Union Hill-Novelty Hill
Stargazing Guide.
Uncover the hidden celestial treasures of Union Hill-Novelty Hill, WA. From the verified horizons at Big Rock Park to the scientific Bortle Class 4 reports at Obstruction Point, your journey to the stars starts here.
Stargazing Logistics for Union Hill-Novelty Hill
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Big Rock Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~4.8 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from Obstruction Point as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Seattle Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Union Hill-Novelty Hill offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Union Hill-Novelty Hill acts as a primary gateway to the Big Rock Park zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 4) at Obstruction Point just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Union Hill-Novelty Hill
Observation in Union Hill-Novelty Hill is most rewarding during the Summer months. During this time, the colder air masses over the Pacific 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 Union Hill-Novelty Hill Observers
Thermal equilibrium is key. Since Union Hill-Novelty Hill temperatures can shift rapidly after sunset, allow your telescope mirrors at least 45 minutes to 'cool down' before attempting high-magnification work at Big Rock Park. This prevents 'tube currents' from blurring your view of Jupiter or Saturn. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Obstruction Point (65.0 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Union Hill-Novelty Hill
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 Union Hill-Novelty Hill spots to preserve your night vision.
Big Rock Park
" A short hop from Union Hill-Novelty Hill, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Park in the lower lot near the street. If that lot is full please park in the lot as far from the middle field as you can with your headlights facing away from the fields. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Just a quick dash for Union Hill-Novelty Hill residents, this location offers great convenience. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" A short hop from Union Hill-Novelty Hill, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Atmospheric Tip: Scintillation (star twinkling) is a sign of high-altitude turbulence. If stars are twinkling heavily, stick to low-magnification wide views. "
Paramount School Park
" Union Hill-Novelty Hill observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Covington Community Park
" Union Hill-Novelty Hill observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Union Hill-Novelty Hill
Rural conditions near Union Hill-Novelty Hill provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Union Hill-Novelty Hill
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, Union Hill-Novelty Hill observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Obstruction Point
Olympic NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Obstruction Point provide Union Hill-Novelty Hill residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Perhaps an area 30 degrees in diameter near the zenith offers reasonable visual observations. Otherwise the sky is very modified by light pollution. ZLM 6.9 with difficulty, the eastern sky must be shielded by the ridgetop to achieve this as it definitely affects scotopic vision. The treeless ridge is easy to navigate by the light of the sky. Milky Way easily seen near the zenith,but loses its character rapidly approaching the horizon. Fog appears to move in in early morning through the Strait of Juan de Fuca into the northern Puget Sound area, suppressing light pollution and significantly improving the sky quality."
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
Union Hill-Novelty Hill enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Burroughs Mountain to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"High Cirrus to North West"
Dark Sky Oasis near Union Hill-Novelty Hill
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 Union Hill-Novelty Hill observers.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Union Hill-Novelty Hill stargazers often look to Cottonwood Canyon State Park as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
The protected skies at Antelope, Oregon represent a vital astronomical asset for the Union Hill-Novelty Hill observing community.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Union Hill-Novelty Hill
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 Union Hill-Novelty Hill residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Union Hill-Novelty Hill Nights
"Since deep darkness at sites like the local staging areas is less than a 15-minute dash from Union Hill-Novelty Hill, you can justify using heavier, high-aperture telescopes that would be a hassle to transport long distances."
The Union Hill-Novelty Hill Field Kit
Every observer in Union Hill-Novelty Hill eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. The difference between the Union Hill-Novelty Hill city center and the instrumented readings at sites 5 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 Union Hill-Novelty Hill.