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Can you see the Milky Way from Wyoming?

Exploring Flaming Gorge Country Visitors can find some of the darkest skies in Southwest Wyoming here, perfect for getting a glimpse of the Milky Way. Take a night drive along the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway. You'll see a variety of landscapes to complement the night skies.



Yes, Wyoming is widely considered one of the best places in the lower 48 states to see the Milky Way due to its exceptionally low population density and minimal light pollution. Much of the state consists of high-altitude plains and rugged mountain ranges where the air is thin and dry, providing perfect clarity for stargazing. Locations like Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone, and the Devils Tower National Monument are official International Dark Sky Parks or are in the process of seeking designation. In these areas, on a moonless night, the Milky Way is not just visible—it is so bright that it can cast a faint shadow on the ground. The core of the galaxy is best seen during "Milky Way Season," which runs from late March to early October in the Northern Hemisphere. Because Wyoming has the lowest population of any state in the US, you can drive just 20 minutes outside of a "major" city like Casper or Cheyenne and find yourself in "Bortle Class 1 or 2" skies, where thousands of stars are visible to the naked eye.

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Stars Over Yellowstone, evening astronomy walks by top astronomers, are held at the Madison Amphitheater several times in summer. You can spot the Milky Way, Saturn, craters of the moon, star clusters, and nebula.

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Is it safe to drive in Yellowstone at night? Yes, but take caution. Wildlife is active at night and it can be difficult to see animals on the road until it's too late.

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