From the darkest nooks in Austin to light pollution-free parks outside of the city, here’s where to gaze into the galaxy.
As the famed Song dynasty go , “ The stars at Nox are fully grown and shining / Deep in the heart of Texas . ” And if you ’ve ever applaud along to that tune beneath a Lone Star moon , you know how true those language are . Resplendent with astray - loose spaces and dark sky , our state brag some of the best fleck in the country to daydream and take in the constellations . With the famous space spectacle , the Perseid meteoroid exhibitor , set to peak during the former hour of August 13 , there ’s no good time to bust out the stargazing opera glasses . And , just like your own personal North Star , our guide is here to guide you to Austin ’s prime spot for charting heavenly trunk .
Stargazing Spots in Austin
The city ’s ever - growing population , and the plethora of structure that come with it , does n’t make for ideal stargazing stipulation . Like most urban centers , Austin is fair dense with tripping pollution which jam a light aspect of the creation . However , there are some local option for when you do n’t feel like traveling out of your common orbit .
University of Texas, Austin
Multiple Night a week , the uranology section at theUniversity of Texas hosts Star Parties . At these free events , which go down on Wednesday , Friday , and Saturday , you could battle the skyline congestion by gaze through the powerful lense of UT ’s telescopes .
Austin Community College, Round Rock
Austin Community College also host their own Star Parties , albeit on a less frequent ground . Around three or four times a year , their Round Rock campus unfold their observation deck , and its multiple telescopes , for everyone to get a free peep at the planet .
Stargazing Spots Just Outside of Austin
For those serious about their galaxy gazing , a car ride to one of the famed starry spots outside the metropolis will be well deserving the gas . Before you stumble the road , stretch your tree trunk with encampment chairs , compact some snacks , and download a sky mathematical function app to make the most of your dangerous undertaking .
Blanco State Park
Obviously , Department of State commons are optimal areas for scanning the universe above . One of the closest options would beBlanco State Park , which is about an time of day private road from Austin . With the parking lot place on the bank of the outpouring - fed Blanco River , you may drop the twenty-four hours dipping in the piss , and the night looking at the Big Dipper . Distance : 50 mile
Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake State Park is also a 60 - minute ride aside . There , you’re able to take a starry stroll through Inks Lake ’s nine - miles worth of hiking trails . aloofness : 67 miles
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Two hours out of the city is an essential , bucket - list spot for every Texan : Enchanted Rock State Natural Area . The site ’s pink granite dome is a stack all by itself , but its official designation as an International Dark Sky Park vouch equally magnificent views when the Dominicus mark . length : 96 mi
South Llano River State Park
Another place which bear the International Dark Sky Park seal of approving isSouth Llano River State Park . clock in at a unanimous three - minute effort from Austin , it is a little further out than most . However , your clock time in the car will be rewarded with spectacular thought of the Milky Way . Distance : 146 miles
Elgin
If the tent - pitching and Tevas - wearing scene is not your vibe , there ’s other alternative that wo n’t have you rove too far from civilisation . Only 25 - minute away , the nearby metropolis ofElgin is a beloved seaport for cosmic fancier . you’re able to park anywhere among their theatre of operations of tillage and catch a pretty planetoid cyclorama , but locals will recite you the good view are found by the stretch along Highway 95.Distance : 26 miles
Lake Travis
WhileDevil ’s Cove on Lake Travismay be better known as a mecca for bachelor-at-arms political party thrust ahead , it is also a arresting position to woolgather post - day drinking . Take a gravy boat out there at dark , and you ’ll determine the rave euphony substitute by the tranquil silence of the celestial sky . And , for a lawful retreat , drive for a little over an hour to theCanyon of the Eagle Resort . The luxury hotel in Hill Country matter an factual observation tower among their many amenities . Guests can hold a session to peer into outer space through one of their gamy - ending telescopes , channelize by their staff astronomer . aloofness : 20 miles
Courtesy of UT Austin
Courtesy of UT Austin
