STAR STRUCK

EXPLORING THE COSMOS FROM THE LONE STAR STATE

BY ANNETTE BROOKS

“The stars at night. Are big and bright. Deep in the heart of Texas.”

Written in 1941, these lyrics from “Deep in the Heart of Texas” remain true today. According to a recent study, around 80% of Americans are unable to see the Milky Way from their homes due to light pollution. But with numerous Certified International Dark Sky Places (ISDP), the Lone Star State offers plenty of spectacular dark sky stargazing spots. So, ditch the city lights and head to destinations like those we’ve highlighted below. Take your time soaking in the beauty of the night sky and connecting with the universe Texas-style. Relax and let the cosmos captivate you.

GREATER BIG BEND INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY RESERVE

A vast Dark Sky Certified place, Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve encompasses over nine million acres stretching from the Davis Mountains to the Rio Grande and into Mexico. It covers several parks and protected areas, including Big Bend National Park, Davis Mountains State Park, and the University of Texas’ McDonald Observatory.

Big Bend National Park – One of our country’s most remote and pristine national parks, its vast desert landscapes and rugged mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for viewing the night sky. Clear, dry air creates ideal conditions for stargazers to marvel at the Milky Way, planets, and constellations and watch meteor showers and comets when they appear. For more information, visit BigBendDarkSkyReserve.org and DarkSky.org/places/greater-big-bend-international-dark-sky-reserve.

Davis Mountains State Park and McDonald Observatory – High altitude and dark skies (TPWD.texas.gov/state-parks/davis-mountains) create perfect conditions for stargazing. McDonald Observatory, a premier astronomical research facility operated by the University of Texas, is located just past the park on Highway 118. It offers public star parties and guided tours where visitors can peer through some of the world’s most advanced telescopes. The observatory features a visitor center with educational exhibits, making it an excellent destination for families and astronomy enthusiasts alike. McDonaldObservatory.org

Since the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve is hundreds of miles from metro areas like Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston, plan to stay at least two to three nights. Camping is available in Big Bend National Park and most state parks. Airbnbs, cabins, motels, hotels, RV parks, and lodges are scattered throughout towns such as Valentine, Fort Davis, Marathon, Lajitas, Alpine, Marfa, and Terlingua.

MORE CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY PLACES IN TEXAS

The locations below are just a sample. Visit DarkSkyTexas.org/texas-dark-sky-places for a complete list.

Copper Breaks State Park – Planning a trip to Lubbock, Amarillo, or Wichita Falls, Texas? Visit Copper Breaks State Park on a clear night to view a sky encrusted with twinkling stars. A favorite among stargazers, the park offers exceptional night sky views and holds monthly star parties from April through November. TPWD.texas.gov/state-parks/copper-breaks/stargazing

South Llano River State Park – Located on the southwestern edge of the Hill Country, the park’s elevation, lower humidity, and open spaces offer clear horizons, allowing unobstructed views of the night sky. Hosted stargazing events and programs, including guided night hikes and astronomy talks, are designed to enrich your stargazing experience. TPWD.texas.gov/state-parks/south-llano-river/dark-skies

Enchanted Rock Natural Area – About 17 miles north of Fredericksburg, Texas, Enchanted Rock is known for its high vantage points and minimal light pollution, providing a clear view of the night sky. On weekends, the park often hosts star parties, where visitors can enjoy guided stargazing sessions with the help of knowledgeable volunteers. TPWD.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock/more-info/dark-skies

Stargazing Tips

Choose a location as far away from city lights and nearby out door lights. The darker the sky, the better your stargazing experience.

Familiarize yourself with the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale. It measures the brightness of the night sky on a scale from 1, the lowest, to 9, the most heavily light-polluted site. You can find several Bortle Scale maps and pps online.

Download a free app like Stellarium Mobile–Star Map.It includes around 2.5 million stars, 2.9 million deep sky objects (DSOs), and 10,000 asteroids. Just point your phone upward and it will display a realistic sky in your location and identify what you’re viewing.

Give your eyes at least 15 minutesto adjust to the darkness before stargazing, and you’ll be rewarded with a clearer view of the cosmos. Turn off headlights, douse campfires, and don’t use lights, including regular flashlights or smartphone lights. Instead, use a red LED flashlight that minimizes pupil dilation and thus helps preserve your night vision.

The best time for stargazing is during a new moon when the sky is at its darkest.