Kennedale.

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

Bortle Scale
4
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
20.86
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
5
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Kennedale

  • Top Community Pick: Tandy Hills Natural Area (~10.1 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 4.0 at Buckhorn Parking Lot
  • Local Experts: Fort Worth Astronomical Society
  • Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots

Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Kennedale, TX? While enthusiasts often gather at Tandy Hills Natural Area for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Buckhorn Parking Lot provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 4.0. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Kennedale and the more rural stretches of TX creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Kennedale

Since Kennedale 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 Kennedale Observers

Before heading out to Tandy Hills Natural Area, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. For the best views the site, try to observe targets when they are highest in the sky to minimize atmospheric interference. 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.

Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Tandy Hills Natural Area

10.1 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Ft. Worth, TX 76103
Get Directions
Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Tandy Hills Natural Area

10.1 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Fort Worth, TX 76103
Get Directions
Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

The Bedford Center YMCA

14.8 mi
Distance

" 'Come to the Southwest corner outside of the Bedford YMCA to view many objects through telescopes. "

Bedford, TX 76021
Get Directions
Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 97.5%

Dinosaur Valley State Park

42.2 mi
Distance

" The park loves having y'all out and the visitors get so much more than we could ever do on our own. "

Glen Rose, TX 76043
Get Directions
Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 80%

Tandy Hills star party

10.1 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Ft. Worth, TX 76103
Get Directions
Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

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

Buckhorn Parking Lot

Chickasaw NRA

20.86 SQM
Bortle Class 4

"Sky looks hazy during the day. At night, sky right above the horizon looks bright in all direction. Light pollution extends to about 60 degrees above the horizon. Milky Way was still impressive right overhead but becomes invisible at about 20 degrees from the horizon."

Observation Date
7/26/2019
Elevation
280m
Zenith Brightness
21.29

Veterans Lake

Chickasaw NRA

20.37 SQM
Bortle Class 4

"Clear sky. The area right above the horizon appears bright from all the directions. Milky Way is impressive overhead but lasks the details of the bright/dark structure. Light dome extends up to about 60 degrees above the horizon."

Observation Date
7/25/2019
Elevation
295m
Zenith Brightness
20.52

International Dark Sky Parks

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

IDA Certified Distance: 37.4 miles

Lakewood Village, Texas

On April 26, 1977, Lakewood Village was officially incorporated as The Town of Lakewood Village, Texas. Located in the northern part of the Dallas/Ft.

Category
International Dark Sky Community
Certified
2019
Land Area
1.9 km2
Coordinates
33.1426, -96.9695
IDA Certified Distance: 142.9 miles

Liberty Hill, Texas

Known for its limestone hills, oak woodlands, and wide-open skies, Liberty Hill has long cherished its rural roots and starlit nights.

Category
International Dark Sky Community
Certified
2025
Land Area
12 km²
Coordinates
30.6649, -97.9225

Local Astronomy Clubs

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

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#250

Fort Worth Astronomical Society

Fort Worth, TX

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#101

Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas

Richardson, TX