Where to see stars near lake Geneva

October 10, 2013 6:07 PM

We are going to be in Lake Geneva this weekend where can we get away from light pollution and see the Milky way?

I remember seeing stars for the first time out in the country and being amazed at being able to actually see the band of the milky way. I am going to be up in Lake Geneva over the weekend and need a place I can take my daughter to see the same. I know about the planetarium by George Williams College but it seems to focus on the big bright stuff not the general view, (I want to see the forest not the biggest trees) and from what I remember it is still too light by the lake. I have seen Dark Sky maps but I am really looking for a place rather than a set of gps coordinates in a farm field. The Green has helped in the past so thanks in advance. The dream is to someday see this Darkest spot in USA where Milky Way casts a shadow

posted by dstopps to Science & Nature (6 answers total)

Although I suspect you can see the Milky Way from anywhere outside of Lake Geneva's limits (assuming its a new moon), Bong Recreational Area is probably far enough from population centers that it would be better.
posted by Kyol at 6:16 PM on October 10, 2013

I would call Yerkes Observatory tomorrow and ask them. I have worked there and the staff run programs all over Wisconsin and Illinois, so they will probably be able to give you good pointers.
posted by cgk at 6:48 PM on October 10, 2013 [1 favorite]

You want to drive north/northwest of Lake Geneva. Take Hwy 12 north to La Grange and try the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive (Hwy H). It will be plenty dark. I lived at a campground north of there and I could see the Milky Way without a problem.
posted by desjardins at 7:27 PM on October 10, 2013 [1 favorite]

I drew a circle around the darkest parts in the area. We lived at the top of the circle until last month and drove through it at least once a week. There is sprawl happening along I-43, that's why you should avoid that corridor. It really hasn't spread to the circled area.
posted by desjardins at 7:45 PM on October 10, 2013

I live fairly close to Lake Geneva (in WI). If you're thinking Milky Way like you can see from northern Wisconsin, you'll be very disappointed. We're much too close to Chicago's and Milwaukee's light pollution for that. However, if you are from somewhere like Milwaukee or Chicago, then yes; the Western part of Kettle Moraine or much of Bong would suit you nicely. I'd probably recommend Kettle Moraine because I believe it's farther from light pollution. Bong may be easier to find, though, and it probably gives a better chance for a Big Sky effect as I believe it has more accessible wide open prairies. Otherwise, get in a car and start driving northwest until you see nothing but cornfields. Not too far, though, or you'll end up in Madison.
posted by tllaya at 7:59 PM on October 10, 2013

This is the Dark Sky Finder for the area around Lake Geneva (centered on Yerkes). As you can see tllaya is correct about the urban light pollution, although it's also the overall density of SE Wisconsin. The nearest yellow is actually in Western Rock County (where I live), which is a hike from Lake Geneva.

But yes, I would agree that orange-y Walworth County overall compares favorably to your urban viewing experience. It might even seem incredibly dark to you if you haven't experienced a truly remote stargazing romp. You will definitely be able to see the Milky Way and stars of 3, 4, and 5 magnitude, once your eyes are acclimated. Growing up I used to be able to make out most of Coma Berenices and Delphinus (my favorite constellation) with the naked eye from a park within Janesville, but it's a lot harder now (and my eyes are certainly not as good).

As far as specific locations, you might try the White River State Trail, a converted railbed north of the lake. It's a graded limestone surface on top of a standard railbed so you won't easily get lost, and it won't take you long to get away from the crossing roads and pretty much out in the dark. I don't know for sure but there are frequently little improved rest stops. It also looks like there's a scenic overlook closer to Lake Como which might be good for stargazing. On the other hand, there still may be too much light from the Lake Geneva area.
posted by dhartung at 12:28 PM on October 11, 2013