Myrtletown.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Myrtletown, CA. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Myrtletown
- Top Community Pick: Kneeland Airport (~7.3 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 3.0 at Schoolhouse Peak
- Local Experts: Astronomers of Humboldt
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Myrtletown, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Kneeland Airport for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Schoolhouse Peak provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 3.0. The local landscape of Myrtletown offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Myrtletown
For the best results in Myrtletown, 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 Myrtletown Observers
Before heading out to Kneeland Airport, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars here for sweeping views of the Moon’s craters and larger constellations. 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.
California Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Kneeland Airport
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Albee Creek campground
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Kneeland School
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Hydesville Elementary School
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
College of the Redwoods
" 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.
Schoolhouse Peak
Redwood NP
"Site on ridgeline northwest of fire lookout, accessible by foot on lookout road with small cross country hike to ridgetop. Outstanding location for astronomy, perfect monitoring site. Seeing excellent, transparency good. Very dark at zenith, small light domes from distant cities to north and east, main light dome from Eureka to southwest, bright but extends only to about 15 degrees above the horizon. The rest of the sky is essentially pristine. ZLM 7.2. Problem with camera all evening, finally connect but produces horizontal bands throughout. Unfortunate on such a perfect night. Some inversions visible along the coast, but no fog on land this night."
AJ Road
Redwood NP
"Marginal site on a turnout with a view toward Crescent City but east almost enitriely blocked by trees and hillside. As time progresses trees to the west will block this view. However, on this date a reasonable monitoring site for Crescent City impacts. Seeing very good, transparency good. Sky is significantly impacted to the zenith because of proximity to town, but still fairly dark with good visibility of faint stars. Observer sick with chills and flu-like symptoms, no visual observations made."
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.