Columbia.

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

Bortle Scale
5
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
20.45
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
1
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Columbia

  • Top Community Pick: Pelican Park (~63.7 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 5.0 at Horn Island
  • Local Experts: Pontchartrain Astronomy Society
  • Verified Observations: 1 distinct spots

Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Columbia, MS? While enthusiasts often gather at Pelican Park for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Horn Island provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 5.0. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Columbia and the more rural stretches of MS creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Columbia

Since Columbia 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 Columbia Observers

When visiting Pelican Park, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars this location for sweeping views of the Moon’s craters and larger constellations. 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%

Pelican Park

63.7 mi
Distance

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

Mandeville, LA NaN
Get Directions
Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

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

Horn Island

Gulf Islands NS

20.41 SQM
Bortle Class 5

"Mosly clear night, with a bank of clouds to the south/southeast. Clearing. Visible haze on the southern horizon over the Gulf as well as east and west. Above horizon transparency is moderate/good. One major light dome from Pascagoula dominates the northern horizon. This is part of the military ship yard. Out on the gulf there are several discrete lights from oil ships waitng to come into port. To the west is an elongated light dome, less intense than to the North. Milky Way is visible, especially early in the night when it is over the Gulf. Dust lanes visible overhead in Cygnus, moderate detial. However Milky Way loses contrast as it moves to the northern horizon and into the light dome, and Saggitarius sets."

Observation Date
10/21/2014
Elevation
0m
Zenith Brightness
20.65

Horn Island

Gulf Islands NS

20.45 SQM
Bortle Class 5

"On Horn Island a half mile east of the ranger station. Mid island with a break in the high dunes to the north and some low dunes to the south just blocking the direct glare from the ships in the gulf. Very clear night with 1% cloud cover. Some low smoke to the north over the shipping yard. Some low clouds and haze to the southwest. Air is steady and seeing is good. Milky Way is easily seen at the end of astronimical twilight with Scutum and Sagittarius star clouds visible. Dust lanes ad some detail evident to the south up to Cygnus overhead. Most apparent light dome is the ship yard to the north in Pascagoula. 50 degrees across and 40 degrees wide. East is dark wuth some haze along the horizon. To the south, 6 large ships are off shore with lights on. To the west there is another lighdome easily visible, but not as intense as the ship yard."

Observation Date
10/22/2014
Elevation
-4m
Zenith Brightness
20.71

International Dark Sky Parks

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

IDA Certified Distance: 372.9 miles

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park & Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area

Pickett-Pogue International Dark Sky Park is composed of 1,618 hectares of land jointly managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and…

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2015
Land Area
16.2 km2
Coordinates
35.7730, -86.2820
IDA Certified Distance: 386.4 miles

Buffalo National River

The Buffalo National River is a free-flowing stream passing through towering picturesque bluffs, forests, and fields in North Central Arkansas in the Ozark…

Category
International Dark Sky Park
Certified
2019
Land Area
396.2 km2
Coordinates
36.0401, -93.3098

Local Astronomy Clubs

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

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#137

Pontchartrain Astronomy Society

New Orleans, LA

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#561

Baton Rouge Astronomical Society

Baton Rouge, LA