Comments on: Good spots for stargazing/astrophotography in NJ?

Question: Good spots for stargazing/astrophotography in NJ?

Godbert — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:37:37 -0800

Where are some good (relatively) dark-sky places I can go in New Jersey for some stargazing/astrophotography? I've long been interested in astronomy, and lately I've been meaning to take up some astrophotography, and though I have a camera and a telescope, I unfortunately live in a big city, right across from an even bigger city (Manhattan). The end result is that there's so much light pollution it's not really worth trying anything.

I have a car, and I'd like to be able to take myself, the telescope, and the camera and go somewhere less light-polluted, with a clear view of the sky, but I have no idea what places fit the bill.

I live in Hoboken, and I'm looking for somewhere within about an hour's drive.

By: caddis

caddis — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:04:15 -0800

NJ Astronomers

By: thetenthstory

thetenthstory — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:05:02 -0800

Within a one hours drive? I'm not sure if that exists. You could try Harriman State Park. But Im guessing its closed after sunset for anyone not camping there. Also well outside of your parameters. There is just a lot of light pollution anywhere within the 287 crescent.

By: Godbert

Godbert — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:09:33 -0800

I'd be willing to make a longer trip (especially when there's something happening, like a meteor shower) but I'd definitely prefer to keep within a shorter distance. I know that things get a lot better once you get away from the cities and the river, and I don't need a perfectly dark sky, just an improvement. I just don't know if there are any good places that are also open (most parks usually officially close at sunset; I was once told that state parks close at midnight but I don't know how true it is).

By: ubiquity

ubiquity — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:11:12 -0800

Try Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

By: Fferret

Fferret — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:22:37 -0800

I'd suggest either High Point, or deep in the Pine Barrens. Too much light pollution anywhere else, I'd guess.

By: TheOnlyCoolTim

TheOnlyCoolTim — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:09:23 -0800

I once went with some people and did some hiking and stargazing at Harriman. We parked at the side of the road, hiked up some trail, and came out late at night. There was nothing to be closed - there were also shelters for trail hikers to sleep at.

By: Miko

Miko — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:30:08 -0800

I would say the Pine Barrens as well. It's probably the best star viewing in the state - I used to canoe and camp there a lot. It is about a 2-hour drive from Manhattan, at least, though.

By: caddis

caddis — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:04:53 -0800

My link up above includes directions to Riker Hill Art Park in Livingston where a group of astronomers have outings. I am assuming that the sky is reasonably dark there or they would go somewhere else and Livingston is close to Hoboken.

By: infinityjinx

infinityjinx — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:47:56 -0800

I second High Point and the Delaware Water Gap.