Detroit Area Observing sites

[bassplayer142]

I'm looking for areas north of Detroit that are good for observing. Obviously the top of the state and the UP are excellent but I'm also interested in closer places like in the thumb. Thanks for any input!

[skinnyonce]

I would google a dark sky map and find your location and plan from that, I do that all the time looking for a drk sky location.. parks are sometime friendly, or maybe clubs are already there..

[bassplayer142]

I have looked alot on the map online but it doesn't seem to help with places to observe, just general locations. I'm prepared to do more research by calling places and campsites etc,... But I figured if anyone is in the area it could save me the trouble!

Thank you.

[Martybc3]

Since I just joined I cant post a link... Google Dark Sky finder in google its the first one I think. Then for the Dark Sky Park just google "Dark Sky Park Michigan"

This Website which is called "jshine" gives the light pollution for the entire U.S. just zoom into MI. I live in Battle Creek which is mostly a red zone. The thumb has alot of green and blue area zones along the lake. Take it to a park in one of those areas or the beach, basically anywhere public even a parking lot . There is more than a couple areas you could take it, its doesn't seem to far away from Detroit so look into it. Going from a Red zone to a Green or Blue Zone would be a GREAT INCREASE in viewing objects with your telescope. There is a National Dark Sky Park one of only like 6 in the U.S. but its up by mackinaw, that would be a great place to take it. I plan on taking my scope up there sometime during the summer hopefully.

[bassplayer142]

Since I just joined I cant post a link... Google Dark Sky finder in google its the first one I think. Then for the Dark Sky Park just google "Dark Sky Park Michigan"

This Website which is called "jshine" gives the light pollution for the entire U.S. just zoom into MI. I live in Battle Creek which is mostly a red zone. The thumb has alot of green and blue area zones along the lake. Take it to a park in one of those areas or the beach, basically anywhere public even a parking lot . There is more than a couple areas you could take it, its doesn't seem to far away from Detroit so look into it. Going from a Red zone to a Green or Blue Zone would be a GREAT INCREASE in viewing objects with your telescope. There is a National Dark Sky Park one of only like 6 in the U.S. but its up by mackinaw, that would be a great place to take it. I plan on taking my scope up there sometime during the summer hopefully.

Yes, according to my own research I have found that website and my likely candidate was the thumb in Michigan where a few blue areas can be found. The included areas are Port Hope and Forestville. Do you have any suggested parks or places around there that would work? Also, If I did drive up there it would be even better if I could find a campground with good viewing.

Thanks a lot!

[Martybc3]

So far by zooming into the map I found the following public parks in blue zones: Stafford Country Park, Lighthouse Country Park, Grindstone Country Park those all look like great places to take your scope. There is a couple state parks in blue zones also for the summer such as Sleeper State Park and Cresent State Park! I would just google those Parks, or Public Parks to find the address. Just Keep Zomming in until parks and places start showing up on the map.

Good Luck

[bassplayer142]

So far by zooming into the map I found the following public parks in blue zones: Stafford Country Park, Lighthouse Country Park, Grindstone Country Park those all look like great places to take your scope. There is a couple state parks in blue zones also for the summer such as Sleeper State Park and Cresent State Park! I would just google those Parks, or Public Parks to find the address. Just Keep Zomming in until parks and places start showing up on the map.

Good Luck

Thats a great idea! I really appreciate it and can't wait to get out there. Unfortunately I don't think I will be doing it with winter approaching. But a few eyepiece I will be purchasing and the springtime should be perfect .

[WileECoyote]

I've been wondering the same thing for my area. I've noticed that a lot of the parks around me close at dusk. Ive been thinking about trying a school in the area that has a good 270 degree view. Anyone have and experience using schools as an offsite location?

[kudz]

I'm in the metro Detroit area and have used several school fields for observing. Depending on the area, I've even had patrolling police officers pull up to where I'm observing and ask to look through my scope and hang around to chat. Technically the school property is closed after dark but I've never been kicked out when I'm out with my equipment.

[skinnyonce]

The thing about school's is the kids should'nt bother you there, unless they are there to vandilize it,, then you are the hero for calling the cops..