It seems like even in the best dark sky areas you end up having to find some way to shield your observing area from these street lights. I would have complained to the ranger, but he was no where to be found and some campers said he's been gone for days. Black Mesa State Park would truly be a dark sky mecca if they would simply get rid of this cluster of unnecessary, unshielded street lights in the camping and ranger office area. The other nights I observed were from the Black Mesa Preserve area (Very dark) and from Clayton Lake Stat Park across in New Mexico also very dark, and from the B&B I stayed at near Kenton. All the other areas i went to were affected by this unnecessary cluster of street light in the camping area. When I was there only a few days ago, the only place i could find to get away from the effects of their street lights was in the West Canyon area and even then you could see a glow beyond the trees from the camping area. And they could use lighting that would not interfere with people using their scopes in the camping area. They could use shielded lighting that would allow campers to walk and travel safely without throwing light all over the place. It is really sad that Black Mesa SP thinks they have to use these unshielded street lights blaring light in all directions in their camping areas. I'm planning on returning to the Black Mesa area a couple of more times this year for more.Įdited by Philler, 22 June 2015 - 09:38 AM. The skies there are not quite as dark as Black Mesa, but still worth it. I also observed a couple of nights at Cimarron National Grasslands and had clear dark skies both nights. The night skies there are absolutely amazing and I had a great night deep sky observing there. I decided to stay at the Black Mesa B&B and they had a special area there for people who bring their scopes. There were more people using the park and the lake than I expected being summer. The whole Black Mesa area is very rugged and very beautiful and must be seen in person to be truly appreciated. I also checked the "Overlook" spot which has a complete unobstructed view of the sky, but is not sheltered from any possible strong winds. The ranger suggested the West Canyon and he said they would keep the lights off there for any "stargazers." It's really not much of a canyon it's just a short drive to this circle drive area, but it would be ok for using my scope and is sheltered from stray light and the wind. I just go back from the BMSP area and some great dark skies. I don't think you'll be disappointed if you go there. The park ranger Toby is a great guy and always helpful and full of local knowledge. There are showers in the park that are free along with the restroom of course. There are also full hook-up campsites available but they are fairly lit up by the stree lights. It is also somewhat sheltered from the prevailing winds which is helpful too. The camping area called the West Canyon is a little isolated and very dark and has no electricity. I camp 2 or 3 times a year at BMSP and it is an excellent place for camping and astronomy.
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