Hawthorne.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Hawthorne, CA. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Hawthorne
- Top Community Pick: Griffith Observatory (~14.3 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 7 at Tuna Canyon Park
- Local Experts: South Bay Astronomical Society
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
Stargazing in Hawthorne is surprisingly rewarding if you know exactly where to set up your tripod. While enthusiasts often gather at Griffith Observatory for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Tuna Canyon Park provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 7. The local landscape of Hawthorne offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Hawthorne
Since Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne Observers
Because Griffith Observatory is a developed site, it often features established viewing pads and specialized equipment. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters this location. 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.
California Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Griffith Observatory
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Garvey Ranch Observatory
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Santa Monica Boardwalk Hollister
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Mount Wilson Observatory
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Sunset Triangle Plaza
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Tuna Canyon Park
Santa Monica Mountains NRA
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Tuna Canyon Park in Santa Monica Mountains NRA on 2/8/2011. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 19.37 SQM."
Stunt Road
Santa Monica Mountains NRA
"Seeing Very Good, Transparency Good. Site at intersection of Stunt Road and Schueren Road, near parking area on narrow ridge above the roadcut. Very bright sky, but with a suprising amount of stars near the zenith. Milky Way visible in patches, but easily seen in Cygnus, Scutum, and Sagittarius. Major constellations easy to see except to the east. Land well illuminated by the sky, easy navigation without lights. Limiting magnitude does not fit Bortle Class very well, the description of light pollution matches Class 7, while the limiting magnitude matches class 5. The ocean provides relief from the light pollution in one direction, so I settle on Class 6."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
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Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.