Troy
Stargazing Guide.
Just 17 miles from the center of Troy, lies some of the region's best viewing at Gateway Arch. We feature instrumented readings from Houchin's Field to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Troy
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Gateway Arch. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~17.0 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from Houchin's Field as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact River Bend Astronomy Club for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Troy offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Troy is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the IL metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 4 skies found at Houchin's Field.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Troy
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Troy, wait for the 4-day window surrounding the New Moon each month for the deepest contrast. Since the sun sets early in the late Winter months, you can often begin deep-sky imaging as early as 7 PM.
Expert Tips for Troy Observers
When observing from Gateway Arch, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Troy residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of IL to capture the lowest magnitude stars that are normally invisible from the city center. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Houchin's Field (232.1 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Troy
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 Troy spots to preserve your night vision.
Gateway Arch
" A manageable drive from Troy, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. There will be free telescope viewing provided by volunteers from the St. Call 314-655-1704 that evening for an update if you aren't sure about the weather., 'Check out the stars on the Gateway Arch Entrance Plaza! "
McDonnell Planetarium - Forest Park
" A manageable drive from Troy, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. 'SLSC Solar Public Telescope Viewing at McDonnell Planetarium, weather permitting, the St Louis Astronomical Society and the Science Center will set up telescopes outdoors to view the Sun and be on-hand to answer your questions. The telescopes will be set up right outside the McDonnell Planetarium building. "
Tower Grove Park - Stone Shelter
" A manageable drive from Troy, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Night Vision Tip: Red light is the only color that won't break your dark adaptation. Invest in a red headlamp for hands-free navigation. "
Stacy Park
" A manageable drive from Troy, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Veteran Pro-Tip: Avoid using your phone's white screen. Even with low brightness, it resets your eye's Rhodopsin levels instantly. "
Louis Latzer Library [Outreach Only]
" A short hop from Troy, this spot is a top-tier local choice. His presentation is highlighted by photos, and capped with video of the 2017 total solar eclipse. The talk will be followed by telescope viewing outdoors, weather permitting.' "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Troy
Rural conditions near Troy provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Troy
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. To resolve the deep-sky objects measured in these scientific reports, Troy observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Houchin's Field
Mammoth Cave NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Houchin's Field provide Troy residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Dewfall occurred during data collection, however dew heater prevented lens fog. Multiple light domes evident from site, as well as a continuous glow along horizon in all directions. Airglow was present. Andromeda galaxy easily visible, Beehive (Pegasus) visible with medium effort. Prominent dust lanes in Milky Way visible at zenith, but not below ~50 degrees."
Log Cabins
Fort Donelson NB
Local Relevance
Troy enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Log Cabins to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Only fair transparency and seeing. Some fast moving clouds. High humidity. Milky Way visible from 20 degrees above north horizon. Great rift visible, Saggitarius cloud not easily visible, Scutum cloud not visible. Milky Way about 10-12 degrees wide, but faint and no fine details. To the NW a blue white light dome easily seen. Due East is the Clarksville lightdome almost 25 degrees high and 15 degrees wide. Core is bright. Adjacent to the light dome is a spotlight (which we determined was coming from the cemetary here in FODO park)."
Dark Sky Oasis near Troy
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 Troy observers.
Stacy Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Troy, Stacy Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
9750 Old Bonhomme Rd. Olivette, MO 63132
Middle Fork River Forest Preserve
As one of the closest certified environments to Troy, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
3433 County Rd 2700 E, Penfield, IL 61862 USA
Astronomy Clubs for Troy
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 Troy residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Star Parties
Edwardsville, IL
Gearing Up for Troy Nights
"Staging for a night near Troy requires a balance of power and portability. Consider 10x50 binoculars as a primary scouting tool while your main telescope acclimates to the cooler rural air."
The Troy Field Kit
When observing near Troy, the local atmospheric stability and the immediate access to verified hubs are your primary logistical factors. Since Gateway Arch offers a specific Class 4 horizon, your equipment needs to be calibrated for the unique transparency found in this part of the state. We've curated a specific progression of gear—from entry-level comfort to dedicated imaging hubs—to help you maximize every clear night.