Quadrantids Meteor Shower
Lie flat on your back to take in as much of the sky as possible. No telescope needed! The regional Class 5 baseline at Lance Rosier Unit is perfectly suited for observing this celestial alignment. Winter dry-fronts in the South bring rare, crystal-clear transparency that rivals high-altitude sites. While it's a drive from Pineville, Lance Rosier Unit offers the isolation needed for spectacular views of tonight's target.
Optimal Window
Jan 3–4, roughly 2:00–6:00 AM local time
Recommended Gaze
North to northeast sky, away from city lights
Wolf Moon Supermoon
A moon filter for your telescope can help reduce the glare and reveal subtle lunar textures. While Pineville has some skyglow, the moderate Class 5 conditions at Horn Island are still excellent for the brightest phases of this event. Cooler Gulf nights often see a reduction in local particulate haze, making it a great time for deep-sky targets. Pack some snacks for the drive from Pineville; the dark horizons at Horn Island are a justified reward for this view.
Optimal Window
Evening through dawn
Recommended Gaze
Rises in the east, sets in the west
Jupiter at Opposition
Wait for the planet to reach its highest point in the sky to minimize atmospheric 'shimmer'. While Pineville has some skyglow, the moderate Class 5 conditions at Lance Rosier Unit are still excellent for the brightest phases of this event. Winter dry-fronts in the South bring rare, crystal-clear transparency that rivals high-altitude sites. While it's a drive from Pineville, Lance Rosier Unit offers the isolation needed for spectacular views of tonight's target.
Optimal Window
Sunset through sunrise
Recommended Gaze
East after sunset, south at midnight
Moon & Mars Conjunction
Check the alignment early; some conjunctions happen low on the horizon and set quickly. The regional Class 5 baseline at Lance Rosier Unit is perfectly suited for observing this celestial alignment. Winter dry-fronts in the South bring rare, crystal-clear transparency that rivals high-altitude sites. While it's a drive from Pineville, Lance Rosier Unit offers the isolation needed for spectacular views of tonight's target.
Optimal Window
Shortly after sunset
Recommended Gaze
Southwest sky
Six-Planet Evening Alignment
This parade of worlds is best viewed 45 minutes after sunset before the lower planets set. While Pineville has some skyglow, the moderate Class 5 conditions at Horn Island are still excellent for the brightest phases of this event. Cooler Gulf nights often see a reduction in local particulate haze, making it a great time for deep-sky targets. The journey to Horn Island from Pineville is a commitment, but the gain in sky quality for this Planetary Alignment is worth the effort.
Optimal Window
30–75 minutes after sunset
Recommended Gaze
West to southwest sky along the ecliptic
Total Lunar Eclipse
Capture the stages of the eclipse with a telephoto lens, keeping your exposure settings flexible as it darkens. While Pineville has some skyglow, the moderate Class 5 conditions at Horn Island are still excellent for the brightest phases of this event. Cooler Gulf nights often see a reduction in local particulate haze, making it a great time for deep-sky targets. While it's a drive from Pineville, Horn Island offers the isolation needed for spectacular views of tonight's target.
Optimal Window
Late night Mar 2 into early morning Mar 3 (best in western U.S.)
Recommended Gaze
South to southwest sky
Moon, Venus & Pleiades Grouping
Wide-field eyepieces are best here to frame both celestial bodies in the same view. For Pineville observers, this Conjunction will be visible at Horn Island, which offers a reliable escape from the most intense local glare. Cooler Gulf nights often see a reduction in local particulate haze, making it a great time for deep-sky targets. The journey to Horn Island from Pineville is a commitment, but the gain in sky quality for this Conjunction is worth the effort.
Optimal Window
30–90 minutes after sunset
Recommended Gaze
West-northwest sky
Lyrids Meteor Shower
Patience is key—meteors often come in 'bursts' followed by quiet lulls. While Pineville has some skyglow, the moderate Class 5 conditions at Horn Island are still excellent for the brightest phases of this event. Cooler Gulf nights often see a reduction in local particulate haze, making it a great time for deep-sky targets. While it's a drive from Pineville, Horn Island offers the isolation needed for spectacular views of tonight's target.
Optimal Window
Late night Apr 21 through dawn Apr 22
Recommended Gaze
Northeast sky
Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
Patience is key—meteors often come in 'bursts' followed by quiet lulls. The regional Class 5 baseline at Horn Island is perfectly suited for observing this celestial alignment. Cooler Gulf nights often see a reduction in local particulate haze, making it a great time for deep-sky targets. While it's a drive from Pineville, Horn Island offers the isolation needed for spectacular views of tonight's target.
