Stargazing in New Jersey 2023-2024
How about finding a few hours for yourself and going stargazing in New Jersey?
Best time: all year round (best from April to July)
80% of North America is covered with artificial light, making it really hard to enjoy the night sky. However, finding time for yourself and contemplating once in a while is essential for your mental wellbeing. Luckily, New Jersey is home to plenty of stargazing locations, making it easier to connect with nature and realize how small we all are compared to the size of the universe. The best time to stargaze in New Jersey is during the warm months, from April through July. Keep on reading this article to find out more about these amazing locations.
Wharton State Forest
Wharton State Forest is a prime location for stargazers to visit in the southern New Jersey area. It's a 100,000 acre forest with tons of room to enjoy the beauty of the night sky. Wharton State Forest is located off Batsto Road, eight mi (13 km) east of Hammonton. The entrance is free of charge, yet if you want to camp, it will cost you $20 a night and $25 a night for non-residents.
Bass River State Forest
As you might have guessed, New Jersey has a lot of forests to offer, and Bass River State Forest is one of them. Located in Ocean County, it has a lot of activities to offer. The forest's recreational activities center is a 67 acre lake named Lake Absegami. As for stargazing, you can choose any spot that seems fantastic to you, get a blanket, and enjoy the sky full of stars.
High Point State Park
This park is favored among many stargazers. One of the main reasons for that is the High Point Monument, rising 1,803 ft (549 m) above sea level. It offers amazing views of the night sky, making it possible to see plenty of stars and constellations.
Observatories
In addition to outdoor stargazing locations, New Jersey has many indoor spots, and observatories are the most popular. Here is the list of the most-visited observatories, offering you an opportunity to stargaze: 3M Observatory, William D. McDowell Observatory, Paul Robinson Observatory, John W. H. Simpson Observatory, and William Miller Sperry Observatory.
Paul Robinson Observatory is open every Saturday evening from 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm and every Sunday afternoon from 2 pm to 5 pm. John W. H. Simpson Observatory is open Friday nights, April through October, from 8 pm to 11 pm. And William Miller Sperry Observatory hosts stargazing fans most Friday evenings starting at 8:30 pm.
