Flight Deck
Sky Score 66/100≈ Bortle 2
Flight Deck is a scenic viewpoint in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 89/100 (≈ Bortle 2) — among the very darkest measurable skies in the American Southwest — the Milky Way casts visible shadows on moonless nights. The best month to come is typically May, when about 77% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 58/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 56%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Flight Deck
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 65% | 64/100 |
| February | 69% | 67/100 |
| March | 67% | 65/100 |
| April | 73% | 70/100 |
| May ★ | 77% | 73/100 |
| June | 65% | 64/100 |
| July | 54% | 56/100 |
| August | 56% | 58/100 |
| September | 73% | 70/100 |
| October | 74% | 70/100 |
| November | 72% | 69/100 |
| December | 65% | 64/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Flight Deck
No lodging within 80 km — this is true wilderness. Plan to camp, or base yourself in the nearest gateway town and drive out for the night.
Nearby spots in New Mexico
- Jornada del Muerto Wilderness Study Area — 32 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Elephant Butte Lake State Park — 47.9 km · Sky Score 66/100
- San Lorenzo Ridge Overlook — 49.7 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Apache Kid Wilderness — 51.7 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Withington Wilderness — 53.3 km · Sky Score 68/100