I live in a humid temperate zone amidst the Great Lakes of Canada and USA (in Canada). Clear nights with really fabulous seeing are rare, as my last two monthly sessions have proven. I should restate that: they are rare around new moon. They seem quite abundant in and around full moon. Not only do we suffer around here from hazy skies often loaded with humidity, but in spring, summer and fall that humidity brings out the pesky mosquitoes. They carry West Nile Disease, too, so there is no such thing as an innocent bite. In a person's wildest dreams, are there places to travel with one's telescope to have not only the best skies one could imagine, but also be free of pesky insects? For this dreamer, there are three.
Having come from northern Ontario, I fully realize that dark skies there are as dark as they come. The only problem is that they don't come with any regularity or predictability. Planning a week-long visit there (Manitoulin Island comes to mind) might yield one or two good nights, or seven, or none. If I am going to drive far and plan a week-long astronomy orgy, I am also looking for certain guarantees that eastern North American cannot possibly provide. You pick your dates and you take your chances.
That brings me to consider western North America. Not the far west of California, but the nearer west of Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico and parts of Texas. During certain seasons (spring, fall, and winter) weather is reasonably predictable, enough to make planning a trip worth considering. I am considering it for this autumn and next spring, and perhaps for ever more afterwards. Things like seasonal hurricanes, which can seriously affect Texas and certainly cause clouds in New Mexico must be taken into account, but these events usually appear a week or so ahead. Postponing a trip with advance warning is not that difficult to do.
I have experienced dark skies in two of the three locations I am about to divulge. The third location (Texas) is unknown to me, but comes with good recommendations. New Mexico has the best skies I have ever encountered. It is no coincidence that so many major telescopes are located there. It is also the home of White Sands Missile Base (and White Sands National Monument). Western Oklahoma, near the border with New Mexico, also boasts some of the best skies I have ever seen. The famous annual Tex Okie Star Party is held here http://www.okie-tex.com/.
Observers are welcome at Black Mesa State Park, OK (tell the ranger when you arrive). Sky views from the campground, especially the tent sites up above the valley, are nothing short of stupendous. Neighbouring campfires might be a nuisance, but there are so many places in the park one can set up, it should not pose a huge problem. Ideally, I would camp here in early October from a Sunday night through Thursday. Or, if you prefer star parties, head over to the nearby Okie Tex, also held during the new moon in Oct.
http://www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.631
http://www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.631
The New Mexico site is a much further drive for me, but at the end of the road a comfortable, astronomy-friendly B & B awaits. Observe all night, and sleep in comfort all day. The altitude is only around 5,000', so it should not cause flatlanders any undue distress. The best skies I have seen are around 8,000' near here, but it gets chilly at night, especially in the fall or early spring. April, May, October and November are tempting me right now. Clear, very dry nights are almost a certainty. Mosquitoes are rare to non-existent. http://www.casitasdegila.com/astronomy.html
My third site is also a B & B, this time in Texas. A bit more affordable, too. I have not seen the skies from here, but they sound spectacular and worth a try. My goal is next April (galaxies, here I come!). http://starrynight.homestead.com/
If none of these sites excite you, or perhaps prove too far to get to, then perhaps this final website for today can help you find the best place near you. Good luck, and may your skies be clear, dark and dry (and often).
Mapman Mike
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