Frequently asked
Is tonight good for stargazing at Valley of the Gods?
The live score above pulls today's forecast and runs it through StarCast's scoring model, factoring in cloud cover, moon illumination, Bortle class, humidity, and atmospheric transparency. Above 70 is an excellent night. Below 40, conditions are poor. The score updates daily.
What makes Valley of the Gods good for astrophotography?
Valley of the Gods is a 17-mile dirt road loop through Bureau of Land Management land in southeastern Utah, bordered by Monument Valley to the south and Bears Ears National Monument to the north. It has almost no infrastructure: no entrance fee, no ranger stations, and minimal signage. That also means virtually no light pollution. The isolated sandstone buttes and mesas rise from the valley floor in formations that rival Monument Valley without the crowds or fees. Camping is free and dispersed throughout the valley, so you can position directly under your target scene.
When is the Milky Way visible at Valley of the Gods?
The galactic core is visible from March through October. Spring is excellent here: the desert air is dry and stable after winter, and the core rises in the southeast directly above the southern buttes. The dirt road becomes impassable when wet, so avoid planning shoots immediately after rain. Summer nights are warm and clear, making this one of the more comfortable all-night locations in the Four Corners region.
