Stargazing is astonishing on Desert Lake as the light pollution is so minimal in the area. Astronomy can be daunting for beginners — after all there’s a whole universe out there! But stargazing basics don’t have to be difficult. The best way to start exploring the night sky above Desert Lake is with the unaided eye. Or considering downloading one of several stargazing apps on your mobile device  to assist in identifying the constellations and names of the stars.

Take your stargazing interest to the next level by visiting our local dark sky viewing areas:

NORTH FRONTENAC DARK SKY PRESERVE
This area has the darkest skies in Southern Ontario and is the first municipality in Canada to be designated as a Dark Sky Preserve. Located about 80 kilometres north of Desert Lake, the township of North Frontenac offers some incredibly dark skies. Astronomers and amateur stargazers alike are drawn to the area for the nighttime views at the local dark sky preserve.

In fact in 2013, the North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve was recognized by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. The site features parking and washrooms, a large cement pad for telescopes, benches and picnic tables for visitors to enjoy on long summer nights.

Check their website for opening updates and for more information. 

 Location: 5"N County Rd 1, Lombardy

 

LENNOX & ADDINGTON DARK SKY VIEWING AREA
Just under 60 kilometres west of Desert Lake in Erinsville, you’ll find the Lennox and Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area. Created in 2012, this is one of the southernmost dedicated stargazing spots in Ontario. The viewing area stays open from dusk until dawn every day. It features a concrete pad for setting up telescopes and a number of benches for sitting back and taking in the amazing number of stars in the night sky.

Check their website for opening updates and for more information.

Location: 7980 County Road 41, Erinsville