You don’t have to go far to get a good look at the night sky. In Philadelphia, stargazers can find celestial views in unexpected places, proving that in and around Philly, the stars are still within reach.
Philadelphia ranks among the top U.S. cities for light pollution, making star visibility low. However, Metro has found some hidden gems to view the night sky this summer.
Upcoming night sky highlights
The Perseid Meteor Shower began on July 17 and will be visible through Aug. 24. According to NBC 10, the peak of the shower will be Aug. 12 and 13 where stargazers may be able to see about 100 meteors every hour.
Some say the Perseid Metero Shower is the best of the year. To make the most of the annual shower, venture away from the city where light pollution is less prominent.
Measuring the night
While some locations are better than others to catch a meteor shower or find your favorite constellations, they all let the natural light of the stars shine to some degree.
Here are the best local spots to see the stars this summer.
Belmont Plateau
A local spot for Philadelphians at West Fairmount Park to gather for a break from the fast pace of the city is Belmont Plateau.
Only 5.1 miles from Center City, the Philadelphia skyline is front and center, and stars are visible, but faint.
According to light pollution maps, Belmont Plateau is an 8 on the Bortle scale, meaning the sky is bright due to light pollution and while fainter constellations are absent, some stars are visible in the right spots.
Fort Washington
Fort Washington is another popular location, typically with hikers and picnic-goers in Montgomery County.
About 16.6 miles from Center City, stars are still faint, but more pronounced, earning a 7 on the Bortle scale.
Ridley Creek
Delaware County’s Ridley Creek State Park is 2,606 acres of woodlands and meadows, making it a stargazer’s playground.
Getting further from city lights—at about 27.2 miles outside of Center City—on the clearest nights, skies are fairly bright and discolored near the city-facing horizon, but stars can be seen from most areas.
French Creek Park
Named one of the best stargazing spots in all of Pennsylvania by Visit PA, French Creek is a top spot for stargazing in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Located 52.7 miles from Center City in Elverson, the state park is a longer drive from the city. This makes for more travel, but much clearer skies.
French Creek is a 5 on the Bortle scale, meaning stars are visible, but appear smaller and further away.
