Monmouth.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Monmouth, OR. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Monmouth
- Top Community Pick: cruise ship (~60.3 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 3.0 at Hillman Peak
- Local Experts: Nightsky-45
- Verified Observations: 1 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Monmouth, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at cruise ship for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Hillman Peak provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 3.0. The local landscape of Monmouth offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Monmouth
For the best results in Monmouth, aim for a ‘New Moon’ window. In these dark-sky conditions, the absence of moonlight allows the Milky Way to cast visible shadows.
Expert Tips for Monmouth Observers
Before heading out to cruise ship, 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 the site. 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.
Oregon Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
cruise ship
" 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.
Hillman Peak
Crater Lake NP
"Site on summit of Hillman Peak, highest point on Crater Lake Rim, small area to set up instrument. Seeing very good transparency good. Fire smoke in many quadrants in the distance may obscure sky glow from distant cities. On this night no areas of the light domes are bright enough to hinder dark adaptation. Klamath Falls and Medford most obvious, but light domes do not extend beyond 10 degrees above the horizon. A nearly pristine sky."
Cloudcap Point
Crater Lake NP
"Moderate winds with occasoinal gusts, combined with high humidity caused some unsteadiness. Otherwise a very clear night. Only small light domes directly visible, with Klamath Falls and ??? Being slightly obscured by cliffs and trees. Fine detail visible in Milky Way, including Prancing Horse near Saggitarius. SQM: 21.47 (1st), 21.41, (2nd), 21.44 (3rd). ZLM of 6.7 in Lyra. Brightening on horizon to SW is a light dome, not the Milky Way, but is obscured by cliffs. I believe a hint of airglow was visually noticeable."
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.