New Kingman-Butler.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in New Kingman-Butler, AZ. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for New Kingman-Butler
- Top Community Pick: Lake Mead Visitor Center (~67.7 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 5.0 at Davis Dam Road
- Local Experts: Las Vegas Astronomical Society
- Verified Observations: 2 distinct spots
Stargazing in New Kingman-Butler is surprisingly rewarding if you know exactly where to set up your tripod. While enthusiasts often gather at Lake Mead Visitor Center for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Davis Dam Road provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 5.0. The transition between the urban infrastructure of New Kingman-Butler and the more rural stretches of AZ creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.
The Best Times for Stargazing in New Kingman-Butler
Since New Kingman-Butler 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 New Kingman-Butler Observers
Because Lake Mead Visitor Center 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.
Arizona Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Lake Mead Visitor Center
" Here are a couple of ways you can celebrate National Junior Ranger Day: Look to see if a park near you is hosting any Junior Ranger Day activities. While they're at the fee booth, regular park entrance fees for Lake Mead apply for attendees (typically $25 per car). "
Boulder Beach Picnic Area
" PLEASE NOTE: Regular park entrance fees for Lake Mead apply for attendees (typically $25 per car) until the fee collection folks leave for the evening. NO FEES for LVAS volunteer astronomers (contact me for free volunteer entry instructions at email above). "
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Davis Dam Road
Lake Mead NRA
"Location above roadcut on Davis Dam road about 1/2 mile east of dam. Great deal of sky glow and light trespass from Laughlin, very close to this location. Surprisingly, the Milky Way is very visible with details, even with the southern sky flooded with light up to and past the zenith. ZLM Dan sees 6.2, Bob sees about 6.4. The tower of light from Laughlin is very apparent from this location, Las Vegas area light dome also clearly visible. SQM 20.53."
Cottonwood Cove Road
Lake Mead NRA
"From Cottonwood Cove Entrance Station, take power line road south to Six Mile Cove Road, set up near intersection, not quite within park boundary. Sky obviously polluted, especially from Las Vegas/Henderson, sky glow throughout the sky. Las Vegas light dome extends at least to 40 degrees above the horizon, 70 degrees wide, very bright at its core, interfering with night vision. Laughlin and Kingman also visible much less intense, Laughlin 30 derees wide, disproportionally tall due to upward facade lighting on hotels, about 20 degrees. Ambient environmental illuminantion obviously above natural levels, features easily see, Lake Mohave may be discerned. Zodiacal band not seen, gegenschein not seen but Jupiter may interfere, near opposition. By 11PM standard time Milky Way still subdued in Perseus, Aurgia, Cygnus better but gegenschein still not seen. Seeing fair, improving as night progresses, Transparency good, also improving with time. Bob gets 6.5 for ZLM. SQM 21.46 at 4th data set."
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