Obetz.

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

Bortle Scale
5
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
20.96
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
5
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Obetz

  • Top Community Pick: The Lewis Observatory, Ohio University Zanesville (~50.1 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 6.0 at Kemil Beach
  • Local Experts: Columbus Astronomical Society
  • Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots

Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Obetz, OH? While enthusiasts often gather at The Lewis Observatory, Ohio University Zanesville for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Kemil Beach provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 6.0. Atmospheric stability in the Obetz region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Obetz

Since Obetz 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 Obetz Observers

Because The Lewis Observatory, Ohio University Zanesville is a developed site, it often features established viewing pads and specialized equipment. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters this location. 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%

The Lewis Observatory, Ohio University Zanesville

50.1 mi
Distance

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

Zanesville, OH 43701
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Warren Rupp Observatory

56.8 mi
Distance

" {'Public welcome.'} "

Bellville, OH 44813
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Warren Rupp Observatory

65.6 mi
Distance

" {'There will be a short business meeting at 7 PM, followed by the program at 8 PM.'} "

Mansfield, OH 44901
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 90%

Lowe-Volk Nature Center

64.5 mi
Distance

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

Crestline, OH 44827
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 85%

Garbry Big Woods Reserve

64.7 mi
Distance

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

Fletcher, OH 45326
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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.

Kemil Beach

Indiana Dunes NL

19.88 SQM
Bortle Class 6

"Set up about 50' from the water in a depression in the sand dunes. Local glare from the western most home in the "1933 Century of Progress" homes. Other glare sources from the power plants to the SW and NE along the lakeshore are easily visible but did not saturate the camera sensor. A clear view across Lake Michigan to the Chicago skyline, though clouds and haze never completely cleared away. I suspect the industrial developments from the Port of Indiana all the way around to Chicago has a significant impact on aeresols and local cloud development. Even so, at 35 miles distant, the illuminated buildings of the Chicago skyline were easily visible to the naked eye on this evening. The light dome of Michigan City (5 miles to the ENE) was very bright, but the dome from Chicago all the way to south of INDU is by far the greatest source of skyglow. The Milky Way was visible from 15° above the horizon at both ends. Not a lot of detail was visible in the Sagittarius or Cygnus star clouds. M31 was barely visible to the naked eye without using averted vision. Comparitively, for the region, this is not too bad a place to view the night sky. If not for the local glare sources, it would be fairly quick to dark adapt and be able to see many celestial features. Was able to see 6.2 LM in Ursa Major (which was over the lake to the darker north)."

Observation Date
7/24/2017
Elevation
179m
Zenith Brightness
20.08

Blackrock Summit

Shenendoah NP

20.96 SQM
Bortle Class 5

"Exceptionally clear skies and air for this eastern US site. Very dry air with some moderate winds provided visibility of 50-75+ miles during the day. At night the horizon is almost completely illuminated by cities, small towns and rural farms and ranches. Some very bright direct glare sources in the cities of Harrisonburg and Fishersville (Hospital?). The Milky Way was visible to the horizon in the SW and obscured at about 25 degrees above horizon in the NE. Very good detail in Cygnus near the zenith. Washington D.C. light dome easily visible to the ENE. With some lengthy dark adaptation, this observer was able to see 6.7 magnitude star in Pegasus."

Observation Date
10/26/2014
Elevation
984m
Zenith Brightness
21.3

International Dark Sky Parks

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

IDA Certified Distance: 100.8 miles

Fry Family Park

Fry Family Park is located in southern Stark County, approximately 8 miles from Canton, Ohio. This 348-acre property is known for its rural country setting…

Category
Urban Night Sky Place
Certified
2021
Land Area
1.4 km2
Coordinates
40.6600, -81.3400
IDA Certified Distance: 153.7 miles

Geauga Observatory Park

The idea for Observatory Park began with the donation of a 0.64-meter telescope and a small parcel of land. In 2008, the park acquired nationally recognized…

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2011
Land Area
4.45 km2
Coordinates
41.5848, -81.0806

Local Astronomy Clubs

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

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#246

Columbus Astronomical Society

Delaware, OH

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#636

Perkins Observatory

Delaware, OH