Balmy summer nights are ideal for admiring the Milky Way: You just need to know where to go.
When looking up at the night sky in the Big Apple , you ’re more potential to see planes and skyscraper than the Milky Way . But , we ’re here to bear witness that it ’s in reality possible to dream amid the concrete jungle .
While New York City isn’tDark Sky - license , there are still plenty of stellar ( get it ? ) spots within the five boroughs or just an easy drive away for some out - of - this world sightings . Plus , you do n’t have to be a physics or telescope expert to enjoy solo expeditions or outcome hosted by local groups like theAmateur Astronomers Association — a unpaid worker - test , non - profit organization that hosts spare lectures , solar and nighttime sky observing , and astronomy division in the city .
With the Perseid Meteor Shower and a full , blue supermoon both gracing the northerly Hemisphere this month , there ’s never been a better time to find new spot for coup d’oeil of constellations , faraway satellite , and lots more .
Astronomy Nights at SUMMIT|Photo courtesy of SUMMIT
Whether you ’re a novice or uranology expert , here ’s our pathfinder to stargazing in and near New York City .
Stargazing Spots in NYC
The High LineChelseaEveryone ’s best-loved elevated park is also one of Manhattan ’s best spot for stargazing , surprisingly . Every Tuesday night from April through October , members of theAmateur Astronomers Association(AAA ) are on manus at the thirteenth Street entry to host a walk along the commons and the prospect to peer through their high - powered scope . Plus , it ’s loose and no RSVP is required : Just show up .
SUMMITMidtown EastSea - level stargazing just does n’t cut it sometimes . We desire to finger like we can much rival the Milky Way . Well , SUMMIT tries its very best by hoist you 1,100 metrical unit in the air for a dreamy stargazing experience . In collaboration with theAAA , guests of the observance deck of cards will embark on a sky - gamey tour of the cosmos through high - power scope with the help of astronomy expert . SUMMIT’sAstronomy Nightsare included with the leverage of aSUMMIT Experience ticket .
Greenwood CemeteryGreenwood HeightsAlthough some might find fall out in a burial site after dark morbid or spooky , there ’s a tranquil dish to Greenwood Cemetery — not to mention , star night sky views . Drop by for one of the upcomingAfter Hoursevents for an geographic expedition of the grounds , plus a spell of the Catacombs . Take note : have everyone in your grouping intermittently ( and rather not while walk to avoid any sprained ankle ) turn their flashlights off to cut out any extra short befoulment . More events can be foundonline .
Lincoln CenterLincoln SquareAlong with countless performance , community events , and synergistic form , Lincoln Center is also a hub for amateurish astronomers . Alternating between two locations on the belongings , the Josie Robertson Plaza ( in front of the Lincoln Center natural spring ) and the Hearst Plaza ( adjacent to the ponder puddle ) , AAA is behind these stargazing effect as well . Summer programs start up at 8 phase modulation andeventsare currently planned through December , so there ’s plentifulness of time to drop by .
Governors IslandNew York HarborLocated just a quick ferry drive away from Manhattan and Brooklyn , this veritable oasisof 173 acres in the middle of New York Harbor offer great deal of open spaces to take in the stunner of the Milky Way . And if you ’re groovy on late - nighttime viewing , record a staycation atCollective Governors Island . Not only do they host a every night campfire with s’mores while you daydream , you may also look up to the sky from outside your individual collapsible shelter or protection .
Intrepid MuseumPier 86The Intrepid Museum — you know , that monolithic , grayish aircraft flattop in the Hudson River — is also home to some of the urban center ’s good space skill programing . Throughout the yr , they host monthly live event with professionals like astronauts and scientists that harness subject like uranology , space , and other extraterrestrial subjects . suss out theirschedulefor astronomy night , which they run oft during the year .
