Star gazing- how far should I drive out of St.Louis to avoid the city lights?

Question

I am looking at telescopes, but I don't know how much the cities light will detract from it.. I live in st louis city.

Answer 1

You are nine times more likely to see stars in the countryside where there is much less light pollution.  

Answer 2

With a decent reflector of 6 to 10 inches, and a drive of, say 20 to 30 miles into farm country, you should have plenty to see. If you can, put the city north of you, i.e., drive south. A state park would be a good choice. You want as unobstructed E-S-W view as you can.

HTH

Charles

Answer 3

Just get in the car and drive it's half the fun.

Answer 4

Here's the clear dark sky clock for an observatory near St. Louis.  Figure out where it is, then click on the Light Pollution Map.  Use the guide to figure out where it's better.

But there's probably an astronomy club there.  Why not check them out?  They can help you by showing you stuff in their scopes.  You'll get an idea what you'd like.  It'll be the 3 p's though.  Price, portability and performance.

Answer 5

lol,  i'm tempted to say 'a couple hundred miles' but i'll let it go; anywhere outta town is better of course, but here's the deal--if you set up in your backyard, and your backyard in in Chicago, you'll see something...the key is to avoid having a streetlight right over your head, or a porch light 20 feet away.  Also important is after you're outside for 20-30 minutes, and someone turns the porch light on, you'll think they stabbed you with a knife!  It almost hurts!

Get a good scope--spend $400 at least...you can get a good one for that.  Look at Meades' "LightBridge" series.  Don't get a less expensive toy from Target or somewhere.  If you can spend a couple thou, the 'computerized' telescopes (Meade and Celestron) are a good bet.

Enjoy!