I just bought a new telescope and I was wondering where is a good spot to view the stars near Chicagoland?

Question

I live close to the city and their is way too much light polution for me to see anything! Does anybody know a good location where I can set up a telescope and view the sky tonight? If you have a general city/town that would be helpful but if you can provide a more detailed answer such as a little spot you know, like a park or open field that would be awesome! Thanks!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Arizona. :-)

A lot depends on your definition of "good".

Answer 2

As you live near Chicago, I really recommend the Chicago Astronomical Society (its relatively famous), or any local club for that matter. Your local astronomy club would likely know the best, darkest locations and generally have outings to dark sky sites.

Answer 3

The light pollution map on the clear sky clock will give you a hint.

I do much of my observing from my yard, which sits across the street from a grocery store parking lot, but otherwise is downtown Detroit.  An oxygen 3 filter gives me nebulae in my 10" dob.  Just as good as it looks from dark skies.  All i miss are galaxies.