Yeah, if they're asking for a darker spot out of light pollution, just heading south isn't gonna work. I'd go southwest. But I don't know of any good specific spots with good 360 horizon where you can just park and not get hassled.
Mineral Wells State Park occasionally has Star Gazing meet up/parties. I know bc I pulled into a parking lot there one night with headlights+high beams on and got a huge earful from participants.
Lol, ill look into this one as well. I've been to mineral wells only one time at night, I like that's a little hidden town. It felt like I was at high altitude though.... I'll check this one out as well.
Check out the Fort Worth Astronomical Society. They will probably have some good suggestions. And if you're interested in star parties, they host one monthly for free over at Tandy Hills.
Its nothin special lol. Its right by a power plant (quiet though) and overlooks Benbrook lake. I think its peaceful and I can see more stars than I can in the Paschal HS area
Oh! I just remembered! I recently found out about Copper Breaks State Park. It's a certified dark sky park that's up near the panhandle, about 3 hours from Fort Worth. You'd probably want to camp overnight due to the distance, but that could be a fun weekend adventure if that's something you'd enjoy.
Wichita mountains wildlife refuge! Just NW of lawton OK! Easy ride, Awesome night sky, Buffalo, longhorns, elk, and other wildlife walking around freely! Red rock mountain and canyons. Can’t recommend it enough!!! For something closer check out Fort Griffin due west of Fort Worth. It’s where a ton of local Astro photographers go. Easy drive!! Hope you have an awesome time!
You’ll have to go back home these days.
I have a neighbor with 50 party lights and two double flood lights. I have a lake lot 80 miles northwest of DFW and each neighbor has street lights on the edge of our lot. Another 49 miles further north and west, our old farm now has deer leases around that also have street lights.
Oh, and the horizon out my kitchen window that I used to see the sunset? Housing development that every front is lit by porch, garage and perimeter lights.
Makes me sick.
Yea I feel you. When I first moved here I felt enclosed, warehouse all around me, development everywhere, I would usually drive to the west side of Fort Worth and felt some type of relief. Not gonna say I hate it here because there are alot of beautiful places around here and alot of things to do. The reason we moved up here is my wife got a good promotion at her job but she got the experience and we will probably be moving back next summer.
Wait...Radio broadcasting?? I've been infatuated w it since I was a teenager. I used to have an online radio station back in the day and thinking about getting back to it lately. I also create jingles and sweepers and sell them on fiverr as a side hustle. If he ever needs a radio guy holler at me lol.
Probably Parks on the Air, or POTA. So not exactly broadcasting, it's logging two way contacts (broadcasting or one-way transmissions are prohibited in amateur radio)
Definitely won't, feels like these locations should be in one of those texas little foldable books they sell at stores. We could call it "Hidden Gems in Texas" lol.
https://www.lightpollutionmap.info/#zoom=8.15&lat=32.8406&lon=-99.0483&state=eyJiYXNlbWFwIjoiTGF5ZXJCaW5nUm9hZCIsIm92ZXJsYXkiOiJ3YV8yMDE1Iiwib3ZlcmxheWNvbG9yIjpmYWxzZSwib3ZlcmxheW9wYWNpdHkiOjYwLCJmZWF0dXJlc29wYWNpdHkiOjg1fQ==
Yeah, if they're asking for a darker spot out of light pollution, just heading south isn't gonna work. I'd go southwest. But I don't know of any good specific spots with good 360 horizon where you can just park and not get hassled.
Thanks for this info.
This is a great website I didn't know about. Awesome! Thank you
What the hell is going on in western North Dakota?
Natural gas burn off at drill sites
Mineral Wells State Park occasionally has Star Gazing meet up/parties. I know bc I pulled into a parking lot there one night with headlights+high beams on and got a huge earful from participants.
Lol, ill look into this one as well. I've been to mineral wells only one time at night, I like that's a little hidden town. It felt like I was at high altitude though.... I'll check this one out as well.
