Rawlins.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Rawlins, WY. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Rawlins
- Top Community Pick: local vantage points (~N/A miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 3.0 at Rock Cut Geo Marker
- Local Experts: Northern Colorado Astronomical Society
- Verified Observations: 0 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Rawlins, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at local vantage points for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Rock Cut Geo Marker provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 3.0. Atmospheric stability in the Rawlins region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Rawlins
For the best results in Rawlins, 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 Rawlins Observers
Before heading out to local vantage points, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars the site for sweeping views of the Moon’s craters and larger constellations. 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.
Wyoming Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Rock Cut Geo Marker
Rocky Mountain NP
"Observing Condition: This observation was made during the Perseid meteor shower. Many meteors were captured in the images! There was some haze near the horizon; stars were visible only above 10 degrees in elevation. The Beaver Creek fire was going on but it did not cause an obvious observable effect at the time of the observation. In between the two datasets, the average wind speed and the relative humidity were measured to be 7 mph and 40%, both were higher compared to the condition at the beginning of the observation. During the acquisition of the second data set, a bright light from a car shined directly into the camera, causing a bright and wide saturated column in the 7th image in b filter. Naked-eye Sky: Light pollution from the nearby cities was apparent from the azimuthal angle of 75 degrees and 110 degrees (east). The light from the towns were directly visible. The view due east (90 degrees) was blocked by the nearby rock formation. Although faint, the light dome extends all the way to the zenith. The Milky Way with the dark lanes was visible from 10 degrees in elevation in the west to 45 degrees in elevation in the east; the rest is lost in the haze (west) or in the light dome (east). The darkest part of the sky is due west of the zenith at roughly 70 degrees in elevation. The zenith sky brightness is 21.62 mag."
Soapstone
Fort Collins Natural Area
"Night was clear initially with good transparency and fair seeing. Clouds developed over Cheyanne as equipment was set up. During first set clouds increased in a line from north to south. Line of clouds shifted east, but a bank of clouds remianed over the Fort Collins light dome, illuminated. Prior to clouds, the Milky Way was visivle as a complete arc washed out only in the Cheyanne lightdome about 5 degrees above the north horizon. Sagittarius star cloud was still visible over the Fort Collins light dome, although details like the Prancing Horse were difficult to see. Overhead M13 was easily visible naked eye, as was M31. SQM of 31.33; SQM-L 21.21 at Zenith at 0045."
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Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.