Where to stargaze around Austin?

March 13, 2008 8:58 PM

Where's a good spot to go stargazing around Austin (naked eye or with telescope in tow)? I noticed the AAS has a dark sky spot at Canyon of the Eagles, so places other than that. Preferably safe places that won't get me arrested.
posted by Roman Graves to Science & Nature (8 answers total)

Mansfield Dam? It's a lot closer.
posted by chips ahoy at 9:27 PM on March 13, 2008

enchanted rock
posted by ncc1701d at 9:52 PM on March 13, 2008

This is probably obvious, but the sky will be darker faster to the east or west, as there's nonstop population north and south for some distance.
posted by grouse at 1:08 AM on March 14, 2008

Mt. Bonnell-- might be the typical romantic spot in in teenage Austin. Doesn't mean it's not a greak place to look at the sky. technically a park, but that doesn't stop anybody from going late at night (and there are very rarely any cops in that area, because it's in the northwest upperclass part).
posted by stresstwig at 1:37 AM on March 14, 2008

Great place. Also probably a great Greek place, too.
posted by stresstwig at 1:37 AM on March 14, 2008

I have had multiple friends get busted for breaching the curfew at Mount Bonnell, so I personally do not recommend that. Also, there will be a lot of light pollution so it might not be the best for serious stargazing. You also might not feel like lugging a telescope up one hundred steps.
posted by grouse at 2:06 AM on March 14, 2008

Elgin. You should be able to find a parking lot you could set up in, and there will be very little light pollution out there. About a 30 minute drive.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:52 AM on March 14, 2008

Wild Basin off of Hwy 360?
posted by kristymcj at 1:49 PM on April 21, 2008