Connect with the Cosmos in the Dark Sky Arkansas
Connect with the Cosmos at Buffalo National Park
Address: 170 Ranger Road, St Joe, AR 72675
One of the most magical experiences in life is the night sky. When you truly get away from the city lights, you can finally see the millions of stars that cover the sky.
Watching the shooting stars as they fall through the sky. Feeling as if you are so close, you can reach up and touch the stars yet, knowing you are so far away! It is truly a magical experience that everyone should have.
Fortunately, Arkansas Buffalo National River is one of the few locations in the United States that has become a part of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDSP) assigned by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).
What does IDSA mean?
International Dark-Sky Association means the park went to a great extent to ensure they abide by strict guidelines to meet requirements so you can enjoy the natural night sky.
The park is responsible for outdoor lighting practices by only using certain light bulbs to protect the sky from artificial light. Furthermore, the park instills a light curfew at the Tyler Bend Pavillion that is as follows
April-September: Lights are off at 9:00 pm
October: Lights are off at 8:00 pm
November – March: Lights are off at 7:00 pm
View the Milky Way at Buffalo National River
Being able to view the Milky Way is a fantastic experience. The Milky Way creates a barrel formation for a spectacular sky view. According to Space.com, the Milky Way contains over 200 billion stars and is 13.7 billion years old. Now, that is crazy!
Milky Ways can be viewed on clear skies with little lighting (this includes the moon). In fact, a full moon can cause reflective light from the sun, making it difficult to see the galaxy at night. Therefore, check the moon phase calendar to ensure no full moon before coming out.
Another great reference is the Arkansas Clear Sky Chart allowing for better insight into how clear the sky will be that night. To view the galaxy, you will want the night sky to be as dark as possible.
Also, the best time of the year to view the universe is in fall/early winter. From December through January, you will not be able to see the Milky Way, regardless of how clear the sky is.
What to Bring
Telescope
Blanket to sit on
Finderscope
Cloth to clean Telescope
Astronomy App/Star Checker Chart Downloaded
Binoculars
Paraphrased from: https://darksitefinder.com/when-is-milky-way-season, http://arkansassky.com/find-andromeda-galaxy/#:~:text=Fall%20%2F%20early%20Winter%20is%20a,live%20under%20light%20polluted%20skies, https://www.nps.gov/buff/planyourvisit/night-sky-viewing.htm, https://www.darksky.org/our-work/conservation/idsp/parks/buffalo-national-river-u-s. This article has no affiliation with the Arkansas, Buffalo National River or any of the associated articles.
About Author, Sara Elizabeth
Writer, Amora V Lifestyle
Co-Owner of AmoraVBoutique.com
Sara is a writer for Amora V Lifestyle and is Co-Owner of Amora V Boutique. Sara previously worked as a Marketing Manager and has her Master’s from Lindenwood University.
Sara studies everything of interest, from psychology, recipes, finances, mental health, and travel, thriving to find happiness and to live a good life.
When not learning, Sara loves all things outdoors, food, and hanging around great company. Furthermore, Sara loves spending time with family, who she is blessed to have in her life.
Note from the author: Through my articles, I hope to bring you joy and peace and that you enjoy it!
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