San Elizario.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in San Elizario, TX. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for San Elizario
- Top Community Pick: Leasburg Dam State Park (~59.1 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 5 at North Mountain
- Local Experts: Astronomical Society of Las Cruces
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of San Elizario, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Leasburg Dam State Park for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at North Mountain provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 5. The transition between the urban infrastructure of San Elizario and the more rural stretches of TX creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.
The Best Times for Stargazing in San Elizario
Since San Elizario 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 San Elizario Observers
When visiting Leasburg Dam State Park, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters this location. 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.
Texas Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Leasburg Dam State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Plaza De Las Cruces
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Tombaugh Observatory
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Young Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
North Mountain
Hueco Tanks State Park
"Clear skies"
Guadalupe Peak
Gudalupe Mtns NP
"From mountain summit, El Paso/Jaurez largest light dome, smaller ones from Carlsbad and a few other towns. Still a very high quality sky, with very little insult to pristine conditions. Windy, dust blowing to south, but Milky Way shows excellent detail on this low airglow night. Problems setting up equipment with connection to computer, clouds over El Paso linger, battery dies after only one set."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Chiricahua National Monument
Chiricahua National Monument is a 48.5 square kilometer IUCN category V protected area located in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona.
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monuments is a 436- hectare (1,077-acre) historic site in central New Mexico, U.S., managed by the National Park Service.
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.