Best place for telescope viewing?

Question

I heard that Iowa has great night skys.

Would I see the sky better if I went up to higher elevation, such as on a mountain.

My skies in DC aren't great.
Thanks

Answer 1

The best skies are where there is no light pollution or air pollution. Some parts of the desert southwest fit that description: no cities and clear, clear air.
If you're ever in the mood for an "astronomy vacation", consider this :
Lake Hudson Recreation Area & Campground (40 min. south of Jackson, MI). It is one of the nation's few official "dark sky preserves". BYOT [bring your own telescope]. Daytime activities include fishing for muskie and deer hunting.

Answer 2

Generic answer: anywhere away from the lights of a city. Specifically: the less populated states such as Nebraska, Montana, etc. Most states have somewhere with fairly decent skies, just check with any local astronomy club.

Answer 3

Hello again...

Go out into the country - say up in Frederick, Emmitsburg, etc.
Seek a large field, easily accessable by car (nice to have permission from the land owner), that is well away from city lights and highway lights. Take a few red colored flashlights with you and bug spray, along with munchies and drinks. A few No Doz pills might be in order. They are cheap and full of caffine to keep you awake. Go home at first light.

Yes, a Mountain Top would be good if it is clear of trees. A lot of local Mountains in the DC - Nearby area are tree covered, so your views are really crummy, but going up to Emmitsburg from Rockville there is a really neat observation site on the right side of the road that might be just what you are looking for. I passed it when I was going up to St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Emmitsburg from Bethesda.

Answer 4

Hi. The best place is the place you will actually go to and use. If there is light pollution then look at bright objects. The Moon is great as are Jupiter and Saturn. Look at the dim objects when you get a clear dark night in the country.

Answer 5

The other answers are great! Just go to a dark place, away from light pollution with little himidity, etc.

Here's a map of the world. The black areas are best for viewing the night sky:
http://www.lightpollution.it/worldatlas/pages/fig1.htm

Here's the US:
http://www.lightpollution.it/worldatlas/pages/fig2.htm

May your skies be dark and your telescope huge...

Answer 6

The best place for telescopic viewing are in the countryside (less pollution from the cities you know) and high altitudes like mountains. Just take a look at the more recent observatories, they are usually in high places as there is less atmosphere to look through.

Answer 7

Nevada and Arizona are nice viewing locations. Dark skies and low humidity.

Answer 8

Please, im not being rude but you have to figure for wind currents, also you have to decide what kind of viewing you are doing, or CCD photography. Whatz your pleasure? See what im saying.
Have a nice day, David

Answer 9

New Mexico has good skies.

Answer 10

on a tell mountain with no trees!