Perry
Stargazing Guide.
Discover why the Perry area serves as a strategic corridor for UT observers. We combine community-vetted spots like Winchester Park with professional NPS sky reports at Ruby Point for a complete astronomical perspective.
Stargazing Logistics for Perry
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Winchester Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~55.7 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class A (Pristine). Use the instrumented 1 rating from Ruby Point as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Ogden Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Perry offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
As a regional observation basecamp, Perry offers the essential amenities needed before heading into the isolated darkness of Ruby Point. It marks the transition where the suburban light dome finally gives way to the true wilderness sky.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Perry
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Perry, 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 Perry Observers
When observing from Winchester Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Perry residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of UT 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 1 at Ruby Point (69.7 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Perry
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Max out your local session by using the essential observer gear staged for the Perry environment.
Winchester Park
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Perry; this destination is a justified detour. Deep Sky Advice: Allow at least 20 minutes in total darkness for your pupils to fully dilate. You'll notice faint nebulae that were invisible at first. "
Stansbury Park Observatory Complex
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Perry; this destination is a justified detour. Comfort Tip: The ground cools faster than the air. Bring a reclining chair to keep your neck strain-free during marathon observation sessions. "
Willow Park
" Perry observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Deep Sky Advice: Allow at least 20 minutes in total darkness for your pupils to fully dilate. You'll notice faint nebulae that were invisible at first. "
Perry Charter School
" A short hop from Perry, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Local Horizon Tip: Before setting up, scout for north-facing tree clearings to ensure you have a clear path to the Polaris and the circumpolar stars. "
Stansbury Park Observatory Complex (SPOC)
" For the dedicated Perry observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Thermal Mastery: Set your telescope out an hour early to allow the mirrors to reach 'thermal equilibrium' with the night air. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Perry
With a Bortle 1, Perry offers world-class visibility. Wait for astronomical twilight for peak contrast.
Sky Quality Reports for Perry
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. To resolve the deep-sky objects measured in these scientific reports, Perry observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Ruby Point
Fossil Butte NM
Local Relevance
Perry enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Ruby Point to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Smoke plume to west, some high cirrus, transparency fair. Second set best of night"
Ruby Point
Fossil Butte NM
Local Relevance
Perry enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Ruby Point to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Thin haze layer SW, otherwise clear."
Dark Sky Oasis near Perry
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Certified dark skies like these are most rewarding when paired with the right aperture. Check out our suggested kit for Perry observers.
North Fork Park
The protected skies at North Fork Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Perry observing community.
Weber County, Utah, USA
Antelope Island State Park
Perry stargazers often look to Antelope Island State Park as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
4528 West 1700 South Syracuse, Utah 84075 USA
Astronomy Clubs for Perry
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Planning to join a local session? Make sure you have the essentials ready by checking our starter kit recommendations.
Gearing Up for Perry Nights
"Heading out on a major drive from Perry justifies a "survival kit" approach: folding chairs, a thermos, and high-contrast planetary filters to make every mile of that journey count at the eyepiece."
The Perry Field Kit
Every observer in Perry eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. The difference between the Perry city center and the instrumented readings at sites 56 miles away is staggering, requiring optics that can handle both glare and deep contrast. Consider these categories as a roadmap for moving from casual backyard viewing to professional-grade observation near Perry.