Yonkers
Stargazing Guide.
Just 12.6 miles from the center of Yonkers, lies some of the region's best viewing at Carl Schurz Park. We feature instrumented readings from Meadow south of Church House to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Yonkers
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Carl Schurz Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~12.6 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 Columbia University Public Outreach for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Yonkers offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Yonkers acts as a primary gateway to the Carl Schurz Park zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 5) at Meadow south of Church House just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Yonkers
In NY, the transitional periods of early Winter often provide a stable atmosphere between weather fronts. For Yonkers residents, this means less 'star twinkling' (scintillation) and a significantly steadier view for high-magnification planetary observation.
Expert Tips for Yonkers Observers
If you're visiting Carl Schurz Park, 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 NY during the peak viewing seasons. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 5 at Meadow south of Church House (112.2 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Yonkers
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Max out your local session by using the essential observer gear staged for the Yonkers environment.
Carl Schurz Park
" Just a quick dash for Yonkers residents, this location offers great convenience. Veteran Pro-Tip: Avoid using your phone's white screen. Even with low brightness, it resets your eye's Rhodopsin levels instantly. "
The High Line
" A manageable drive from Yonkers, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Imaging Tip: If you're photographing the Milky Way, bring a clear filter or dew shield to prevent lens fogging in humid conditions. "
Pier i
" Practically in Yonkers's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Sky Contrast Tip: To see the Milky Way, wait for the Moon to go below the horizon; even a 25% crescent Moon can wash out the faintest nebulae. "
Floyd Bennett Field
" A manageable drive from Yonkers, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Scientific Fact: Around 3 AM, the atmosphere is usually most stable, offering the 'steadiest seeing' for high-magnification planetary views. "
Meadow Parking Lot, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
" Yonkers observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Sky Contrast Tip: To see the Milky Way, wait for the Moon to go below the horizon; even a 25% crescent Moon can wash out the faintest nebulae. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Yonkers
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to Carl Schurz Park to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for Yonkers
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Seeing the faint magnitude targets listed in these NPS readings often requires the specific gear we've staged for Yonkers nights in our observer field kit.
Meadow south of Church House
Hopewell Furnace NHS
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Meadow south of Church House provide Yonkers residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"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 Yonkers, 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 Yonkers
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Planning a trip to a nearby Dark Sky Park? Ensure your kit is ready by viewing our staged observer advice below.
Cherry Springs State Park
Yonkers stargazers often look to Cherry Springs State Park as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
Pennsylvania, USA
Sky Meadows State Park
The protected skies at Sky Meadows State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Yonkers observing community.
11012 Edmonds Lane Delaplane, VA 20144 USA
Astronomy Clubs for Yonkers
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Don't show up to the club dark-site empty-handed. View the field kit we've curated for the The Celestial Photographer profile.
Gearing Up for Yonkers Nights
"Staging for a night near Yonkers 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 Yonkers Field Kit
Every observer in Yonkers eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. The difference between the Yonkers city center and the instrumented readings at sites 13 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 Yonkers.