Local Places (and beyond) to Skywatch at Night
RAC’s home area includes Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Garner, Holly Springs, Fayetteville and surrounding communities.

Looking for a good observing site can be challenging.  The Raleigh area is beautiful during the day – lots of trees, great public parks, and convenient shopping centers.   However, at night parks close and light pollution obscures the night sky.

What do you want to Observe

To find an appropriate spot to skywatch, what you plan to observe is important.   Do you need a clear horizon?   Do you need darker skies?  Do you need to set up a telescope?  How late will you be out?  If you aren’t sure, look online for the answers or you can email the club, [email protected].

Local Spots (Somewhat light polluted, but “open” after dark)

NOTE:  Most Raleigh area parks close at sunset.   Always check that where you intend to view is open and it is legal for you to be there after dark.   Also, be sure to secure your belongings and always bring a friend or two for personal safety.  This list is subject to change and may be out of date – they are intended as suggestions only.

  • Falls Lake Dam
  • Jordan Lake Dam

Club Observing Sessions

Once a month, around the new moon, the club has observing sessions for members at three darker sky sites around Raleigh. These sessions are often referred to as RACOBS (Raleigh Astronomy Club Observing Sessions). These events are listed on our club calendar, and are subject to many weather and other factors. Club member emails are the best way to keep up with this. Details on these sites (including directions and rules) are on the members portal, after logging in to this website.

  • Big Woods: Big Wood Road is on the western side of Jordan Lake, and the club has permission to use a property. The facility has no bathroom, no food nor shelter nearby and has controlled entry (i.e., it is locked).
  • Three Bears Acres: The property formerly known as (and still referred to as) Three Bears Acres is north of Falls Lake. It is owned the the Triangle Land Conversancy, and we have permission to have our First Fridays and RACOBS events there. This property is locked, and there is a bathroom!
  • Howell Woods: Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center is affiliated with Johnston Community College…

Public outreach

These events are listed on our club calendar, and are subject to many weather and other factors.

  • First Fridays: Typically on the First Friday of each month, the club (in conjunction with the Triangle Land Conservancy, who owns the property) welcomes the public to …
    Public guests sign up in advance for the event at the TLC website, and they find out about any First Friday cancelation by TLC email. RAC members who which to volunteer sign up on our calendar.

Slightly Further (Camping may be required)

Further Yet

  • Grayson Highlands
  • Outer Banks (just watch for sand scratching optics or getting into your electronics)

Astro-Tourism

If you’re looking for a skywatching adventure, there are places around the world to go.  There are star parties (where astronomers gather to observe together).  And for special events, there may be a designated cruise or sightseeing trip to catch a glimpse of the action.