Waynesboro.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Waynesboro, GA. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Waynesboro
- Top Community Pick: Deerlick Astronomy Village (~60.1 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 4.0 at Stafford Air Strip
- Local Experts: Statesboro Astronomy Club
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
Stargazing in Waynesboro is surprisingly rewarding if you know exactly where to set up your tripod. While enthusiasts often gather at Deerlick Astronomy Village for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Stafford Air Strip provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 4.0. The local landscape of Waynesboro offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Waynesboro
Since Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro Observers
Before heading out to Deerlick Astronomy Village, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars here for sweeping views of the Moon’s craters and larger constellations. 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.
Georgia Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Deerlick Astronomy Village
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Deerlick Astronomy Village, Grier's Field
" 5) Turn right (South) onto Double Wells Road and go 0.3 miles to Aaron Grier Road (ja gravel road) 6) Turn right (West) onto Aaron Grier Road and go approximately 0.5 miles to the DAV entrance, Star Gate 1 (SG1). [Special note: Deerlick Astronomy Village is a gated community, but during the star party the gate will be open during daylight hours.] 7) At the wooden sign Members Field, take a right onto Griers Field, the DAV office is at the end of the road.' "
Jack Hill State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
A H Stephens State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Sharon Community Center
" 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.
Stafford Air Strip
Cumberland Island NS
"Set up equipment on grass air strip just NE of NPS fire weather station. Numerous feral horses grazing nearby, though they did not seem interested in the equipment. This site provides a great location for stagazing, as the nearby light domes from communities and the Navy base are mostly blocked by the surrounding forest. Given the size of the cleared area around the landing strip, the tree line only extends to about 5 degrees above the natural horizon. For the nearby campground, this is an excellent area for visitors to enjoy the night sky. The light dome from Jacksonville is very prominent to the south and the Naval Submarine base also brightens the sky to the SW. The smoke from the previous days burning at the Navy base had subsided and the skies were very clear. SQM reading of 20.77"
Clingmans Dome
Great Smoky Mountains NP
"A very windy night with strong gusts. FWHM definitely affected, probably by vibrations of the observation tower itself. Light polltion sources visible both in foreground and at horizon. A thin layer of haze evident to east, possibly part of approaching clouds. First data set virtually cloud free. Sky free of contrails. Limiting magnitude found in Pegasus. Andromeda galaxy visible, M15 requires much effort. Milky Way detail easily detectable near zenith. Sky appeared noticeably brighter than previous nights, possibly due to some airglow. I also think it may have to do with the atmospheric clarity. All other nights contained some amount of possible light absorbing clouds. The second set of images from this night do contain some clouds, but the first set is clear."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) is nestled in the Pisgah National Forest at a former historic NASA facility. They provide a variety of activities…
Stephen C. Foster State Park
Stephen C. Foster State Park is a small (32-hectare; 80-acre) property in the vast 1,627 km2 (402,000-acre) expanse of the surrounding Okefenokee National…
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.