RASC Calgary Centre - Calgary Dark Skies

By Larry McNish
Page originally created April 3, 2020
Page last updated: July 6, 2024

Question: Where can we go around Calgary to get dark skies for observing stars and meteor showers?

Answer:

Those of us in Calgary are fortunate to live in a city where you can still drive to fairly dark sky locations within an hour.

BUT - we are gradually losing these areas due to excessive light pollution from a growing metropolitan area.

The map below shows the light-polluted areas surrounding our city.

To access this map do the following:
  • go to https://www.lightpollutionmap.info
  • set the location to Calgary, AB (Canada)
  • set the "Map Layers" to VIIRS 2019 (the latest data)
  • zoom in or out by clicking the "+" or "-" boxes or using your mouse scroll wheel
  • move around by clicking on the map and dragging your mouse
  • change the transparency to show more roads and less light pollution map using the scroll bar below VIIRS 2019
Use other facilities on that website to find out more about this map and the data behind the light pollution overlays.

Notes:
  • ERO - is the Calgary Centre's Eccles Ranch Observatory and the location of our annual Star-B-Q
  • Stones Throw - is the new location for the Calgary Centre's annual Alberta Star Party
  • RAO - is the location of the University of Calgary's Rothney Astrophysical Observatory
  • WCO - is the location of the Calgary Centre's Wilson Coulee Observatory
  • West of Calgary is less light polluted, but you are getting into the Foothills and then the Rocky Mountains
  • North of Calgary along Highway 2 is fairly polluted along its length
  • East of Calgary is mainly flat terrain and offers numerous places to get off the highway and watch meteor showers etc.
  • South of Calgary beyond High River also offers numerous places to see the stars.
  • Starland was the location of the Calgary Centre's annual Alberta Star Party
Remember:
Private property rules often apply to roads off main roads as well. If you drive to a dark location, please be careful not to drive on private roads
or into private fields. Also be careful not to just park right on the side of a highway where you may be a hazard to other traffic.




The large magenta circle is drawn at a radius of 100km (62 miles) from downtown.