AAA meetup at The High Line|Photo by Karen Blumberg
Carl Schurz ParkYorkvilleKnown as the home of Gracie Mansion , the official residence of the NYC Mayor , Carl Schurz Park is a hidden jewel of the Upper East Side . After the sun sets , onlookers can grab a park bench or lay out a blanket in the gage to capture some twinkling wizard . Additionally , if you happen to have your own telescope , there ’s mickle of storey ground along the East River promenade to localise up . TheAAAalso on a regular basis hosts upshot at Carl Schurz throughout the year .
Stargazing Spots Within 3.5 Hours of NYC
Montauk Point State ParkMontaukSummertime calls for weekend getaways . The vindicated favorite for many New Yorkers is Montauk . While some might venture to the baksheesh of Long Island for fancy dinners and late nights at the bars , the aloofness of the locale extend prima night sky views . We commend compact a few blanket and a spread of bite before direct over to Montauk Point State Park . Pull up before sunset to to the full bask the stony shoreline and to research theMontauk Point Lighthouse , which owns the rubric as the old beacon in New York State . Although the change of location fourth dimension slightly pushes past the two hour chump , it ’s emphatically worth the journeying . space from NYC:3 minute
Vanderbilt Museum , Space Observatory , and PlanetariumCenterportAfter a $ 4 million redevelopment in 2013 , this facility is now one of the good on Long Island for learning about the world . Every Friday night , the museum ’s observatory is open to the public and an astronomy educator is on hand to facilitate you apply the 16 - inch Meade mull over telescope , and suffice questions on the night sky . Do n’t pretermit check over out one of the show in the planetarium either : The 60 - metrical foot domed space shows a smorgasbord of distance - themed programing ( and there ’s even a Taylor Swift laser show!).Distance from NYC:1 hr and 30 proceedings
Harriman State ParkRamapoYou may be most intimate with this parkland because it ’s just to the south of the Woodbury Common outlets . And if you ’re quick and willing to embark on a hike , Harriman State Park is rife with gorgeous way and stunning slew view . Although there are n’t any designated stargazing areas , there are plenty of spot within the ballpark to post up under the wide - open sky , whether you ’re camping overnight or manoeuver out after your risky venture . Our favourite is Lake Tiorati Beach for constellations and lake view . space from NYC:1 hour
Custer Institute and Observatory|Justin Starr Photography/Shutterstock
Fire Island National SeashoreFire IslandAt this fabled destination for the LGBTQ+ community since the 1930s , Fire Island has become synonymous with idyllic beach , rolling sand dune , and vital parties . In increase to sunbathing and connecting with other vacationers , there ’s plenty of dapple along the less - crowd Fire Island National Seashore to stare up at the stars . The large expanses of beach provide the necessary darkness to reconnoiter out constellation and perhaps a glance at Mercury or Venus . Distance from NYC:1 hour and 30 minutes
Custer Institute and ObservatorySoutholdEstablished in 1927 , this facility is Long Island ’s old public lookout station . It ’s open to the public every Saturday evening from dusk until midnight , which gives you ample time to swing by . Staff unpaid worker are on script to give tours , and of class , allow you peek through their telescopes . Custer also runs a stack of outdoor events during the summer , like concerts under the stars or classes on how to navigate the night sky . aloofness from NYC:3 hours and 15 minutes
Hampton ObservatoryEast HamptonFormerly known as Montauk Observatory , this facility in East Hampton is the first of its kind in the South Fork of Long Island . Throughout the year , they host a smorgasbord of events , from virtual to public lecture . head up : They will also host “ star parties ” or portable planetarium shows for a donation to the lookout station . length from NYC:3 hours and 30 minutes
Kensico Dam PlazaValhallaThis fantastic stargazing spot in Westchester County is perched alongside the Kensico Reservoir . With a wide open field and little lightsome contamination , it ’s idealistic for night sky screening . Locals know , however , that the unspoiled view is when you climb the stairs to the top of the decametre , where you could see a sensational mirror effect from the weewee below . length from NYC:1 minute and 15 arcminute
