Stargazing in Kentucky? Here are 5 parks you can visit for the best view

KENTUCKY ( FOX 56 ) — As stargazing season gets closer, where can Kentuckians with their eyes on the skies go for the best views?

Whether it’s the Perseid meteor shower that’s expected to peak in the middle of August or seeing the Milky Way flowing across the sky, Kentucky offers multiple breathtaking spots to get the most out of your stargazing experience.

GoAstronomy has compiled a list of “dark sky places” in Kentucky that offer good protection against ambient light or “light pollution.”

Buckhorn Lake State Park

A perfect reprieve from the hustle and bustle of civilization. After spending the day splashing around in the lake or swimming pool, what better way to relax than hiking under an open sky at night?

With little to no ambient light to avoid, all skywatchers need is for the moonlight to be on their side.

Daniel Boone National Forest

There’s more to Daniel Boone National Forest than just breathtaking landscapes, beautiful arches, and peaceful waterfalls to visit.

Tucked away inside the forest is the Red River Gorge, which offers near-complete isolation from society, providing the perfect opportunity to get uninhibited views of the stars.

Land Between the Lakes Recreational Area

On the western edge of Kentucky lies Land Between the Lakes where stargazing and observing the heavens is encouraged .

Aside from wide open skies twinkling over the massive Kentucky lake, the park offers daily activities teaching visitors about the wonder of the stars and the universe. Land Between the Lakes is a great place to stargaze and learn more about what you’re witnessing.

Mammoth Cave National Park

On the surface, a park known for its cave systems may not sound like the best place for stargazing.

However, the park offers so much more than the world’s longest cave system , with wide open sky domes wrapped around isolating forestry.

The lack of light pollution makes Mammoth Cave National Park a must-visit for stargazing fans.

Pennyrile State Forest

As Kentucky State Parks says, the Pennnyrile Forest is the “ perfect back-to-nature ” hideaway.

Stroll through beautiful campgrounds beside a peaceful lake or venture deeper into the wild on numerous hiking trails. Whether visitors seek the salubrious sounds of silence on the trails or by kayak and canoe on the lake, the stars blanket the sky.

The Milky Way swims permanently across the star-draped sky as the water gently flows around you.

Stargazing tips and tricks

For the best stargazing experience, Sky at Night Magazine recommends:

• Using a chart
• Letting your eyes adapt to darkness for about half an hour
• Avoid using non-red lights, red lights help preserve your dark adaptation
• Learn constellations and asterisms
• Dress for the weather
• Use stargazing apps like SkySafari, Star Tracker, and Heavens-Above

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