Yuba City.

The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Yuba City, CA. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.

Bortle Scale
4
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
21.55
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
5
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Yuba City

  • Top Community Pick: Community Observatory (~50.1 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 4.0 at Buckhorn Group Camp
  • Local Experts: Nevada County Astronomers
  • Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots

If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Yuba City, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Community Observatory for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Buckhorn Group Camp provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 4.0. The local landscape of Yuba City offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Yuba City

For the best results in Yuba City, aim for a ‘New Moon’ window. In these dark-sky conditions, the absence of moonlight allows the Milky Way to cast visible shadows.

Expert Tips for Yuba City Observers

Because Community Observatory is a developed site, it often features established viewing pads and specialized equipment. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars at this spot 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.

Local Top Spots

Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.

Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Community Observatory

50.1 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Placerville, CA 95667
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Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 80%

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park

40.1 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

folsom, CA NaN
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Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 70%

Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC)

39.1 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Sacramento, CA 95811
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Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 77.5%

Plumas Eureka State Park

66 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Johnsville, CA 96103
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Community Gathering Point Confidence: 60%

Aerospace Museum of California

34.5 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

McClellan Park, CA 95652
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Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.

Buckhorn Group Camp

Black Butte Lake RA

21.55 SQM
Bortle Class 4

"Site on a knoll just northwest of the group camp, excellent monitoring site with easy access. Seeing excellent, transparency poor. Lingering smoke and haze from wildfire, humid. Despite high extinction, an excellent sky near the zenith, with the dark lane in the Cygnus star cloud visible. Northeast through south along the horizon has numerous bright light domes, the brightest of which definitely affects dark adaptation. Early evening sky is much brighter overhead than late, presumably because of outdoor lights being shut off, but airglow decrease also a factor. By early morning, the light domes are seen to extend to less than 45 degrees above the horizon, while in early evening to at least 60 degrees, with only a small area near the zenith lacking a distinct brightness gradient. SQM 21.44 at 9:30 PM (Sales), 21.77 (Duriscoe) 12:30 AM LMT."

Observation Date
9/22/2014
Elevation
178m
Zenith Brightness
21.8

State Line Lookout

Lake Tahoe Basin

21.03 SQM
Bortle Class 5

"Site of old State Line Fire Lookout, directly above the Biltmore Hotel on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. A tree blocks much of the northern sky, and some of the light dome of Reno, but otherwise pretty good location. Seeing very good, transparency very good. Glare from nearby lights severe, especially to the west toward Tahoe City. Glare severely affects night vision, but by shielding eyes reasonbly dark skies near the zenith can be seen. Fairly good detail in the MIlky Way near zenith, washed out near the southern horizon. Incline Village has pretty good lights, not very obtrusive even though only a few kilometers away."

Observation Date
8/17/2006
Elevation
2144m
Zenith Brightness
21.08

International Dark Sky Parks

Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.

IDA Certified Distance: 204.9 miles

Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area

Nestled between the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area (BRNCA) and the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR)…

Category
International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Certified
2019
Land Area
409.9 km2
Coordinates
41.7008, -119.6842
IDA Certified Distance: 224.9 miles

Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

Nestled in the heart of the Siskiyou Mountains, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve is located in southern Oregon, United States, and provides a gateway…

Category
International Dark Sky Park
Certified
2024
Land Area
18.42 Sq. Km
Coordinates
42.1032, -123.4019

Local Astronomy Clubs

Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#384

Nevada County Astronomers

Nevada City, CA

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#170

Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society

Sacramento, CA