Eagle.

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

Bortle Scale
3
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
21.59
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
0
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Eagle

  • Top Community Pick: local vantage points (~N/A miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 4.0 at Piceance Basin Rd 76
  • Local Experts: Estes Valley Astronomical Society
  • Verified Observations: 0 distinct spots

If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Eagle, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at local vantage points for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Piceance Basin Rd 76 provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 4.0. The local landscape of Eagle offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Eagle

For the best results in Eagle, 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 Eagle Observers

Before heading out to local vantage points, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters at this spot. 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.

Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

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

Piceance Basin Rd 76

Picenance Basin

21.12 SQM
Bortle Class 4

"First collectino at this site. Adjacent to direct glare sources near gas compressor plant. Low clouds along southern and western horizon. Dark at Zenith and to north and north east."

Observation Date
10/26/2016
Elevation
1914m
Zenith Brightness
21.35

Magnolia North

Piceance Basin

21.59 SQM
Bortle Class 3

"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Magnolia North in Piceance Basin on 3/29/2017. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.59 SQM."

Observation Date
3/29/2017
Elevation
2147m
Zenith Brightness
21.92

International Dark Sky Parks

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

IDA Certified Distance: 41.8 miles

Town of Breckenridge, Colorado

The Town of Breckenridge sits at 9,603 feet above sea level in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, just west of the Continental Divide…

Category
International Dark Sky Community
Certified
2025
Land Area
15.66 km²
Coordinates
39.4983, -106.0482
IDA Certified Distance: 67.4 miles

Town of Paonia, Colorado

The Town of Paonia is a small, rural community on Colorado’s Western Slope in eastern Delta County, with a population of nearly 1,500 residents.

Category
International Dark Sky Community
Certified
2024
Land Area
2.2 Sq. Km
Coordinates
38.8697, -107.5912

Local Astronomy Clubs

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

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#319

Estes Valley Astronomical Society

Estes Park, CO

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#418

JUC Astronomy Club

Golden, CO