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.
Practical info
When is the best time to go stargazing in New Jersey?
New Jersey's optimal stargazing season is from April until July, during the warmer months when the skies are clear. While the natural lunar cycle and weather conditions can affect visibility, it is easy to bask in the beauty of the vast universe when the weather is warmer. It is advisable to check forecasts before planning a stargazing trip. Show more
Where can I find free stargazing locations in New Jersey?
Stargazers can enjoy excellent views for free at several locations in New Jersey such as Bass River State Forest, High Point State Park, and William Miller Sperry Observatory. Wharton State Forest is an excellent free stargazing location in southern New Jersey that offers many camping sites at a fee of $20 per night for New Jersey residents and $25 per night for non-residents. Show more
What is the fee for camping at Wharton State Forest?
Enjoy a memorable stargazing experience in Wharton State Forest by camping at one of its several campgrounds. Visitors can gain entry to the forest without an entrance fee, while campsites charge $20 a night for residents and $25 a night for non-residents who want to include overnight stays on their stargazing trips. Advance planning is a good idea, particularly when anticipating higher volumes of campers. Show more
When is the Paul Robinson Observatory open for stargazing?
Paul Robinson Observatory's telescopes are readily available for visitors to study celestial objects during their stargazing expeditions every Sunday and Saturday. Visitors can access it between 2 pm to 5 pm and 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm on Sundays and Saturdays, respectively. It is located in Voorhees, NJ, and tourists can access it at no cost to learn more about the galaxies. Show more
Where can I find the best views of the night sky in New Jersey?
Several structures and parks in New Jersey offer excellent vantage points for stargazing. High Point State Park, with the High Point Monument towering 1,803 feet above sea level, is a favorite spot for stunning sky views. Bass River State Forest and Wharton State Forest are other locations that enhance the stargazing experience with natural surroundings. Observatories like William Miller Sperry Observatory, 3M Observatory, John W. H. Simpson Observatory, and Paul Robinson Observatory are also great stargazing destinations. Show more