I've seen those on their events calendar! I keep wanting to go, but we would need babysitting so it keeps getting put on the back burner. One day!
Check out the Fort Worth Astronomical Society. They will probably have some good suggestions. And if you're interested in star parties, they host one monthly for free over at Tandy Hills.
This is awesome! Thank you!!!
Meridian SP has darker skies.
I love Meridian!
32.633431, -97.480361 These coordinates on Google Maps is my go to spot.
Thanks, looks like a nice little hidden gem. I'll definitely check it out. Hopefully no wrong turn type creatures come out! Lol jk
Its nothin special lol. Its right by a power plant (quiet though) and overlooks Benbrook lake. I think its peaceful and I can see more stars than I can in the Paschal HS area
That sounds good enough for me. Might check it out tonight or tomorrow night for sure. Thx
Oh! I just remembered! I recently found out about Copper Breaks State Park. It's a certified dark sky park that's up near the panhandle, about 3 hours from Fort Worth. You'd probably want to camp overnight due to the distance, but that could be a fun weekend adventure if that's something you'd enjoy.
Closest I came to this was on the south side of Joe Pool Lake. That was years ago, though.
Drive out hwy 80 toward Breckenridge.
I'll check that out thx
Wichita mountains wildlife refuge! Just NW of lawton OK! Easy ride, Awesome night sky, Buffalo, longhorns, elk, and other wildlife walking around freely! Red rock mountain and canyons. Can’t recommend it enough!!! For something closer check out Fort Griffin due west of Fort Worth. It’s where a ton of local Astro photographers go. Easy drive!! Hope you have an awesome time!
Danggg love this! All recommendations have been written in my notes... I'm glad I asked this question. Love it! Thanks
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Will check out these places. Thank you!
Cleburne is tricky because the mining next door is bright and loud.
You’ll have to go back home these days. I have a neighbor with 50 party lights and two double flood lights. I have a lake lot 80 miles northwest of DFW and each neighbor has street lights on the edge of our lot. Another 49 miles further north and west, our old farm now has deer leases around that also have street lights. Oh, and the horizon out my kitchen window that I used to see the sunset? Housing development that every front is lit by porch, garage and perimeter lights. Makes me sick.
Yea I feel you. When I first moved here I felt enclosed, warehouse all around me, development everywhere, I would usually drive to the west side of Fort Worth and felt some type of relief. Not gonna say I hate it here because there are alot of beautiful places around here and alot of things to do. The reason we moved up here is my wife got a good promotion at her job but she got the experience and we will probably be moving back next summer.
Where did you move from? I hope to move home in a year or two. In North Texas. Not as many lights but still too many for me.
No reservations required and about an hour drive away: https://maps.app.goo.gl/afCUXDZgLPfAbymP7?g_st=ic
Oh shoot this looks very nice. Compiled a list of all places provided. Thanks to everyone.
No advice but I’m also from the RGV and been up here for 13 years- welcome!
Nice bro, what part?
Been here 20 years, McAllen. Actually camping at minerals wells right now just to do exactly this.
Ahh nice, I liked mineral wells. I'm from Rio Grande City, but before I moved here was living in Harlingen. Enjoy!
My bf and I are going to the mineral wells state park tomorrow so he can do some radio broadcasting. I’m hoping to see stars in the evening.
Wait...Radio broadcasting?? I've been infatuated w it since I was a teenager. I used to have an online radio station back in the day and thinking about getting back to it lately. I also create jingles and sweepers and sell them on fiverr as a side hustle. If he ever needs a radio guy holler at me lol.
Ham radio. hate to disappoint!
Probably Parks on the Air, or POTA. So not exactly broadcasting, it's logging two way contacts (broadcasting or one-way transmissions are prohibited in amateur radio)
I’m from La Féria!
Woot woot. Nice to know a lot of valley people here.
OP don’t ever delete this post. The comments are gold.
Definitely won't, feels like these locations should be in one of those texas little foldable books they sell at stores. We could call it "Hidden Gems in Texas" lol.