Dark Sky Parks
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
Rosman, North CarolinaBortle 2 Best in Summer
Truly dark sky, with the zodiacal light clearly visible.
PARI began as a Cold War-era NASA tracking station and Department of Defense facility before being converted into a public astronomy research institute. The site holds an International Dark Sky Park certification and its high mountain ridge elevation in the Pisgah National Forest provides deep, clear views with minimal atmospheric interference. The annual PARISTAR star party draws amateur astronomers from across the Southeast, and professional-grade instrumentation is open to the public during events.
What's here
On the map
What to bring
Our picks for a good night under the stars.
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