The Stars at Night…

West Texas has some of the darkest skies in the nation.

Captivate your senses on a moonless night by staring at the vastness of the sky in all its starlit beauty. Grab a blanket, a star chart and a laser pointer to identify constellations. Better yet, head outside during a meteor showers to witness dozens of shooting stars. The Perseid shower peaks August 12 every year, and other showers occur throughout the year. Visibility depends on the phase of the moon, among other factors. The best viewing times are after midnight and before dawn.

You’ll need dark skies for the best view, so if your backyard doesn’t suffice, you can visit a Texas state park that are now designated as official Dark Sky Parks, like Big Bend Ranch, Enchanted Rock, Copper Breaks and South Llano River. Devils River is a Dark Sky Sanctuary.

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