Greenville.

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

Bortle Scale
6
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
20.04
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
0
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Greenville

  • Top Community Pick: local vantage points (~N/A miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 6 at Opal Beach
  • Local Experts: Birmingham Astronomical Society
  • Verified Observations: 0 distinct spots

Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Greenville, AL? While enthusiasts often gather at local vantage points for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Opal Beach provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 6. The local landscape of Greenville offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Greenville

Since Greenville 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 Greenville Observers

Before heading out to local vantage points, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars at this spot 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.

Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

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

Opal Beach

Gulf Islands NS

20.04 SQM
Bortle Class 6

"First night of data collection on our May GUIS trip. Setup went smoothly with a few clouds low on the northern horizon. Very high humidity but the lens stayed clear of moisture. Clouds to the north caused image 14 to misalign at first, but Jeremy manually placed it and processing was smooth after that. Pensacola light dome dominant to the west with the combined Destin/Fort Walton light dome to the east. Clouds moved in later. Only one set is usable."

Observation Date
5/1/2024
Elevation
1m
Zenith Brightness
20.4

Opal Beach

Gulf Islands NS

SQM
Bortle Class 5

"Clear and calm night. Low humidity and good extinction. No local glare sources. Setup on sand between pavilions south of westermost parking lot."

Observation Date
10/21/2022
Elevation
3m
Zenith Brightness
20.53

International Dark Sky Parks

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

IDA Certified Distance: 261.8 miles

Stephen C. Foster State Park

Stephen C. Foster State Park is a small (32-hectare; 80-acre) property in the vast 1,627 km2 (402,000-acre) expanse of the surrounding Okefenokee National…

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2016
Land Area
0.32 km2
Coordinates
30.8232, -82.3648
IDA Certified Distance: 272.3 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

Local Astronomy Clubs

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

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#157

Birmingham Astronomical Society

Alabaster, AL

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#79

Escambia Amateur Astronomer's Association

Pensacola, FL