Cloverly
Stargazing Guide.
Discover why the Cloverly area serves as a strategic corridor for MD observers. We combine community-vetted spots like Rock Creek Park with professional NPS sky reports at Murphy-Chambers Farm for a complete astronomical perspective.
Stargazing Logistics for Cloverly
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Rock Creek Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~10.3 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class C (Suburban). Use the instrumented 6 rating from Murphy-Chambers Farm as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact National Capital Astronomers for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Cloverly offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Cloverly acts as a primary gateway to the Rock Creek Park zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 6) at Murphy-Chambers Farm just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Cloverly
For the best experience, target the late-night window between 1 AM and 4 AM in Cloverly. This is when local industrial lighting and residential 'sky glow' is at its minimum, and the most prominent Autumn constellations are directly overhead at the zenith.
Expert Tips for Cloverly Observers
Don't underestimate the power of peripheral vision (averted vision). At sites near Cloverly, looking slightly to the side of a faint nebula will reveal much more detail than looking directly at it, especially when dealing with the Class 5+ suburban skies of the MD region. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 6 at Murphy-Chambers Farm (43.2 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Cloverly
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Max out your local session by using the essential observer gear staged for the Cloverly environment.
Rock Creek Park
" Just a quick dash for Cloverly residents, this location offers great convenience. There is free parking next to the site. It will be cancelled if we can't see any stars, i.e., clouds, rain., Parking is available next to the site. "
Soldiers Delight Environmental Area
" Heading out from Cloverly toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Comfort Tip: The ground cools faster than the air. Bring a reclining chair to keep your neck strain-free during marathon observation sessions. "
Univ. of MD Observatory
" A short hop from Cloverly, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Observation Hack: Use a planisphere or a printed star chart under a red light instead of a digital app for the most authentic experience. "
Observatory Park
" A short hop from Cloverly, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Observation Hack: Use a planisphere or a printed star chart under a red light instead of a digital app for the most authentic experience. "
Cunningham Falls - Day Viewing Area
" Cloverly observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Comfort Tip: The ground cools faster than the air. Bring a reclining chair to keep your neck strain-free during marathon observation sessions. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Cloverly
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to Rock Creek Park to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for Cloverly
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. To resolve the deep-sky objects measured in these scientific reports, Cloverly observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Murphy-Chambers Farm
Harpers Ferry NHP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Murphy-Chambers Farm provide Cloverly residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Set up on dirt road near canons at Murphy-Chambers Farm. Sky is cloud free at start of data collection with some low clouds along the horizon appearing later in the evening. Very nice location for night sky viewing, as this site is blocked from all direct glare sources. Milky Way is washed out in the lower sky from skyglow. Charles Town is easily visible to the west, the metro areas of Baltimore and D.C. have a light dome up to 30 degrees. For the most part, this area is surrounded by very bright skyglow along the horizon, though the natural terrain produces shielding that allows for comparatively good viewing. An SQM reading of 20.39 around midnight."
Military Meadow
Rock Creek Park
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Military Meadow provide Cloverly residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Clear, good transparency after front moved out. Many near-field lights and cars."
Dark Sky Oasis near Cloverly
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Certified dark skies like these are most rewarding when paired with the right aperture. Check out our suggested kit for Cloverly observers.
Sky Meadows State Park
The protected skies at Sky Meadows State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Cloverly observing community.
11012 Edmonds Lane Delaplane, VA 20144 USA
Rappahannock County Park
The protected skies at Rappahannock County Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Cloverly observing community.
7 Park Lane Washington, Virginia 22747 USA
Astronomy Clubs for Cloverly
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Don't show up to the club dark-site empty-handed. View the field kit we've curated for the The Solar System Guide profile.
Gearing Up for Cloverly Nights
"Because you're heading just outside the Cloverly light dome, ensure your kit includes a dedicated "dew shield" to protect your optics from the humidity shifts found in the transitions between urban and rural zones."
The Cloverly Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Cloverly requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional suburban benchmarks. Since Rock Creek Park offers a specific Class 6 horizon, your equipment needs to be calibrated for the unique transparency found in this part of the state. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.