Red Chute.

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

Bortle Scale
4
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
20.86
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
3
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Red Chute

  • Top Community Pick: Lewisville Public Library (~54.3 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 5.0 at Lance Rosier Unit
  • Local Experts: Astronomical Society of East Texas
  • Verified Observations: 3 distinct spots

Stargazing in Red Chute is surprisingly rewarding if you know exactly where to set up your tripod. While enthusiasts often gather at Lewisville Public Library for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Lance Rosier Unit provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 5.0. The local landscape of Red Chute offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Red Chute

Since Red Chute 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 Red Chute Observers

Before heading out to Lewisville Public Library, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars here 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.

Local Top Spots

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

Community Gathering Point Confidence: 42.5%

Lewisville Public Library

54.3 mi
Distance

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

Lewisville, AR 71845
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Community Gathering Point Confidence: 42.5%

Barton Library

70.8 mi
Distance

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

El Dorado, AR 71730
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Documented Location Confidence: 37.5%

Glaske Science and Engineering Building

66.3 mi
Distance

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

Longview, TX 75602
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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.

Lance Rosier Unit

Big Thicket N PRES

20.53 SQM
Bortle Class 5

"Lots of trees blocking the horizon. Clear sky. There is an oil and gas field at the end of the road. Sky looks brightest towards WSW. The light dome extends all the way to zenith. Milky Way looks faint overhead."

Observation Date
10/27/2019
Elevation
27m
Zenith Brightness
20.86

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: 199.1 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: 240.1 miles

Buffalo National River

The Buffalo National River is a free-flowing stream passing through towering picturesque bluffs, forests, and fields in North Central Arkansas in the Ozark…

Category
International Dark Sky Park
Certified
2019
Land Area
396.2 km2
Coordinates
36.0401, -93.3098

Local Astronomy Clubs

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

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#482

Astronomical Society of East Texas

Tyler, TX

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#133

Acorn Jr. Science Club

Mena, AR