Sheridan.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Sheridan, WY. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Sheridan
- Top Community Pick: local vantage points (~N/A miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 3.0 at Calhoun Hill
- Local Experts: Yellowstone Valley Astronomy Association
- Verified Observations: 0 distinct spots
Stargazing in Sheridan is surprisingly rewarding if you know exactly where to set up your tripod. While enthusiasts often gather at local vantage points for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Calhoun Hill provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 3.0. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Sheridan and the more rural stretches of WY creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Sheridan
For the best results in Sheridan, 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 Sheridan Observers
Before heading out to local vantage points, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters here. 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.
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Calhoun Hill
Little Bighorn Battlefield NM
"Clear night with fair transparency above 20 degrees. Haze visible along the horizon. Seeing fair. Local light from the reservation was direct glare, while the light dome from Hardin was the largest. Billings and Sheridan light domes visible but not bright. Overall the direct glare was distracting, but blocking this allowed for dark adaptation. Milky Way was easily seen with detail in sagittarius, and dust lanes. Visible from tail of Scorpius in South to Cassiopeia. SQM 21.64 at 0130; SQM-L 21.63 at 0152."
Devil Canyon Overlook
Bighorn Canyon NRA
"Clear skies, aside from some low clouds on the northern horizon, which mostly cleared out by 9:00 pm local time. Excellent site along the canyon rim with a direct view down into the town of Lovell. Another night of high airglow similar to the previous night at DETO. Milky Way overhead, but fine detail somewhat washed out toward the horizon and in the Sagitarrius star cloud by the airglow. Prancing Horse barely visible. Daytime visibilty slightly impaired by agricultural burning in the Big Horn Valley. The Devil Canyon Overlook is a great spot for observing the night sky or astrophotography. The Horseshoe Bend Campground is even more protected by terrain from the direct glare of Lovell."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Medicine Rocks State Park
Medicine Rocks State Park is full of history, culture, unique topography, and wonderfully dark skies. The park is also a haven for wildlife. They host dark sky…
Sinks Canyon State Park
Sinks Canyon State Park is a 600-acre park located 7.4 kilometers southwest of Lander, Wyoming. Established in 1971, Sinks Canyon is managed by the Wyoming…
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.