Henderson.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Henderson, NV. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Henderson
- Top Community Pick: CSN Planetarium (~13.7 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 7 at Lake Mead Blvd
- Local Experts: Las Vegas Astronomical Society
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Henderson, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at CSN Planetarium for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Lake Mead Blvd provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 7. The local landscape of Henderson offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Henderson
In the Henderson area, the moon’s phase is less critical than atmospheric ‘seeing’ conditions. Even on moonlit nights, bright planets like Jupiter and Saturn remain excellent targets.
Expert Tips for Henderson Observers
Before heading out to CSN Planetarium, 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.
Nevada Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
CSN Planetarium
" We'll also have telescopes set up for you to get closer to the wonders of the Cosmos! "
River Mountain Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Lake Mead Visitor Center
" Here are a couple of ways you can celebrate National Junior Ranger Day: Look to see if a park near you is hosting any Junior Ranger Day activities. While they're at the fee booth, regular park entrance fees for Lake Mead apply for attendees (typically $25 per car). "
Boulder Beach Picnic Area
" PLEASE NOTE: Regular park entrance fees for Lake Mead apply for attendees (typically $25 per car) until the fee collection folks leave for the evening. NO FEES for LVAS volunteer astronomers (contact me for free volunteer entry instructions at email above). "
Floyd Lamb Park
" {"Join us for an Astronomy Night and Walk Under the Stars event at Floyd Lamb Park! "
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Lake Mead Blvd
Las Vegas Transect
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Lake Mead Blvd in Las Vegas Transect on 1/14/2007. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 18.28 SQM."
Government Wash Viewpoint
Lake Mead NRA
"Site on viewpoint just west of Government Wash, parking area with short walk to hilltop. Not good for public or telescopes, too close to main road. Sky very bright from light pollution, landscape illuminated to first quarter moon levels. Milky Way nearly invisible, only brightest portions near zenith are seen. Seeing good, Transparency good. No clouds."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, established in 2000, consists of 42,000 hectares of land on the “Arizona Strip,” the portion of Arizona lying north of…
Bluff, Utah
Bluff, Utah is a small close-knit community located in the Four Corners Area of the Southwest United States, at the heart of the Colorado Plateau…
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.