Are you a stargazer? The night sky is always full of wonder. When you find a place without light pollution, you’re treated to a multitude of twinkling stars. Make sure your favorite star-finding app is on your phone and take a trip after dark along Alabama’s Coastal Connection Scenic Byway.
Need some tips for stargazing along the coast?
- Get an early start and enjoy a coastal sunset as you set up.
- Cooler months usually offer the best weather, but stars are visible any time of year.
- Use a sky guide to help identify celestial objects. Since they change with the seasons, an interactive mobile app is good to have.
- Find a location with a good view of the sky and as far away from artificial light as possible. The beaches of Dauphin Island, Gulf State Park, Bon Secour and Fort Morgan are good places to start.
- It’s best to have clear skies and little or no moonlight, but don’t feel you need to wait for perfect conditions.
- Allow your eyes time to fully adjust to the dark. It could take up to 30 minutes.
- Find a bright, obvious object in the sky, such as Venus or the Big Dipper, and from there just let your eyes wander.
When out and about after dark, be careful of where you stop and be sure you are away from the road. Always be respectful of private property and don’t trespass.