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Dark Sky Viewing
Dark Sky Viewing at Tennessee State Parks
Tennessee State Parks are exceptionally well suited to night sky viewing.
Many parks partner with regional and local astronomy clubs to offer astronomy programs, dark sky viewings, star trail photography workshops, and star parties.
Programs are suited to all levels of interest and ability from amateur astronomers to seasoned stargazers. Topics and activities vary from park to park but often include: astrophotography, eclipses, telescopes, the Milky Way, making star charts, learning the names of constellations, and other fun astronomy activities.
The Importance of Dark Skies
There is something unforgettable about sitting beneath a truly dark night sky, where, on a clear evening with a new moon, the canopy of stars surrounds you and inspires a sense of wonder.
In many cities, artificial light from streets and buildings washes out the stars, making it difficult to experience the beauty of the night sky. Tennessee State Parks offer a welcome escape from this light pollution, providing places where visitors can slow down, look up, and reconnect with the universe above.
These dark skies are not only breathtaking, but also vital to healthy ecosystems, supporting nocturnal wildlife that depend on natural darkness to survive. By preserving and promoting dark sky viewing, Tennessee State Parks help protect wildlife, reduce unnecessary energy use, and give visitors the rare chance to see stars, planets, and even the Milky Way as they were meant to be seen.
International Dark Sky Park
Known for its stunning natural sandstone formations and botanical diversity, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is also one of the best locations in the Southeast to view the night sky.
In 2015, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park and Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area earned Silver-tier International Dark Sky Park designation, becoming the first state park in the Southeast to receive this prestigious recognition. Visitors can enjoy sweeping, rich views of the night sky similar to those found in many of the Western states.
To meet the International Dark-Sky Association’s rigorous standards, Pickett-Pogue partnered with local communities and upgraded facilities with night-sky-friendly lighting. As dark skies become increasingly rare, the park now serves as a protected oasis for stargazing and natural darkness stewardship.
How Dark is Dark? Park staff measured the night sky brightness at various locations and converted the readings into the Bortle Sky Scale. The Bortle Sky Scale ranges from one to nine with one being inky black darkness. Pickett-Pogue has Bortle Class 3 skies!
Dark Sky Viewing Tips
- Look for sites with clear horizons that offer wide expansive views.
- The darker the better. Go out on moonless nights for the best viewing.
- In cooler weather, dress warmly. Temperatures drop swiftly at night, especially just before dawn. Standing on cold ground can feel up to 10 degrees colder.
- Bring a folding chair and weather appropriate clothing. You may be outside for an hour or two, and you will want to be comfortable.
- You don't need any special equipment to view the night sky. Binoculars and sky charts can add to the fun, but are not necessary.
- Use a red low light flashlight to keep light to a minimum. It can take up to an hour for your eyes to adjust to the dark sky. Low light flashlights make reading your star chart easy, without disturbing your night vision.
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