Travelers are becoming more and more interested in destinations that specialize in providing once-in-a-lifetime nature experiences, stargazing being one. If you’re one of those people curious about astrotourism, you should know that North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, located in the southeast corner of the state, boasts some of the most amazing stargazing spots along the East Coast.
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What Makes NC's Brunswick Islands Popular With Stargazers?
North Carolina's Brunswick Islands is a popular astrotourism destination due to:
- The area’s lack of light pollution
- The area's lack of high rise development
- Our island's south-facing beaches
From NC's Brunswick Islands stargazers can enjoy vast constellations surrounded by nothing but the ocean and sand. Those looking to maximize their experience will want to get as close to a dark sky as possible to see the stars like never before.
What is a Dark Sky?
While it may sound self-explanatory, a dark sky does not just refer to the darkness of night but instead the near-total absence of light altogether, which makes for ideal stargazing. With NC's Brunswick Islands’ lack of light pollution and its sweeping beaches, there are a number of areas where you can find a near-total dark sky.
For an even darker effect, avoid stargazing on a full or near-full moon and opt a new moon or times when the moon is waning and provides less illumination.
Milky Way Season in NC's Brunswick Islands
Milky Way season denotes the 7–8 months a year when we in the northern hemisphere can view the Milky Way. This is only possible from March to October when the sun is on the opposite side of the sky the galaxy is in.
However, the season’s peak dates take place from late April to late July, when the galactic center is visible for longer throughout the night. This time of year also boasts the islands’ warmest air and water temperatures, making it the perfect time to plan a visit to NC's Brunswick Islands.
Where and When to Stargaze in NC's Brunswick Islands
The Brunswick Islands offer the most epic views of the stars during the Milky Way season directly from the shores of any of its six beaches.
Visit between late April to late July to take advantage of peak Milky Way season at night and enjoy the area's warmest water and air temperatures during the day. This time of year also coincides with sea turtle nesting season, when many locals opt to turn off their outdoor lights to aid the visiting sea turtles, which in turn makes for less light pollution and clearer skies.
Nicholas Sparks fans may want to stargaze at the Old Smithville Burying Ground in Southport, where Landon Carter famously named a star after Jamie in A Walk To Remember.
Visit the Ingram Planetarium for Indoor Stargazing
The stars always shine at Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach. The planetarium features a 40-foot diameter hemispherical dome featuring a high-definition digital projection system, a high-powered laser emitter, 360 LED lighting, and an impressive surround sound system.
Get an up-close-and-personal view of the stars directly from the planetarium’s dome ceiling during their “The Sky Tonight” program. A presenter will take you through a tour of the night sky, pointing out constellations, planets, and stars in the area. The Sky Theater features educational shows on a range of topics from all over the universe, including climate, astronauts, the solar system, and more.
Plan Your Stargazing Visit
No matter where in the area you decide to tilt your head up and look at the sky, NC’s Brunswick Islands has the best views of constellations and the Milky Way right here on our coast. Start planning your Brunswick Islands stargazing adventure by exploring places to stay or requesting a free visitors guide.