Coffeyville
Stargazing Guide.
Uncover the hidden celestial treasures of Coffeyville, KS. From the verified horizons at Sooner Park to the scientific Bortle Class 3 reports at Astro Program Hill, your journey to the stars starts here.
Stargazing Logistics for Coffeyville
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Sooner Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~26.4 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 3 rating from Astro Program Hill as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Bartlesville Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Coffeyville offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Coffeyville is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the KS metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 3 skies found at Astro Program Hill.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Coffeyville
For the best experience, target the late-night window between 1 AM and 4 AM in Coffeyville. This is when local industrial lighting and residential 'sky glow' is at its minimum, and the most prominent Spring constellations are directly overhead at the zenith.
Expert Tips for Coffeyville Observers
Don't underestimate the power of peripheral vision (averted vision). At sites near Coffeyville, 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 KS region. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 3 at Astro Program Hill (110.6 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Coffeyville
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 Coffeyville spots to preserve your night vision.
Sooner Park
" Heading out from Coffeyville toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Vision Technique: Try 'Averted Vision'—look slightly to the side of a faint object to use the more light-sensitive rods in your eyes. "
Jo Allyn Lowe Park
" A manageable drive from Coffeyville, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. 'Star party cancelled due to weather conditions for telescopes--dew point not good!' "
Sooner Park Observing Area S of Swimming Pool Parking Lot
" Heading out from Coffeyville toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Sky Contrast Tip: To see the Milky Way, wait for the Moon to go below the horizon; even a 25% crescent Moon can wash out the faintest nebulae. "
Fall River State Park Casner Creek Campgrounds
" A manageable drive from Coffeyville, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. The rangers help out by turning out the lights for some dark sky viewing. Please use red lights to preserve everyone's night vision. "
Severy Municipal Reservoir
" For the dedicated Coffeyville observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Meteor Watching Tip: Don't look at one spot; keep your eyes moving across the sky. Your peripheral vision is more sensitive to motion. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Coffeyville
Rural conditions near Coffeyville provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Coffeyville
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.
Astro Program Hill
Tallgrass Prairie NPres
Local Relevance
For observers in Coffeyville, Astro Program Hill serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Emporia is brightest light dome on the horizon. Clear night, no clouds."
Veterans Lake
Chickasaw NRA
Local Relevance
For observers in Coffeyville, Veterans Lake serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"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."
Dark Sky Oasis near Coffeyville
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 Coffeyville observers.
Buffalo National River
Coffeyville stargazers often look to Buffalo National River as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
170 Ranger Road, St Joe, AR 72675 U.S.A. Google Map
Thousand Hills State Park
The protected skies at Thousand Hills State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Coffeyville observing community.
Thousand Hills State Park 20431 State Highway 157 Kirksville, MO 63501
Astronomy Clubs for Coffeyville
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 Celestial Photographer profile.
Gearing Up for Coffeyville Nights
"Planning a 45-minute drive from Coffeyville means organization is key. Use padded equipment bags and a checklist to ensure you don't arrive at a remote dark site only to realize a crucial eyepiece was left back in Coffeyville."
The Coffeyville Field Kit
Every observer in Coffeyville eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. The difference between the Coffeyville city center and the instrumented readings at sites 26 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 Coffeyville.