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Stargazing in the Asheville Area

Astronomy in the mountains

Stargazing

There's nothing quite so spell-binding as looking up into a starry sky filled with constellations, distant planets and a golden moon. As a small city, Asheville produces minimal light pollution so you can easily make your move from the excitement of downtown to ponder starry skies in the mountains.

Asheville's glow can easily be escaped with a short drive into the surrounding mountains. With over 50 named peaks above 6,000 feet, Western North Carolina reigns for those who seek higher elevation.

Stargazing Equipment

Stargazing Equipment

Stargazing is mesmerizing, even when done with just the naked eye. Of course, things really start to get interesting when you magnify that view. Whether it's a pair of binoculars or an advanced telescope, how you stargaze is up to you.

Refracting vs. Reflecting Telescopes

There are two kinds of optical telescopes, refracting telescopes and reflecting telescopes. Galileo first observed Jupiter's moons with a refracting telescope, and its simple rugged design persists to modern day.

However, if you want a large aperture, you will most likely save money with a reflecting telescope.

Best Stargazing Spots

Surrounded by the tallest mountains this side of the Mississippi, Asheville is the perfect place to homebase your stargazing adventure.


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Outdoor Attractions/Recreation Search

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Compleat Naturalist Nature Store & Gallery

  • 2 Biltmore Plaza
  • Historic Biltmore Village
  • Asheville, NC 28803
  • Phone: 828-274-5430
  • Region: Biltmore Village

A discovery packed nature and science emporium. Full selection of binoculars and telescopes. Hiking guides, packs and hats, nature books and toys. Adjacent gallery features the world's best wildlife artists. …more

Star Watch Night Vision Tours

  • Various Locations
  • Asheville, NC 28801
  • Phone: 828-989-0015
  • Region: Downtown

Experience Extreme Stargazing on this Unique Night-Time Adventure! Star Watch Tours provides guests with an opportunity to see the sky as never before, using our Alpha Generation 3 Military-Issue Night Vision Equipment. Join us as we search the skies …more

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