The Debate Over the Best State for Stargazing
Being ranked as the top state for stargazing is typically a cause for celebration. However, a recent report that named California as the best state in the nation for celestial viewing has sparked some skepticism among residents and experts alike.
The Los Angeles Times highlighted this unusual ranking in a front-page story titled “Your best bet for stargazing? California, oddsmakers declare.” The report was conducted by a sports betting website, which expanded its scope into an unexpected area: astronomy. The site claimed to have analyzed factors such as sky visibility, elevation, historical meteor activity, and astronomical infrastructure to compile a list of the best states for witnessing celestial events.
According to the ranking, California came out on top, followed by Colorado, Oregon, Utah, and New Mexico. While the results may seem surprising, they have raised questions about the methodology and credibility of the report.
Ed Krupp, director of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, expressed doubts about the rankings. He told the Los Angeles Times that the analysis might be based on assumptions, particularly regarding dark sky territory and accessibility. Krupp also pointed out that the report focused on where the best places are to see an asteroid, even though most asteroids require a telescope to observe. It’s possible that the report meant meteors, which are visible to the naked eye.
Despite these concerns, California was praised for its “outstanding combination of dark skies and infrastructure.” Utah, meanwhile, placed fourth due to its “national parks and remote deserts deliver exceptional night-sky clarity.”
As light pollution continues to dim the night sky, dark-sky tourism—also known as astrotourism—is gaining popularity. Companies unrelated to astronomy are now capitalizing on Americans’ growing interest in celestial phenomena.
Another poll with questionable origins recently made headlines. A website promoting tarot cards claimed that its survey of 3,000 “campers and skywatchers” identified three of the best stargazing sites in Utah: Natural Bridges National Monument, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Capitol Reef National Park.
For those seeking reliable information, the Dark Sky International website offers a comprehensive resource to find the best stargazing spots near you. This is especially relevant during the Perseid meteor shower, which continues through the end of the month.
Utah has long been recognized for its dark skies. In a previous report, U.S. News & World Report called Utah “the predominant state for dark skies.” The state boasts five national parks (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion), 10 state parks, and three communities certified as International Dark Sky Places.
The city of Moab, for example, is an International Dark Sky Community that attracts visitors looking for outdoor recreation. The area includes Arches and Canyonlands national parks, as well as Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments. Local lighting ordinances encourage practices that reduce light pollution, and residents can even receive financial assistance to retrofit their lighting fixtures.
While California remains a popular destination for stargazers, Utah has equally compelling claims to the title of the best state for celestial viewing. Americans didn’t need a sports betting company to tell them that—Utah’s dark skies and dedicated efforts to preserve them speak for themselves.
