For stargazers who know where to go, winter months in the Gulf South offer the ideal conditions for contemplating the cosmos. Nights are longer. Skies tend to be clearer. And, according to one Baton Rouge-based astronomer, there’s another perk. “I also think winter is the best time, because you don’t deal with a lot of mosquitoes,” said Judah Santiago, a telescope operator at the
Highland Road Park Observatory. To see distant galaxies and fainter star clusters, time a trip around a new moon, when the night is at its darkest. Or, during a half-full moon, the contrast between the satellite's light and dark side throws its lunar craters into stark relief, Santiago added. The key to securing stellar views: A spot that boasts late-night public access, clear sightlines and a low Bortle ranking. The 1-9 scale notes the sky’s brightness over a location, with 1 being the darkest and best stargazing. Streetlights, buildings, cars and industry can hamper amateurs attempts to see the stars within city limits. Luckily, several national forests, observatories, wildlife areas and state parks offer some of the darkest skies in the region and are easily driveable from south Louisiana.
Yes, astronomers here battle Baton Rouge’s light pollution, but powerful telescopes and a robust calendar of public events make the observatory a good bet for newbie star seekers. Pop in for Friday evening lectures followed by expert-guided viewing through the 16- or 20-inch reflecting telescope. Saturdays omit the lecture and skip straight to the gazing. “We see planets, nebulas, star clusters and other galaxies,” Santiago said. “It’s a great experience for people.” Since both the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society and LSU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy manage the site, it's a good place to seek advice on further celestial adventures. Visit the
observatory website for schedules.
With more than 600,000 acres to choose from – much of it under skies rated as a 2 on the Bortle scale – Kisatchie National Forest offers an embarrassment of opportunities to observe the night sky. Longleaf Vista Recreation Area northwest of Alexandria ranks among the most popular with in-the-know night watchers for its elevation and superlative panoramic views, said Jim Caldwell, public affairs officer for the national forest. “You walk out on this long ridge, and you’re looking right across the wilderness,” said Caldwell. “It’s known as the darkest place in Louisiana. They even have T-shirts that say it.” Set up a telescope in the parking area or venture down to the bluffside gazebo. Arrive during daylight to walk the scenic, 1.5-mile Longleaf Vista Trail interpretive loop, which leads to large sandstone outcroppings and primitive spots to tent camp overnight. Bonus: There are flush toilets on-site.
Another exceptionally dark patch of sky sits over one of the Mississippi River Valley’s largest contiguous stands of bottomland hardwoods about an hour east of Monroe. Walk the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge’s Rainey Lake Trail between massive bald cypress before settling in on the fishing pier to take in the open sky over the water.
The benefit of crossing state lines to this national forest near Natchez, Mississippi, is that campers can pitch their tents anywhere in the forest, making it that much easier to find the perfect patch of sky. A sizeable network of roads crisscross the 91,000-acre forest. Those who prefer creature comforts like bathrooms and pavilions can opt to stay at the Clear Springs Recreation Area, where secluded campsites are nestled among pine-covered hills and overlook a 12-acre, spring-fed lake. Did someone say great sightlines? But visitors need not spend the night to enjoy dark skies that rank a 3 on the Bortle scale. Gates to the Homochitto National Forest remain open after hours.
While stars did fall on Alabama, there are still plenty left overhead. And they’re especially easy to spot at Roland Cooper State Park, about 40 miles southwest of Selma. This dark sky site earns a 2 on the Bortle scale. Boat launches on the park’s 17,000-acre Millers Ferry reservoir make for excellent paddling under the stars. Or simply set up a scope on the T-shaped, 160-by-120-foot fishing pier that recently debuted there. The park closes at sunset, so astro-tourists should book overnight accommodations. Choose from an array of large cabins, tiny homes and primitive studios as well as traditional campsites. The boat launch is free with overnight rental. Bring linens.
Longleaf pine stands, moody bogs and pure, spring-fed watering holes complement the Bortle 3-rated skies over Alabama’s southernmost National Forest, another popular location for star spotters. The campground at the Open Springs Recreational Area boasts views overlooking the water, with open air overhead. Winter also brings the best conditions for hiking the forest’s 20-mile Conecuh Trail, the south loop of which leads to another large, natural spring. Just be sure to coordinate trips with the District office to avoid run-ins with scheduled deer hunts.
Located on a barrier island fronting Florida’s Apalachicola Bay, the park offers nine miles of undeveloped white sand beach and welcomes overnight astronomers with open arms. (A 6.5-hour drive from New Orleans beckons guests to make a weekend of it.) The state park’s night sky viewing platform overlooks the Gulf of Mexico’s 180 degrees of light-free sky, billed as “the best stargazing in the Panhandle.” Keep an eye out for periodic viewing parties and special events. Kayaks are rentable on-site for night paddling. Visit before March 1, when the campground closes for renovation. The nearby Apalachicola National Forest, also uber dark at night, also offers otherworldly views and plenty of campsites.
Jessica Fender writes about travel. Email her at .
