Our moonless Moosehead nights are so dark that those with exceptional vision can see stars with the naked eye down to 7.5-8th magnitude.
What does that mean? Well, in the center of Bangor, you may see only 50 stars overhead. At our Moosehead Lake site, and heading north on perfect dark nights, you will see over 45,000 stars overhead with fully dark-adapted naked eyes. The human eye takes 20 to 30 minutes to reach its full sensitivity in dark skies and a sudden flash of white light will mean a loss of your best seeing experience for 20-30 more minutes.
To ensure everyone enjoys the beauty and clarity of the night sky at Moosehead Lake SkyWatch we ask all visitors to PLEASE observe the following Dark Skies Manners:
NO light pollution: Please no bright lights as they can impair the night vision of you and those around you for the next 30 minutes. This includes the flashlight on your iPhone. Red lights are less intrusive to night vision. Should you require a light, opt for a red flashlight or headlamp. When arriving or leaving via ATV after dark, use ONLY running lights — NO Light Bars.
Dim Screens on Mobile Devices: Try to limit the use of mobile devices to prevent light pollution and distractions. If you must use your phone or tablet, dim the screen as much as possible and switch it to a red screen mode or use a red filter. You will not see as much if you use your phone.
Keep Noise Down: to appreciate the sounds of the forest and clearly hear the guides. The sounds of nature and the night sky are part of the experience.
Respect Equipment: If using any of the observatory’s equipment, handle it with care and follow any provided instructions or guidance from staff.
Respect Personal Space: Be mindful of others’ personal space and viewing areas, especially when moving around in the dark.
Follow Staff Instructions: Our staff and volunteers are there to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Please follow their instructions and guidance.
Dress Warmly: Even summer nights can get chilly. Wear layers and bring warm clothing to stay comfortable during your visit.
Bring In, Carry Out: Just like a good camper, please take your used items with you when you leave.