Taylor
Stargazing Guide.
Just 56.3 miles from the center of Taylor, lies some of the region's best viewing at LVAAS South Mountain Observatory. We feature instrumented readings from Meadow south of Church House to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Taylor
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: LVAAS South Mountain Observatory. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~56.3 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class C (Suburban). Use the instrumented 5 rating from Meadow south of Church House as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Greater Hazleton Area Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Taylor offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
As a regional observation basecamp, Taylor offers the essential amenities needed before heading into the isolated darkness of Meadow south of Church House. It marks the transition where the suburban light dome finally gives way to the true wilderness sky.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Taylor
Observation in Taylor is most rewarding during the Spring months. During this time, the colder air masses over the Appalachia region often result in significantly higher transparency, allowing you to see objects like the Andromeda Galaxy or Orion Nebula with much more definition.
Expert Tips for Taylor Observers
If you're visiting LVAAS South Mountain Observatory, bring a pack of chemical hand-warmers and rubber-band them to your eyepiece or camera lens. This acts as a 'budget' dew heater, which is essential for the humid nights often found in PA during the peak viewing seasons. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 5 at Meadow south of Church House (82.3 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Taylor
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Pro Tip: Always bring a red-light flashlight to these Taylor spots to preserve your night vision.
LVAAS South Mountain Observatory
" For the dedicated Taylor observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Deep Sky Advice: Allow at least 20 minutes in total darkness for your pupils to fully dilate. You'll notice faint nebulae that were invisible at first. "
Louis Schiavo City View Park
" Taylor observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Veteran Pro-Tip: Avoid using your phone's white screen. Even with low brightness, it resets your eye's Rhodopsin levels instantly. "
Green Lane Park
" For the dedicated Taylor observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Vision Technique: Try 'Averted Vision'—look slightly to the side of a faint object to use the more light-sensitive rods in your eyes. "
Camp Laughing Water
" While it's a bit of a journey from Taylor, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. Deep Sky Advice: Allow at least 20 minutes in total darkness for your pupils to fully dilate. You'll notice faint nebulae that were invisible at first. "
Hazle Twp Commons Building
" A manageable drive from Taylor, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Deep Sky Advice: Allow at least 20 minutes in total darkness for your pupils to fully dilate. You'll notice faint nebulae that were invisible at first. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Taylor
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to LVAAS South Mountain Observatory to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for Taylor
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Discover which telescopes can best cut through the remaining regional skyglow to see these scientific targets by viewing our gear recommendations.
Meadow south of Church House
Hopewell Furnace NHS
Local Relevance
For observers in Taylor, Meadow south of Church House serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Meadow south of Church House in Hopewell Furnace NHS on 8/16/2014. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 19.87 SQM."
Jockey Hollow
Morristown NHS
Local Relevance
For observers in Taylor, Jockey Hollow serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"No distinct "domes" are seen, the sky is bright all around except toward the west, which looks dark by comparison. It is therefore impossible to attribute light pollution to any individual city. The Milky Way is not at the zenith at this time of the year, but even late when the summer Milky Way is higher it is invisible. Near the zenith there are some features, the Coma cluster is seen as 10-12 stars, the form of Ursa Major and Leo are readily seen, but anything below 60 degrees above the horizon is severely compromised. The land is well illuminated, navigation easy unless you are looking toward New York and Newark, where the light of the sky produces glare. Estimate about 1/4 of scoptopic vision is lost, unless looking at the eastern sky, which is much brighter. Bortle Class 7, could be 6 later on if it gets a bit darker. With patience, remarkably ZLM of 5.9 is achieved."
Dark Sky Oasis near Taylor
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Certified dark skies like these are most rewarding when paired with the right aperture. Check out our suggested kit for Taylor observers.
Cherry Springs State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Taylor, Cherry Springs State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
Pennsylvania, USA
Sky Meadows State Park
The protected skies at Sky Meadows State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Taylor observing community.
11012 Edmonds Lane Delaplane, VA 20144 USA
Astronomy Clubs for Taylor
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 Taylor residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Taylor Nights
"With the long trek from Taylor, "ruggedness" becomes a gear priority. Ensure your tripod and mount are rated for uneven terrain, as the best dark sites near here often feature unpaved staging areas."
The Taylor Field Kit
When observing near Taylor, the local atmospheric stability and the commute time to isolated zones are your primary logistical factors. The difference between the Taylor city center and the instrumented readings at sites 56 miles away is staggering, requiring optics that can handle both glare and deep contrast. We've curated a specific progression of gear—from entry-level comfort to dedicated imaging hubs—to help you maximize every clear night.