Kensington.

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

Bortle Scale
5
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
20.23
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
5
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Kensington

  • Top Community Pick: John J. McCarthy Observatory (~33.4 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 5 at Concord Bridge
  • Local Experts: Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford
  • Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots

If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Kensington, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at John J. McCarthy Observatory for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Concord Bridge provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 5. Atmospheric stability in the Kensington region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Kensington

Since Kensington 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 Kensington Observers

Because John J. McCarthy Observatory is a developed site, it often features established viewing pads and specialized equipment. For the best views at this spot, 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%

John J. McCarthy Observatory

33.4 mi
Distance

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

New Milford, CT 06776
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 85%

Van Vleck Observatory, Wesleyan University

7.6 mi
Distance

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

Middletown, CT 06459
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 92.5%

Hammonassett State Park

25.7 mi
Distance

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

Madison, CT 06443
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 92.5%

Hammonasset Beach State Park

25.7 mi
Distance

" Please park so cars so lights shine awary from observing area. Use red filters on flash lights or red setting on cell phone flashlight.' "

Madison, CT 06443
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Custer Institute Observatory

43.4 mi
Distance

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

Southold, NY 11971
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Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

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

Concord Bridge

Minute Man NHP

20.23 SQM
Bortle Class 5

"Fog in field lowland, possibly some patchy fog. Bright site"

Observation Date
9/17/2007
Elevation
40m
Zenith Brightness
20.56

Jockey Hollow

Morristown NHS

19.36 SQM
Bortle Class 7

"Site next to Wick House in a field north of the orchard. Seeing very good, transparency fair. Very humid, dew on the grass. No part of the sky is dark, a gradient of sky brightness from horizon to zenith. The sky is grayish white, near the NYC and Newark light dome some peach color seen. Very bright near the horizon, which is actually at least 10 degrees above the true horizon. The site is in a "hollow" and has tall trees all around, so the brightest parts of light domes are masked. No distinct "domes" are seen, the sky is bright all around except toward the west, which looks dark by comparison. It is therefore impossible to attribute light pollution to any individual city. The Milky Way is not at the zenith at this time of the year, but even late when the summer Milky Way is higher it is invisible. Near the zenith there are some features, the Coma cluster is seen as 10-12 stars, the form of Ursa Major and Leo are readily seen, but anything below 60 degrees above the horizon is severely compromised. The land is well illuminated, navigation easy unless you are looking toward New York and Newark, where the light of the sky produces glare. Estimate about 1/4 of scoptopic vision is lost, unless looking at the eastern sky, which is much brighter. Bortle Class 7, could be 6 later on if it gets a bit darker. With patience, remarkably ZLM of 5.9 is achieved."

Observation Date
4/13/2010
Elevation
188m
Zenith Brightness
19.78

International Dark Sky Parks

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

IDA Certified Distance: 215.7 miles

AMC Maine Woods

The Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) Maine Woods Initiative lands consist of over 400 square kilometers of land in central Maine, U.S. The park is at the edge…

Category
International Dark Sky Park
Certified
2021
Land Area
404.25 km2
Coordinates
43.9229, -69.8848
IDA Certified Distance: 260.9 miles

Cherry Springs State Park

Due to its exceptionally dark skies, Cherry Springs State Park is one of the best places in the eastern U.S. for stargazing. Situated at 700 m above sea level…

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2008
Land Area
4.3 km2
Coordinates
41.6628, -77.8222

Local Astronomy Clubs

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

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#6

Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford

New Britain, CT

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#494

Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club

Litchfield, CT