Redan
Stargazing Guide.
Uncover the hidden celestial treasures of Redan, GA. From the verified horizons at Lost Corner Preserve (Lost Cottage) - Sandy Springs to the scientific Bortle Class 5 reports at Clingmans Dome, your journey to the stars starts here.
Stargazing Logistics for Redan
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Lost Corner Preserve (Lost Cottage) - Sandy Springs. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~17.7 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class C (Suburban). Use the instrumented 5 rating from Clingmans Dome as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Atlanta Astronomy Club for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Redan offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Redan is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the GA metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 5 skies found at Clingmans Dome.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Redan
For the best experience, target the late-night window between 1 AM and 4 AM in Redan. This is when local industrial lighting and residential 'sky glow' is at its minimum, and the most prominent Summer constellations are directly overhead at the zenith.
Expert Tips for Redan Observers
Don't underestimate the power of peripheral vision (averted vision). At sites near Redan, looking slightly to the side of a faint nebula will reveal much more detail than looking directly at it, especially when dealing with the Class 5+ suburban skies of the GA region. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 5 at Clingmans Dome (131.6 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Redan
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. To get the most out of these verified spots, ensure your mobile reconnaissance kit is ready for Redan's local horizons.
Lost Corner Preserve (Lost Cottage) - Sandy Springs
" A manageable drive from Redan, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Meteor Watching Tip: Don't look at one spot; keep your eyes moving across the sky. Your peripheral vision is more sensitive to motion. "
Jon Wood Astronomy Field
" Heading out from Redan toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Sky Contrast Tip: To see the Milky Way, wait for the Moon to go below the horizon; even a 25% crescent Moon can wash out the faintest nebulae. "
Charlie Elliott Wildlife Mngt Area
" Redan observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Observation Hack: Use a planisphere or a printed star chart under a red light instead of a digital app for the most authentic experience. "
Morgan Falls Overlook Park
" Heading out from Redan toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. 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. "
Lilburn City Park
" A short hop from Redan, 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. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Redan
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to Lost Corner Preserve (Lost Cottage) - Sandy Springs to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for Redan
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Seeing the faint magnitude targets listed in these NPS readings often requires the specific gear we've staged for Redan nights in our observer field kit.
Clingmans Dome
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Local Relevance
Redan enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Clingmans Dome to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"A very windy night with strong gusts. FWHM definitely affected, probably by vibrations of the observation tower itself. Light polltion sources visible both in foreground and at horizon. A thin layer of haze evident to east, possibly part of approaching clouds. First data set virtually cloud free. Sky free of contrails. Limiting magnitude found in Pegasus. Andromeda galaxy visible, M15 requires much effort. Milky Way detail easily detectable near zenith. Sky appeared noticeably brighter than previous nights, possibly due to some airglow. I also think it may have to do with the atmospheric clarity. All other nights contained some amount of possible light absorbing clouds. The second set of images from this night do contain some clouds, but the first set is clear."
Cades Cove
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Cades Cove provide Redan residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"This was a very clear night. High humidity. Trees covered all of horizon from this site, but light scatter was evident to the north and west especially. LZM found in Pegasus. Moderate Milky Way detail was visible. M31 easily visible, M33 a difficult averted vision object. Airglow likely strong."
Dark Sky Oasis near Redan
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Planning a trip to a nearby Dark Sky Park? Ensure your kit is ready by viewing our staged observer advice below.
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
As one of the closest certified environments to Redan, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
1 PARI Drive Rosman, NC 28772 US
Cataloochee Ranch
Redan stargazers often look to Cataloochee Ranch as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
119 Ranch Drive Maggie Valley, NC 28751
Astronomy Clubs for Redan
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Local astronomy clubs are great for testing gear; see what we suggest for Redan residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Redan Nights
"For the manageable 20-mile commute from Redan, we recommend a "split-tube" or collapsible Dobsonian. It gives you the power of a large light bucket while still fitting comfortably in most standard Redan commuter vehicles."
The Redan Field Kit
Every observer in Redan eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. The difference between the Redan city center and the instrumented readings at sites 18 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 Redan.