Yuma.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Yuma, AZ. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Yuma
- Top Community Pick: Wilcox Community Center (~10.6 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 3.0 at Pozo Nuevo Road
- Local Experts: Astronomy Association of Arizona
- Verified Observations: 1 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Yuma, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Wilcox Community Center for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Pozo Nuevo Road provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 3.0. Atmospheric stability in the Yuma region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Yuma
For the best results in Yuma, 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 Yuma Observers
Because Wilcox Community Center 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.
Arizona Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Wilcox 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.
Pozo Nuevo Road
Organ Pipe Cactus NM
"Set up just west of the dirt Pozo Nuevo Road about a mile north of the Puerto Blanco jct. Skies cleared out nicely after earlier cloudiness. An excellent location with a view to the SW section of border wall and the Quitoboquito area. Sonoyta to SE was still bright with scattered light sources to the SW. Sonoyta 25° wide and 25° high. Incredible zodiacal light in the west with Venus and Jupiter setting. Zodiacal light stretched up into Pleiades at 70° high. Winter Milky Way was detailed all the way down to NW horizon. PHX light was visible behind the hills to the NE. Some lights visible due south, perhaps in Mexico? SQM = 21.46"
Armenta Ranch Road
Organ Pipe Cactus NM
"Setup equipment along north side of Armenta Ranch Road about 1/4 mile east of ranch building. Skies finally cleared out later in the evening after a previous night and morning of rain (heavy at times) across the entire region. Humidity levels much higher than previous nights with lots of dew present. One isolated set of clouds built up just after we started initial data collection, starting in the SW, then a big band overhead moving east. One prominent band over the PHX light dome then moving out east until fully dissipated. Sonoyta light dome is small and dim, but surprisingly prominent given the distance and topography to the south. To the SW Yuma is dim but visible over the vegetation. Ajo to the NNW is dim about 8 degrees across. PHX light dome is large, about 50 degrees wide, but not too tall at 20 degrees. Milky way is detailed and prominent from SE to NW, detail down to 10 degrees SE until it hits Sonoyta. Down to almost horizon until Ajo. Only light sources visible were a two beacon lights, one east and one north, and a sign light over a beacon that did not have a top light. SQM = 21.46"
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