Reviewed by: Lacey Muenstermann
Expert tips for the best stargazing spots in Huntsville
Reading time: 5 minutes
Have you ever wanted to get into astronomy? Perhaps you want to know the best stargazing spots in Huntsville with the naked eye. Maybe you’re just curious and don’t know where to start.
It’s a safe bet that all of these thoughts are more likely here than in many other places. This is Rocket City, after all.
Looming observatories, huge telescopes and other equipment can be intimidating. Yes, it is all relatively expensive, and sure, you do need to know what you’re doing to operate them.
The good news? We have folks here who do, and they’re happy to answer your questions.
We got in touch with our friends at the Von Braun Astronomical Society (VBAS) for some basic advice. Read on for tips on the best stargazing spots in Huntsville and more.
A curious teen, von Braun + a 1950s astronomy club
(VBAS)
When there are clear skies, the views and knowledge are easily accessible every Saturday night at the Wernher von Braun Planetarium in Monte Sano State Park—the best place to start your stargazing, says VBAS Observatory Director Jeff Delmas.
You don’t even have to buy any equipment to show up, talk to people and see where your interest takes you. That same kind of curiosity and initiative sparked the beginning of VBAS. Here’s a snapshot of its early days:
- In 1954, a high schooler named Sam Pruitt and fellow student astronomy enthusiasts appealed to rocket pioneer Dr. Wernher von Braun to create a local club.
- The group became known as the Rocket City Astronomical Association with von Braun as its first president, who enlisted several of his colleagues.
- By the end of 1956, the elder scientists had led the multigenerational group in building an observatory and acquiring a telescope, allowing them to view the direct opposition of Mars in September.
You can read more about VBAS’s history here.
Today’s VBAS + programming
The VBAS, which changed its name in 1972 to honor its founding president, is a nonprofit volunteer organization today, consisting of many professional and amateur astronomers.
🌝🌳 ICMYI: This is the same group that collaborated with NASA and the state to plant a Moon Tree at Monte Sano State Park back in March.
The group operates its planetarium and two observatories at the park, with the most popular programming being its Saturday night stargazing gatherings and planetarium shows.
“Visitors are welcome to bring their scope, and we have concrete pads in our observing field that observers can set their scopes on. There are usually four to 10 scopes operating on clear Saturday nights. There is no charge for observing, and you don’t have to attend the show.”
Jeff Delmas, VBAS Observatory Director
🔭 👀 VBAS Wernher von Braun Planetarium shows + telescope viewings
- When: Every Saturday at 7:30PM | Telescope viewings afterward on clear sky nights
- Where: 100 Observatory Drive SE, Huntsville, AL, 35801
- How Much: $5 adult | $3 student | Free for ages 6 and under
- Cool Fact: While the shows feature presentations on different topics, they all include a “star show” projection of the current night sky’s stars, so you can learn about the constellations visible that night.
- More Info
Looking out, over + up
👆Watch our video for some of the best views around town by day, including two of Delmas’ picks for stargazing. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast).
Once you’ve gotten your bearings a bit and bought a scope of your own, Delmas says the overlook near the Blevins Gap South Trailhead is an excellent spot to set up a scope when organized events happen through the Land Trust of North Alabama. (The preserve closes at dusk otherwise.)
“Be sure to bring power source if your scope needs it. This site has good south and west views all the way to the horizon. Unfortunately [for stargazing], Blevins Gap also has a great view of the city and city lights, but you’re above most of that light pollution, so interference isn’t too bad.”
Jeff Delmas, VBAS Observatory Director
🔭👀 Blevins Gap Nature Preserve
- When: Only during organized after-hours stargazing events. Follow the Land Trust of North Alabama calendar for updates.
- Where: Blevins Gap Nature Preserve South Trailhead, 3470 Cecil Ashburn Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35802
ICMYI: Here’s another peek at this location as it was being improved last year. 👇
More spots for exploring the skies
Delmas’s last tip may require you to know somebody …
“To get to a really dark site, the best advice is to go out into the county somewhere, especially the northeastern part of Madison County. It is the least populated and thus least light-polluted part. I can’t recommend any specific site, because you would need to check with any landowner before setting up in their field.”
Jeff Delmas, VBAS Observatory Director
Sounds to us like a good reason to reach out and make some new friends!
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