Hobart
Stargazing Guide.
Discover why the Hobart area serves as a strategic corridor for WA observers. We combine community-vetted spots like Covington Community Park with professional NPS sky reports at Burroughs Mountain for a complete astronomical perspective.
Stargazing Logistics for Hobart
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~5.8 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from Burroughs Mountain as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Galileo Astronomy Unclub for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Hobart offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Hobart acts as a primary gateway to the Covington Community Park zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 4) at Burroughs Mountain just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Hobart
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Hobart, wait for the 4-day window surrounding the New Moon each month for the deepest contrast. Since the sun sets early in the late Winter months, you can often begin deep-sky imaging as early as 7 PM.
Expert Tips for Hobart Observers
When observing from Covington Community Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Hobart residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of WA to capture the lowest magnitude stars that are normally invisible from the city center. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Burroughs Mountain (37.7 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Hobart
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. To get the most out of these verified spots, ensure your mobile reconnaissance kit is ready for Hobart's local horizons.
Covington Community Park
" A short hop from Hobart, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" A short hop from Hobart, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" A short hop from Hobart, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Local Horizon Tip: Before setting up, scout for north-facing tree clearings to ensure you have a clear path to the Polaris and the circumpolar stars. "
Big Rock Park
" A manageable drive from Hobart, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Park in the lower lot near the street. If that lot is full please park in the lot as far from the middle field as you can with your headlights facing away from the fields. "
Paramount School Park
" A manageable drive from Hobart, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Hobart
Rural conditions near Hobart provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Hobart
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Seeing the faint magnitude targets listed in these NPS readings often requires the specific gear we've staged for Hobart nights in our observer field kit.
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
For observers in Hobart, Burroughs Mountain serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"High Cirrus to North West"
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Plummer Peak provide Hobart residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Plummer Peak in Mount Rainier NP on 9/23/2005. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.09 SQM."
Dark Sky Oasis near Hobart
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Experience the full, pristine depth of these IDA certified skies with the precision stargazing gear we recommend for Hobart residents.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Hobart, Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
As one of the closest certified environments to Hobart, Antelope, Oregon offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Hobart
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Planning to join a local session? Make sure you have the essentials ready by checking our starter kit recommendations.
Gearing Up for Hobart Nights
"With such a short hop from Hobart to the stars, your gear kit should prioritize "setup speed." Use a stable Alt-Az mount that lets you start viewing the moment you park."
The Hobart Field Kit
Every observer in Hobart eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. The difference between the Hobart city center and the instrumented readings at sites 6 miles away is staggering, requiring optics that can handle both glare and deep contrast. Consider these categories as a roadmap for moving from casual backyard viewing to professional-grade observation near Hobart.