Central Oregon, Northern Hemisphere
Explore the night sky as visible from Bend, Oregon. The map below shows a real-time view of stars, planets, and constellations.
Best Viewing Time: 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Key Constellations: Leo, Virgo, Ursa Major
Highlights: The "Spring Triangle" formed by Arcturus, Spica, and Regulus is prominent. The Big Dipper is high in the northern sky.
Special Events: Lyrid meteor shower (April), Eta Aquarids meteor shower (May)
Milky Way Viewing: The Milky Way is less visible during spring months in Central Oregon, but begins to rise in the east before dawn in late spring.
Best Viewing Time: 10:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Key Constellations: Scorpius, Sagittarius, Cygnus, Lyra
Highlights: The "Summer Triangle" formed by Vega, Deneb, and Altair dominates the sky. This is the best time to view the core of the Milky Way from Central Oregon.
Special Events: Perseid meteor shower (August), Saturn and Jupiter visible most of the night
Milky Way Viewing: PRIME TIME! The Milky Way core is most visible during summer months, stretching from the southern to northern horizon. Best viewing is between 10:30 PM and 2:00 AM in July and August.
Best Viewing Time: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Key Constellations: Pegasus, Andromeda, Cassiopeia
Highlights: The "Great Square of Pegasus" is prominent. The Andromeda Galaxy is visible to the naked eye from dark locations.
Special Events: Orionid meteor shower (October), Leonid meteor shower (November)
Milky Way Viewing: The Milky Way is visible in the early evening, arching from southwest to northeast. By late fall, it becomes less prominent in the evening sky.
Best Viewing Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Key Constellations: Orion, Taurus, Gemini, Canis Major
Highlights: The "Winter Hexagon" containing bright stars Sirius, Procyon, Pollux, Capella, Aldebaran, and Rigel. Orion is the dominant constellation.
Special Events: Geminid meteor shower (December), Quadrantid meteor shower (January)
Milky Way Viewing: The winter Milky Way runs from southeast to northwest and is less bright than the summer Milky Way but still visible from dark locations in Central Oregon.
Note: Central Oregon's high desert climate provides exceptional stargazing conditions year-round, with over 300 clear nights per year. The dry air and high elevation (around 3,600 feet) create ideal viewing conditions.
Location: Lake County, Southern Oregon
Size: 2.5 million acres (World's largest Dark Sky Sanctuary)
Designation: International Dark Sky Sanctuary (2024)
Description: The Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary offers one of the most breathtaking night sky viewing experiences in the world. This vast area in Lake County features minimal light pollution and pristine dark skies.
Distance from Bend: Approximately 140 miles (2.5-hour drive)
Best Time to Visit: Summer months (June-September) when the Milky Way is most visible
Location: Crook County, Central Oregon
Designation: International Dark Sky Park
Description: Oregon's first state park to earn certification as an International Dark Sky Park. Located just 50 miles northeast of Bend, this park offers excellent stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution.
Distance from Bend: Approximately 50 miles (1-hour drive)
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with special stargazing events held during summer months
Location: Wasco County, North Central Oregon
Designation: International Dark Sky Community (2024)
Description: Antelope is the first International Dark Sky Community in Oregon, recognized for its efforts to preserve dark skies through lighting policies and public education.
Distance from Bend: Approximately 90 miles (1.5-hour drive)
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Location: Josephine County, Southern Oregon
Designation: International Dark Sky Park (2024)
Description: Recently certified as an International Dark Sky Park, this national monument offers exceptional stargazing opportunities in Southern Oregon.
Distance from Bend: Approximately 230 miles (4.5-hour drive)
Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall when weather conditions are most favorable
Tip: When visiting any dark sky location, allow your eyes at least 20-30 minutes to fully adapt to the darkness. Use red flashlights to preserve your night vision, and check the moon phase calendar - the best stargazing is during the new moon when the sky is darkest.
Join us for an unforgettable night under Central Oregon's spectacular dark skies. Our guided stargazing programs offer a perfect blend of science, storytelling, and wonder as we explore the cosmos together.
Create a memorable experience with a private stargazing session tailored to your interests and schedule. Perfect for:
Contact us to book your private stargazing experience:
Visit www.recreationleader.com/stargaze for bookings and information.
Note: All our programs will run rain or shine and there will be no refunds for weather or cloud coverage. Read our cancelation policy for more information.
