By Bill Bailey

     Of course we think a park is the best location for a picnic, a walk, or a bicycle ride along beautiful trails. In thinking of a park, we think of outside play together, and most likely, think of a bright, sunny day.

     But Calhoun County Park is also popular for its darkness. That’s right, darkness.

     Calhoun County Park is rated a one on the Bortle scale (which rates light pollution) - the highest rating for viewing conditions of the night sky. On a clear night, with low humidity and no moon, stargazers can see even the dimmest constellations from  atop the Calhoun County Park’s rolling hills.

     The star gazer’s website, www.cleardarksky.com, is dedicated to forecasting nighttime viewing conditions for 2,455 locations around the world. Cleardarksky lists Calhoun County Park as one of the top ten night spots in the eastern United States!

    The web site’s West Virginia page presents Calhoun County Park’s stargazing forecast looking into the upcoming nights.

    Light from the moon figured into the “darkness” scale. You can use this forecast when planning your visit to Calhoun County for a pleasant evening under the stars.

    Calhoun County Park is an amazing location for star gazing  - and the price is right. If you own a telescope, have binoculars or just want to lie on your back and gaze at the stars, it will cost nothing - but a little sleep.

   NOTE: Below is a copy of Calhoun's Clear Sky Clock, courtesy of clearkdarksky.com. Information how to read the clock is available here.