Death Valley- full moon or pitch black?

[8315421]

Question for everyone. I have two long weekends coming up to take a trip. I want to try Death Valley before it warms up. Should I go the weekend of the full moon and see the nighttime beauty- or go during the new moon darkness and see the stars? Love to hear recommendations.

[Bootboy]

I've never spent any appreciable amount of time there, but my preference would be full moon. There are plenty of places to see stars, but Death Valley by moonlight sounds very unique. Maybe do a midnight hike or something to get the full effect.

[Byron]

Full moon by far...there's nothing better that being out in the boonies when it's all lit up like that. If you want stars, go up to Bryce or make TWO trips out to DV!!!

[kiwi_outdoors]

An astronomer told me that if you want to SEE stars - go to a high altitude location where there is less atmosphere between you and the stars.(the floor of DV is kind of low)BTW - we camped in Cottonwood Canyon one night after an excellent day trip into Marble Canyon - that desert was bright - without a moon - just starlight.

[tomertim]

I would ditto this



Full moon by far...there's nothing better that being out in the boonies when it's all lit up like that. If you want stars, go up to Bryce or make TWO trips out to DV!!!

[8315421]

Thanks for the input. I'll save the star gazing for a warmer time when I can get some elevation. Full moon in Death Valley it is! Any thoughts of places where darkness is preferred for my new moon weekend?

[stefan]

Thanks for the input. I'll save the star gazing for a warmer time when I can get some elevation. Full moon in Death Valley it is! Any thoughts of places where darkness is preferred for my new moon weekend?

but ... there is something you may want to consider before you make your decision. your question seems opportune ...

yesterday, the International Dark-Sky Association named death valley the largest 'gold tier' international dark sky park in the world. (natural bridges was the first)

DARK SKY PARKS TERMINOLOGY
http://www.darksky.org/night-sky-conservation/national-park-service

PRESS RELEASE
http://www.darksky.org/night-sky-conservation/287

OTHER ARTICLES
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/stories/death-valley-named-largest-dark-sky-park

http://www.travelerstoday.com/articles/4941/20130221/death-valley-national-park-california-site-earns.htm

http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2013/02/death-valley-national-park-earns-international-dark-sky-park-recognition22842

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