Pecan Plantation.

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

Bortle Scale
3
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
21.39
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
5
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Pecan Plantation

  • Top Community Pick: Dinosaur Valley State Park (~10.6 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 3 at Little Rock
  • Local Experts: Fort Worth Astronomical Society
  • Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots

Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Pecan Plantation, TX? While enthusiasts often gather at Dinosaur Valley State Park for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Little Rock provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 3. Atmospheric stability in the Pecan Plantation region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Pecan Plantation

For the best results in Pecan Plantation, 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 Pecan Plantation Observers

When visiting Dinosaur Valley State Park, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. 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.

Local Top Spots

Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.

Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 97.5%

Dinosaur Valley State Park

10.6 mi
Distance

" The park loves having y'all out and the visitors get so much more than we could ever do on our own. "

Glen Rose, TX 76043
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Tandy Hills Natural Area

32.9 mi
Distance

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

Ft. Worth, TX 76103
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Tandy Hills Natural Area

32.9 mi
Distance

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

Fort Worth, TX 76103
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

The Bedford Center YMCA

44.8 mi
Distance

" 'Come to the Southwest corner outside of the Bedford YMCA to view many objects through telescopes. "

Bedford, TX 76021
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Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 82.5%

Cleburne State Park

9.8 mi
Distance

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

Cleburne, TX 76033
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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.

Little Rock

Enchanted Rock SP

21.39 SQM
Bortle Class 3

"few cirrus at start, gradually increasing and reflecting light pollution."

Observation Date
8/17/2015
Elevation
533m
Zenith Brightness
21.16

Buckhorn Parking Lot

Chickasaw NRA

20.86 SQM
Bortle Class 4

"Sky looks hazy during the day. At night, sky right above the horizon looks bright in all direction. Light pollution extends to about 60 degrees above the horizon. Milky Way was still impressive right overhead but becomes invisible at about 20 degrees from the horizon."

Observation Date
7/26/2019
Elevation
280m
Zenith Brightness
21.29

International Dark Sky Parks

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

IDA Certified Distance: 67.0 miles

Lakewood Village, Texas

On April 26, 1977, Lakewood Village was officially incorporated as The Town of Lakewood Village, Texas. Located in the northern part of the Dallas/Ft.

Category
International Dark Sky Community
Certified
2019
Land Area
1.9 km2
Coordinates
33.1426, -96.9695
IDA Certified Distance: 118.4 miles

Liberty Hill, Texas

Known for its limestone hills, oak woodlands, and wide-open skies, Liberty Hill has long cherished its rural roots and starlit nights.

Category
International Dark Sky Community
Certified
2025
Land Area
12 km²
Coordinates
30.6649, -97.9225

Local Astronomy Clubs

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

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#250

Fort Worth Astronomical Society

Fort Worth, TX

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#101

Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas

Richardson, TX