Community Forums

murbot · 12-01-2022, 09:49 AM

Hi,
Anybody know any good RV campgrounds to see shooting stars not too far from Maryland?
Best time of year for it at that those spots?

We travel 1-3 hours for most trips from Mount Airy MD, but I want to add a couple 8-12hr or more trips. Head to KY, TN, OH etc. We live with so much light pollution, there's little chance to a good night of static stars, much less shooters.

Thanks,

tinkerreknit · 12-01-2022, 10:00 AM

This isn't a particular suggestion, but rather something you might consider in making a selection.
Virginia has several State Parks that are "International Dark Sky Parks". "The parks achieved the designation by establishing an outdoor lighting policy that minimized light pollution, outreach to the local community, and hosting and promoting programs for guests to enjoy stargazing."
I didn't research a similar program in the states you mention, but maybe you'll want to.
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/dark-sky-parks

Nwcid · 12-01-2022, 10:25 AM

Shooting stars are not a particularly frequent occurrence so seeing them will be relatively rare, even with a dark sky.

There are times of the year that are known to have meteor showers. There are many websites dedicated to the subject and I would spend some time researching that so you know when to go.

dbircky · 12-01-2022, 10:33 AM

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

twogypsies · 12-01-2022, 01:40 PM

Start studying this site and the many others out there for meteor showers.

Talk with scientists at the local planatarium or check out the local university or check with a local 'sky' club.

https://www.almanac.com/content/meteor-shower-calendar

oldmattb · 12-01-2022, 02:59 PM

Not a direct answer, but it might help.

We live just west of Tucson. We are at around 2400 feet elevation, average air pollution, less than usual light pollution. On a clear moonless night, I usually see a shooting star within 10 minutes of going out to look. A few weeks ago, I saw one during the day.

Elevation, clean air, dark sky, I think that would do it.

Flyer15015 · 12-01-2022, 03:17 PM

Tin Cup, Colorado is a great place to see the night sky.
Too bad Frenchy's is closed now. Great blueberry Pie.

Of course, my back porch is at 8500', so were a lot closer to them than most folks.

Mike in Colorado

twinboat · 12-01-2022, 03:20 PM

I see them while soaking in my hot tub at 3AM, Up state NY.

A web site about shooting stars may offer more info.

Psneeld · 12-01-2022, 04:11 PM

Dark Sky Map

https://www.darkskymap.com/nightSkyBrightness

We are pretty much screwed east of the Mississippi.

Zoom in and get to the darkest fringe you can.

profdan · 12-01-2022, 06:06 PM

The two best nights of the year, I think, are August 11-12 (Perseids) and December 13-14 (Geminids). Don't go if there is a full moon.

Are there campgrounds in the Great Smokies at higher elevations?

Sunrise Camp · 12-01-2022, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbircky

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

I'll second Cherry Springs State Park. There is a small "regular" state park campground there and also the wide-open Astronomy Field (with limited AC hookups). On the Astronomy Field there are NO lights (except red) are allowed after dark and you can hang-out with the rather serious amateur astronomers.

twogypsies · 12-01-2022, 11:02 PM

This may help you choose RV parks for dark skies.

https://explorersweb.com/internation...week-us-guide/

https://go.campendium.com/dark-sky-park/

https://escapees.com/dark-sky-campgrounds/

https://www.darksky.org/our-work/con...n/idsp/finder/

https://dso.appstate.edu/

https://www.darksky.org/our-work/con...on/idsp/parks/

LynnD · 12-02-2022, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbircky

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

Another vote for Cherry Springs State Park! There are several amateur, semi pro and at times, even professionals that will share their knowledge with you. Fascinating.