Optimal Window
May 5–6, roughly 3:00–5:30 AM local time
Recommended Gaze
East to southeast sky
Venus & Jupiter Conjunction
Check the alignment early; some conjunctions happen low on the horizon and set quickly. While Pineville has some skyglow, the moderate Class 5 conditions at Lance Rosier Unit are still excellent for the brightest phases of this event. Gulf humidity acts as a stabilizing agent for the atmosphere, which is counter-intuitive but excellent for planetary detail. The journey to Lance Rosier Unit from Pineville is a commitment, but the gain in sky quality for this Conjunction is worth the effort.
Optimal Window
Just after sunset
Recommended Gaze
West-northwest sky
Mercury, Venus & Jupiter Alignment
Start from the brightest planet and use it as a 'jumping point' to find the fainter ones in the line. For Pineville observers, this Planetary Alignment will be visible at Horn Island, which offers a reliable escape from the most intense local glare. In the humid South, transparency is highest after a cold front passes through, washing the sky of its hazy moisture. While it's a drive from Pineville, Horn Island offers the isolation needed for spectacular views of tonight's target.
Optimal Window
20–45 minutes after sunset
Recommended Gaze
West-northwest sky
Perseids Meteor Shower
Look about 45 degrees away from the radiant point for the longest, most dramatic tail streaks. While Pineville has some skyglow, the moderate Class 5 conditions at Horn Island are still excellent for the brightest phases of this event. In the humid South, transparency is highest after a cold front passes through, washing the sky of its hazy moisture. While it's a drive from Pineville, Horn Island offers the isolation needed for spectacular views of tonight's target.
Optimal Window
Late night Aug 11 through dawn Aug 12
Recommended Gaze
Northeast sky
Partial Lunar Eclipse
The temperature may drop noticeably during the event; having an extra layer ready is a veteran move. While Pineville has some skyglow, the moderate Class 5 conditions at Lance Rosier Unit are still excellent for the brightest phases of this event. Be wary of 'Heat Haze' near the horizon; aim your viewing toward the zenith for the clearest perspective. Pack some snacks for the drive from Pineville; the dark horizons at Lance Rosier Unit are a justified reward for this view.
Optimal Window
Late evening into early morning
Recommended Gaze
South to southwest sky
Saturn at Opposition
This is the best time for high-magnification viewing. Use a 2x Barlow lens if you have one. While Pineville has some skyglow, the moderate Class 5 conditions at Lance Rosier Unit are still excellent for the brightest phases of this event. Winter dry-fronts in the South bring rare, crystal-clear transparency that rivals high-altitude sites. The journey to Lance Rosier Unit from Pineville is a commitment, but the gain in sky quality for this Planetary Opposition is worth the effort.
Optimal Window
Sunset through sunrise
Recommended Gaze
East after sunset, south at midnight
Four-Planet Morning Alignment
Start from the brightest planet and use it as a 'jumping point' to find the fainter ones in the line. The regional Class 5 baseline at Horn Island is perfectly suited for observing this celestial alignment. Cooler Gulf nights often see a reduction in local particulate haze, making it a great time for deep-sky targets. Pack some snacks for the drive from Pineville; the dark horizons at Horn Island are a justified reward for this view.
Optimal Window
90–30 minutes before sunrise
Recommended Gaze
East to southeast sky
Mars & Jupiter Conjunction
Check the alignment early; some conjunctions happen low on the horizon and set quickly. While Pineville has some skyglow, the moderate Class 5 conditions at Lance Rosier Unit are still excellent for the brightest phases of this event. Winter dry-fronts in the South bring rare, crystal-clear transparency that rivals high-altitude sites. While it's a drive from Pineville, Lance Rosier Unit offers the isolation needed for spectacular views of tonight's target.
Optimal Window
Pre-dawn hours
Recommended Gaze
East-southeast sky
Geminids Meteor Shower
Lie flat on your back to take in as much of the sky as possible. No telescope needed! The regional Class 5 baseline at Lance Rosier Unit is perfectly suited for observing this celestial alignment. Winter dry-fronts in the South bring rare, crystal-clear transparency that rivals high-altitude sites. Pack some snacks for the drive from Pineville; the dark horizons at Lance Rosier Unit are a justified reward for this view.
Optimal Window
Late night Dec 13 through dawn Dec 14
Recommended Gaze
East to overhead
December Supermoon
Perfect for binocular viewing. Look at the 'terminator' line (where light meets shadow) for the best crater detail. For Pineville observers, this Moon Event will be visible at Lance Rosier Unit, which offers a reliable escape from the most intense local glare. Winter dry-fronts in the South bring rare, crystal-clear transparency that rivals high-altitude sites. Pack some snacks for the drive from Pineville; the dark horizons at Lance Rosier Unit are a justified reward for this view.
Optimal Window
Evening through dawn
Recommended Gaze
East at moonrise, west at moonset