The Dark Skies of Cherry Springs State Park

Due to its exceptionally dark skies, Cherry Springs State Park is one of the best places on the eastern seaboard for stargazing and the science of astronomy, which is the study and observation of planets, nebulae, galaxies, stars and other heavenly bodies. A dark night sky is a natural resource, just like plants, waterways and wildlife. Recognizing that this unique resource needed to be managed and protected, in 2000, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources declared Cherry Springs State Park the first Dark Sky Park.

Cherry Springs State Park is the second International Dark Sky Park in the world!

The International Dark-Skies Association and its partners certify locations with exceptional nightscapes as International Dark Sky Parks (IDSP). These locations serve as reminders that with quality outdoor lighting, the extraordinary wonders of the nighttime sky and night environment are just as much a part of our lifestyle and history as are the daylight hours. In fact, without the inspiration and wonders of the nighttime environment much of the world's history, art, culture, music, and literature might not have been created. www.darksky.org

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Weather  - Clear Sky Chart  - The Dark Sky Experience - Setting Up On the Field  - Astronomy Field Regulations  - Astronomy Observatories  - Public Programs  - Constellations  - Star Hopping  - Star Parties  - Dark Sky Fund  - Back to Cherry Springs

The Dark Sky Experience

A combination of attributes makes Cherry Springs ideal for stargazing and astronomy.

• The field is at the top of a 2,300-foot high mountain. The surrounding state forest is relatively undeveloped and nearby communities are in valleys, shielding any light that might affect the park.
• The location of the park, 41.6501 degrees north, 77.8164 degrees west, offers a great view of the nucleus of the Milky Way Galaxy.
• The airspace over the park has little commercial air traffic, making the park ideal for astrophotography.
• The Astronomy Field offers an excellent 360 degree view of the night sky.
• All lighting in the park is shielded and all white light has been converted to red.

Setting Up on the Astronomy Field

• All observers must register if they plan to stay on the field overnight. Astronomy Field fee envelopes are at the registration kiosk which is near the restroom. Please follow written instructions, posted fee schedule, and list your location on the field so that you can be located in an emergency, then deposit the envelope in the fee tube.
• Electricity is available on the Astronomy Field from 120-volt ground fault protected power outlets in RV style pedestals (six per pedestal).
• When the field is in heavy use, outlets must be shared. Please be courteous of your fellow stargazers. Electrical pedestals are for the charging of telescope batteries and small appliance or laptop use. Camper hook-up is prohibited.
• Concrete telescope pads, ranging in size from 4’ to 6’, are located randomly across the field. Some astronomers prefer the pads while others like to set up directly on the grass.
• If possible, try to arrive before nightfall to set up. If you arrive after dark, you must turn off your headlights before entering the field. It may be easier to locate a site on foot before entering the field.
• If you plan to visit or observe for a few hours, please park at the airport parking lot and walk onto the Astronomy Field.
• Astronomers using the field may close and secure the entrance gate at night and the light-blocking tarp should be lowered while the field is in use. The last person to leave the field is responsible for rolling up the tarp and securing the gate in the open position. Roll the tarp up from the center section first and secure.
• Use caution setting up when the field is wet. Observers may set up along the edge of the road, if necessary, but do not set up directly on the road. Maintenance and emergency vehicles must be able to pass.
• Food on a picnic table or in a tent will attract pests. Store food in a vehicle to prevent damage to your equipment.
• Dishes should not be washed at hydrants because it is unsanitary and attracts pests.
• All problems should be reported to park staff or the Lyman Run Park Office (814-435-5010). Emergency information and phone numbers are posted at the registration kiosk. Potter County is a part of the 911 Emergency Service System. A pay phone is in the public parking lot. Cherry Springs is very remote and most cell phones do not work here.

