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This Unexpected U.S. State Was Just Named No. 1 for Stargazing-and It Has Some of America’s Darkest Skies
AOL.com • • technology
Key Points:
- South Dakota ranks as the best state for stargazing in the U.S., with a star visibility score of 7.79 out of 10, supported by over half the state having very dark skies (Bortle scale 1-3) and low annual cloud coverage of 11.65%.
- Sanborn County in South Dakota offers the most favorable stargazing conditions, boasting a star visibility score of 8.78 out of 10.
- Wyoming and Alaska follow closely, with star visibility scores of 7.65 and 7.64 respectively, both featuring significant areas of dark skies and low cloud cover; Hot Springs County in Wyoming and parts of Alaska are highlighted for optimal viewing.
- Other top states for stargazing include Montana, Arizona, Nevada, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Oregon, rounding out the top ten list.
- The study used the Bortle scale and average cloud cover to assess star visibility, emphasizing the importance of dark skies and clear weather for the best stargazing experiences.
