Southern Arizona is a location offering some amazing scenery, especially if you enjoy looking up at the stars. Astronomers and amateurs have preferred Arizona as a premier stargazing destination since the early 1900s. From the beautiful weather to the mountainous landscape, you are likely to see stars, constellations, the Andromeda Galaxy, or even a glimpse of the Milky Way! Read on to learn more about why southern Arizona is popular for stargazers.
Patterson Observatory
Boasted as Sierra Vista’s Best Kept Secret, the Patterson Observatory is located on Cochise Community College’s campus. This observatory is operated by volunteers of the Huachuca Astronomy Club (HAC) and regularly hosts free Public Viewing Nights for the whole family. These nights coincide with the New Moon for the best viewing experience. It is also possible to reserve for group events as well, with advanced notice. As a part of the NASA Night Sky Network and Arizona Astronomy Consortium, the observatory has a Healey Telescope that can view objects a million times smaller than the human eye can see. The Patterson Observatory also hosts other events, such as free Solar Saturdays. On the second Saturday of every month, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., Huachuca Astronomy Club members will be available to call attention to sunspots and other interesting features through solar telescopes.
Just a 10-minute drive from The Mall at Sierra Vista, go North on AZ-92W until you reach East Charleston Road. Take a right on East Charleston Road and a left onto Colombo Avenue. Drive past the Cochise Community College campus sign and take the next right, following the signs to the observatory.
Dark Sky Communities
Since 2001, Arizona has been working hard to create locations throughout the state designated as Dark Sky Communities. These communities are defined by the International Dark-Sky Association as lands with “exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.” There are currently 19 Dark Sky Communities throughout Arizona, including the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest National Parks. These locations will provide you with the ultimate viewing experience as there is little to no interference from lighting interrupting your stargazing.
Stargazing Tips
Whether you are planning a trip to an observatory, going stargazing at one of Arizona’s Dark Sky Communities, or just want to enjoy the stars from your own backyard in Sierra Vista, there are several ways to get the most out of your experience. Check the weather forecast! You are not going to see anything if there are clouds. Minimizing light pollution is another key to getting the best view. This means finding a location where there are no streetlamps, buildings, or cars. All of these will make it harder to see the faintest stars. Find a location where you can see the horizon, the higher the better! If you are looking for recommendations on telescopes or binoculars, get in touch with your local astronomy club.
Best Time to Stargaze
You are likely to enjoy stargazing at any time of the night, but if you are wanting the best experience, there is such a thing as the perfect time. April to July are the ideal months for enjoying the dark Arizona skies. If you are looking to just lay under the stars and appreciate the view, a moonless night will be best for seeing the most stars and clusters. The best time of night to set up your telescope is just after the sun has set and is low enough below the horizon, this way the twilight does not interfere. But if you are hoping to see the Milky Way, the timing varies. From March to May, it will be noticeable just a few hours before sunrise. By June, you can catch it just before midnight. June through August are going to be the best months to see the Milky Way, as it will be visible most of the night under dark skies.
Contact Castle & Cooke Today
At Castle & Cooke we love helping locals and Arizona transplants find their perfect home so that they too can become part of the community we love so much! Make Arizona your home and enjoy everything the state has to offer. To learn more about our Sierra Vista homes and our neighborhoods, call us at (520) 378-5110.