Newcastle
Stargazing Guide.
Just 11.7 miles from the center of Newcastle, lies some of the region's best viewing at Covington Community Park. We feature instrumented readings from Burroughs Mountain to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Newcastle
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~11.7 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from Burroughs Mountain as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Boeing Employees' Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Newcastle offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Newcastle acts as a primary gateway to the Covington Community Park zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 4) at Burroughs Mountain just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Newcastle
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Newcastle, wait for the 4-day window surrounding the New Moon each month for the deepest contrast. Since the sun sets early in the late Winter months, you can often begin deep-sky imaging as early as 7 PM.
Expert Tips for Newcastle Observers
When observing from Covington Community Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Newcastle residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of WA to capture the lowest magnitude stars that are normally invisible from the city center. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Burroughs Mountain (48.4 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Newcastle
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Pro Tip: Always bring a red-light flashlight to these Newcastle spots to preserve your night vision.
Covington Community Park
" Just a quick dash for Newcastle residents, this location offers great convenience. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Heading out from Newcastle toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" Newcastle observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Scientific Fact: Around 3 AM, the atmosphere is usually most stable, offering the 'steadiest seeing' for high-magnification planetary views. "
Big Rock Park
" Heading out from Newcastle toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Park in the lower lot near the street. If that lot is full please park in the lot as far from the middle field as you can with your headlights facing away from the fields. "
Paramount School Park
" Newcastle observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Newcastle
Rural conditions near Newcastle provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Newcastle
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Seeing the faint magnitude targets listed in these NPS readings often requires the specific gear we've staged for Newcastle nights in our observer field kit.
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Burroughs Mountain provide Newcastle residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"High Cirrus to North West"
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
Newcastle enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Plummer Peak to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Plummer Peak in Mount Rainier NP on 9/23/2005. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.09 SQM."
Dark Sky Oasis near Newcastle
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Planning a trip to a nearby Dark Sky Park? Ensure your kit is ready by viewing our staged observer advice below.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
The protected skies at Cottonwood Canyon State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Newcastle observing community.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
As one of the closest certified environments to Newcastle, Antelope, Oregon offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Newcastle
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Local astronomy clubs are great for testing gear; see what we suggest for Newcastle residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Newcastle Nights
"Staging for a night near Newcastle requires a balance of power and portability. Consider 10x50 binoculars as a primary scouting tool while your main telescope acclimates to the cooler rural air."
The Newcastle Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Newcastle requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. With Covington Community Park sitting at a ~12-mile benchmark, your gear selection should mirror your willingness to travel. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.