Stargazing at Return to Roots: Best Nights to See the Milky Way
Have you ever stood under a truly dark sky, far from the glow of city lights, and looked up in wonder? For many, seeing a sky filled with countless stars and the faint, glowing band of the Milky Way is a breathtaking experience. This connection to the cosmos is a powerful reminder of our place in the universe. Astro-tourism, the act of traveling for celestial sights, is on the rise, and it pairs perfectly with the immersive nature of glamping.
At Return to Roots, our secluded location in rural Missouri offers an incredible front-row seat to the night sky. This guide will provide everything you need to plan a celestial getaway. We'll cover the best times to see the Milky Way, what to bring for a comfortable viewing experience, and even how to capture the beauty with your camera. Get ready to journey to the stars from the comfort of your glamping retreat.
Why Missouri is a Hidden Gem for Stargazing
While not as famous as the dark-sky parks of the American West, rural Missouri offers remarkably dark skies, especially in areas away from Kansas City and St. Louis. The open plains and rolling hills provide wide, unobstructed horizons perfect for watching constellations rise and set. Return to Roots is situated in one of these dark pockets, making it an ideal basecamp for your stargazing adventure without requiring a cross-country trip.
Our distance from major urban centers means less light pollution, the number one enemy of a good night sky view. This darkness allows fainter objects, like the Milky Way galaxy, to shine in all their glory.
When to See the Milky Way: Timing Your Trip
Seeing the Milky Way’s bright core is all about timing and choosing the right viewing time. You need to align the season, the moon phase, and the time of night.
The Best Months for Milky Way Viewing
The "Milky Way season" in the Northern Hemisphere runs from late spring to early fall. During this period, the Earth's night side faces the galactic center, the brightest and most dramatic part of our galaxy.
April - May: This is often considered the best time of year to view the Milky Way. The Milky Way becomes visible in the pre-dawn hours, rising in the southeast.
June - August: This is prime time. The galactic core is visible for most of the night, appearing in the southern sky. The long, warm nights make for comfortable viewing.
September - October: The window for viewing shifts to the evening. The Milky Way will be visible in the southwestern sky shortly after sunset, setting earlier each night.
The Moon is Key: Plan Around the New Moon
The second most important factor after light pollution is the moon. A full moon is so bright it can wash out the entire sky, rendering the Milky Way invisible. For the best experience, plan your trip during the new moon phase or the days immediately surrounding it. During this time, the moon is not visible in the night sky, leaving it perfectly dark for the stars to dominate. You can easily check a moon phase calendar online when planning your dates to ensure the best view of the Milky Way.
The Best Time of Night
The Earth's rotation means the best viewing window changes throughout the night. For peak visibility of the galactic core during the summer months (June-August), the ideal time is typically between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM. This is when the core is highest in the southern sky. Using a stargazing app like Stellarium or SkyView can show you exactly where and when the Milky Way will be visible during your stay.
Your Stargazing Checklist: What to Bring
You don't need expensive equipment to enjoy the night sky, but a few items will make your experience much more comfortable and rewarding.
Essential Gear for Viewing and Comfort:
Red-Light Flashlight or Headlamp: This is the most crucial piece of gear. Red light helps preserve your night vision, which can take up to 30 minutes to fully develop. A regular white flashlight will ruin it in an instant.
Stargazing App: Download an app like Star Walk 2, SkyView, or Stellarium on your phone. These apps use your phone's GPS and compass to identify constellations, planets, and the Milky Way in real-time.
Binoculars: A simple pair of binoculars can dramatically enhance your view. You'll be able to see details in the moon's craters, spot Jupiter's moons, and resolve dense star fields within the Milky Way.
Comfortable Seating: Bring a reclining camp chair or a thick blanket to lie on. Looking straight up for an extended period can strain your neck, so getting comfortable is key.
Warm Layers: Even on warm summer days, the temperature can drop significantly after sunset, making early morning stargazing a chilly yet rewarding experience. Pack a warm jacket, a beanie, and maybe even a blanket to stay cozy.
Snacks and a Warm Drink: A flask of hot chocolate or tea can make the experience even more enjoyable as you wait for your eyes to adjust and the stars to appear.
Dark Sky Etiquette at Return to Roots
To ensure everyone has a great stargazing experience, we encourage all our guests to practice good dark-sky etiquette. The goal is to minimize light pollution on the property.
Use Red Lights Only: Once darkness falls, switch from white flashlights to red-light mode.
Dim Your Lights: Turn off or dim any exterior lights at your glamping site that are not in use.
Shield Your Screens: The bright light from a phone or tablet screen can impact your night vision and that of those around you. If you need to use a screen, turn the brightness to its lowest setting or use a night-mode filter to enhance your astronomical experience.
Be Mindful of Your Neighbors: Keep noise to a minimum so everyone can enjoy the peaceful, quiet atmosphere of the night.
Beginner's Guide to Astrophotography
Capturing the beauty of the night sky is easier than you think. You can get started with just a smartphone or a basic DSLR camera.
Smartphone Astrophotography:
Modern smartphones have impressive low-light capabilities.
Find a Sturdy Mount: You must keep your phone perfectly still. A small tripod is best. In a pinch, you can prop it up against a rock or a bag.
Use Night Mode: Most phones have a dedicated "Night Mode" that automatically takes a long-exposure shot. Use this feature.
Manual Controls: If your phone's camera app has a "Pro" or "Manual" mode, try these settings as a starting point:
ISO: 800-1600
Shutter Speed: 10-30 seconds
Focus: Set to infinity (often represented by a mountain icon).
Use a Timer: Set a 3-second timer to avoid shaking the phone when you press the shutter button.
DSLR/Mirrorless Camera Basics:
For higher quality shots, a camera with manual controls is ideal.
Use a Tripod: This is non-negotiable for long exposures.
Choose a Wide, Fast Lens: A lens with a wide aperture (e.g., f/1.8 to f/2.8) will let in more light. A wider focal length (e.g., 14-24mm) will capture more of the sky.
Manual Mode Settings:
Mode: Manual (M)
Aperture: Set it to the widest opening (lowest f-number).
Shutter Speed: Start with 15-25 seconds. If you go much longer, you'll start to see star trails due to the Earth's rotation.
ISO: Start around 1600-3200. Adjust as needed depending on the brightness.
Focus: Switch your lens to manual focus and set it to infinity. To get sharp stars, use your camera's live view, digitally zoom in on a bright star, and manually adjust the focus ring until the star is a tiny, sharp point of light.
Shoot in RAW: This file format captures more data, giving you much more flexibility when you edit the photo later.
Your Celestial Escape Awaits
A glamping trip to Return to Roots offers more than just a comfortable bed in nature—it provides a rare opportunity to connect with the cosmos. By planning your visit around the new moon during Milky Way season, you can witness a celestial spectacle that will stay with you long after you've returned home. Pack your layers, download a star map, and prepare to be amazed. The universe is waiting for you.
