Stargazing in West Texas is serious business for scientists, astronomers and amateur enthusiasts. Retro-fitted radio trailers and panoramic pods punctuate the grounds. Therefore, it’s pretty tough to go stargazing within Austin. Stargazing Around Austin While the “stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas”, that doesn’t mean that we can view them easily from our own backyard here in Austin. The Eagle Eye Observatory can be found by the Canyon of the Eagles Resort in Burnet, TX. 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636, tpwd.texas.gov. Always beautiful and most people are very respectful so they keep it clean! They have up to 29 different stations available where you can set up your telescope and watch the stars. Although light pollution will make it difficult to see the stars within the city itself, you don’t have to travel too far for good stargazing opportunities. “A classic spot to take friends visiting from out-of-town (pre-quarantine of course.) Pet friendly vibes. There are various spots in Austin which individuals can enjoy stargazing. The crickets are seriously interrupting my cigars and star gazing experiences... Best location for stargazing near Austin? Also, the Austin Astronomical Society gathers here to observe the stars on the first Friday of every month. You’ll also want to wait until there’s a new moon. in Austin, TX. But that business is threatened. In fact, it’s not unusual to get a view of the Milky Way when you’re here. It has a massive view of the sky and is far removed from any of the city’s light pollution. Nice short hike that's kid friendly. 3630 Park Rd. Plenty of families and people on the trails. !” more, “Incredible architecture and best ever we saw in US till now. We saw House of Representatives and all those huge…” more. I also love the proximity Mount…” more, “ on the rocks. Town Lake Park goes along the lakes formed by the Colorado River along Austin's shores. Best Times of Year to Go Stargazing near Austin. With Texas charm but a distinctly modern vibe, Austin draws foodies, fashion fiends, and… space enthusiasts? It’s far removed from the big city’s lights, making it very easy to get a good view of the sky. As the famous song goes, “The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas.” Venture out to any dark corner of the Lone Star State and you’ll see a sky full of shining stars, but there are places where the celestial wonders of the galaxy are showcased in all their awe-inspiring glory. Canyon of the Eagles Resort is a gorgeous resort located by Lake Buchanan. 1. The Eagle Eye Observatory can be found by the Canyon of the Eagles Resort in Burnet, TX. Its dark skies and open views also make it a fantastic spot for stargazing. 1884 State Highway West, Cedar Creek, TX 78612, lcra.org. Stargazing is one of the primary activities which space enthusiasts enjoy while at Austin. Where to Go Stargazing in Texas. The views are especially splendid when the sun is just beginning to set on the city of Austin. It's unique and interesting with extensions for sitting down with a coffee or for water meditation. Friendship Park is a popular campsite located by Granger Lake. While The Observatory is operated multiple times a week, these monthly events feature additional astronomical equipment from the Society’s private collection. I have been looking around for an Astronomy meetup and did not find one in Austin, so I decided to start this one. Details are subject to change; call ahead to RSVP. It is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park and is a great place to see the Milky Way. posted by Roman Graves to Science & Nature (8 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite Head down to the Eagle Eye Observatory for monthly sky parties hosted by the Austin Astronomical Society. The nights are dark, and you won’t have to worry about light pollution interfering with your view of the sky. Parking is easy to find. We are wondering if anyone has any suggestions for where to go. It comes equipped with both a 16 inch Cassegrain telescope and a 12.5-inch Newtonian telescope. Wednesday Night Public Viewing Public viewing nights on UT campus telescopes are on hold for the remainder of 2020. This park is a great stargazing option for those in Austin or other central Texas cities. She decided to start the site after realizing how many friends and family had never seen the Milky Way, and that space tourism was going to unlock the next great travel destination: space! See the map below for some in-city stargazing spots, as well as those within an hour of the city; read on to learn more about each place. 24814 Hamilton Pool Round, Round Mountain, TX 24814, westcave.org. Where can I find help to use my telescope. It’s a good place for camping, swimming, and of course, stargazing. Although Devil’s Cove at Lake Travis is most well-known for its party scene during big holidays throughout the year, it’s also a great spot to see the night sky. Big Bend National Park is a one-of-a-kind stop for all outdoor adventures. They have up to 29 different stations available where you can set up your telescope and watch the stars. The telescope is free to use and open to the public. 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, tpwd.texas.gov. Read on to learn about some of Austin’s best stargazing spots in and around the city. The glow of so much artificial light from homes and businesses means the skies are simply not dark enough for us to see that beautiful star show. A few helpful sites: This is new for me. This is another park that’s great for camping, fishing, and swimming. See more ideas about stargazing, astronomy, hubble. Quality telescopes are provided during this time, and professional astronomers are available to answer any questions you might have. 4 W. Burnet, TX 78611, tpwd.texas.gov. http://darksky.org/idsp/finder/…, Welcome Katie! This is great if you’ve always wanted to spend the night under the stars. Before you leave Florida may I…. Where's a good spot to go stargazing around Austin (naked eye or with telescope in tow)? 3100 Granger Dam Rd., Granger, TX 76530, swf-wc.usace.army. Go out on your own, or attend a “star party” with helpful and experienced staff, who will provide helpful free tools, like maps and sun and moon data to assist with finding the best vantage points for sky and stargazing. 16942 Ranch Rd. Meteor showers, including the Leonids and Lyrids, are visible throughout the year. Best place to grab a cold one on the weekend and star-gaze!! 4370 Mansfield Dam Park Rd., Austin, TX 78732, parks.traviscountytx.gov. 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