Astronomy Field Regulations

• White light sources are prohibited on the Astronomy Field unless it is 100% cloudy. Flashlights must be “red-light” only and you must turn off your vehicle headlights while driving on the field roads after dark. Light sources in campers, vehicles and computer screens must also be blocked or filtered.
• Green laser devices are prohibited.
• Open fires are prohibited on the field. Portable gas stoves and grills are permitted.
• Do not touch or look through telescopes on the Astronomy Field without permission of the owner/operator.
• Please leave no litter or debris. Be considerate of those who will use the area after you.
• Spotlighting for wildlife or any other reason is prohibited when the Astronomy Field is in use.
• The speed limit on the Astronomy Field is 5 mph.

Astronomy Observatories

Cherry Springs rents four, small observatories. Each has a concrete floor, 120-volt ground fault protected power outlet and red lighting controlled by a dimmer switch.

Make a reservation

Observatories 2 and 3 are roomy, 12' clamshell domes made by Astro Haven that accommodate 3 to 4 people. The four-foot high walls provide wind shielding and can be partially closed for better shielding.

Observatory 4 is a 10' by 12' Sky Shed. This “open to the full sky” roll-off roof structure eliminates the thermal currents often associated with slotted/rotating domes.

Public Stargazing Programs

Weather permitting, a park educator or guest speaker presents public stargazing programs on the airport side of the park. Some of the programs are a partnership with the National Public Observatory as part of the Stars-n-Parks program. These free programs are available throughout the summer. Program schedules are published in the local paper and on the Cherry Springs State Park Web site.

Visit Cherry Springs Dark Sky Fund/Association Web site. www.csspdarkskyfund.org/home

Cherry Springs can be cold and damp, even in the summer. Wear proper footgear and dress warmly. Lawn chairs, a blanket, binoculars or a telescope may enhance your experience. All flashlights must have a red filter. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes before the program begins. An alternate program might be presented if it is overcast or raining.

Explore the Cherry Springs State Park calendar of events.

Star Parties

A star party is a gathering of amateur astronomers and stargazers. There are telescopes, guest lecturers, camaraderie, astronomy equipment vendors and an evening of public stargazing. Except for the public stargazing, you must be registered to attend the event.

The Cherry Springs Star Party is held each June and is sponsored by the Astronomical Society of Harrisburg. www.astrohbg.org/s4/index.php

The Black Forest Star Party is held in the fall and is sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Observers of State College. www.bfsp.org

Cherry Springs Dark Sky Fund

The fund is a way for people to donate money directly to Pennsylvania’s first dark sky park.

Dark Sky Fund donations will be used to enhance the stargazing and astronomy experience at Cherry Springs State Park. Physical improvements to the park will help to eliminate any outside light pollution and remove overhead obstructions. Donations will also be used to educate local residents and visitors about the value of the night sky resource and why it needs to be preserved.

Fund donations have been used to plant light screening trees and shrubs, convert all park lighting to shielded, red-light fixtures, bury overhead electrical lines and install electrical pedestals on the Astronomy Field. The fund has also provided educational materials on astronomy and environmentally friendly lighting in the park and surrounding communities.

Decisions on how the fund monies are spent are a collaborative effort of the park management and the Dark Sky Fund Advisory Council. The council is made up of astronomers from all over the country who regularly observe at Cherry Springs.

Donation forms and envelopes for the Cherry Springs Dark Sky Fund are at the registration kiosk and donations may be put in the fee tube. Please do not combine park fees and donation fees. Use the separate forms and envelope. Thanks for your support!

The Dark Sky Fund is a partnership with the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF). Created in 1999, the foundation is an independent, tax exempt, 501c (3), nonprofit foundation with three missions:

• Assist citizens to create partnerships with their local state parks and forests.
• Provide a tax-deductible vehicle to donate or bequeath money to Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests.
• Acquire new lands to enhance the Pennsylvania parks and forests system.

Visit Cherry Springs Dark Sky Fund/Association Web site. www.csspdarkskyfund.org/home

Additional Information

The below podcasts have information on astronomy.

Star Gazer by Jack Horkheimer
SkyandTelescope.com Podcasts

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