 2.0 at Katahdin Viewpoint
  • Local Experts: Downeast Amateur Astronomers
  • Verified Observations: 0 distinct spots

If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Caribou, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at local vantage points for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Katahdin Viewpoint provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 2.0. The local landscape of Caribou offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Caribou

For the best results in Caribou, aim for a ‘New Moon’ window. In these dark-sky conditions, the absence of moonlight allows the Milky Way to cast visible shadows.

Expert Tips for Caribou Observers

Before heading out to local vantage points, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. For the best views the site, try to observe targets when they are highest in the sky to minimize atmospheric interference. 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.

Maine Guide

Population 7,427
Coordinates 46.87, -67.99

Local Top Spots

Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.

Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.

Katahdin Viewpoint

Katahdin Woods and Waters NM

21.44 SQM
Bortle Class 2

"Setup on the road in the clearing at the "Katahdin Viewpoint" site on the loop off of American Thread Road. This site does not quite have the big open views found at the Overlook in the SW section of the park, but does provide an easier access site for public viewing events. A fair amount of cirrus clouds along the horizon to the north and west before sunset that slowly dissappeared by the end of astronomical twilight. A few persistent clouds remained during data collection, including some distant clouds over Quebec City (130 miles to the west) that enhanced the sky glow from the city. Aside from that location, there were no light domes or single sources visible from this site. Humidity was again very high this night and created higher extinction values towards the horizon. Still very good night sky observing possible from this site and good detail visible in the Milky Way and other features in the sky."

Observation Date
8/28/2022
Elevation
252m
Zenith Brightness
21.48

The Overlook

Katahdin Woods and Waters NM

21.45 SQM
Bortle Class 2

"A very good site for night sky observing, with clear views down to the horizon from the south almost to the north. Slight blockage from trees to the east, but no more than 10°-15° above the horizon. Almost no perceptable light domes or sky glow anywhere, and just a few single source unshielded lights on the south shore of Millinocket Lake (almost 10 miles distant). Lots of clouds throughout the day from a passing cloud front, but skies cleared completely by 7:00pm and lack of wind made for good seeing. Very high relative humidity contributing to slightly higher extinction along the horizon. The Milky Way is very bright from south to north and good detail visible in the Sagittarius and Cygnus star clouds and M31 easily visible to the naked eye. Lots of meteors throughout the evening, but not many overflights. Vehicle headlights brightened images 44 & 45 (at the zenith) in set #1. Banded airlgow fairly prominent in sets 2 & 3. The best night sky this observer has seen anywhere east of the Mississippi River outside of the Northern Great Lakes. SQM reading of 21.52."

Observation Date
8/27/2022
Elevation
370m
Zenith Brightness
21.49

International Dark Sky Parks

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

IDA Certified Distance: 70.9 miles

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

Within the North Woods of Maine, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument covers an area of approximately 87,500 acres within a larger landscape already…

Category
International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Certified
2020
Land Area
354 km2
Coordinates
45.9766, -68.7335
IDA Certified Distance: 223.1 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
#500

Downeast Amateur Astronomers

Calais, ME

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#138

Penobscot Valley Star Gazers

Bangor, ME