Fort Union National Monument

Sky Score 65/100≈ Bortle 2

Fort Union National Monument is a protected area 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 September, when about 74% of the night sky is clear.

Tonight's outlook: 60/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 59%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at Fort Union National Monument

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January60%61/100
February65%64/100
March66%64/100
April70%68/100
May66%65/100
June63%63/100
July57%59/100
August59%60/100
September ★74%70/100
October71%68/100
November70%68/100
December67%66/100

Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).

Where to stay near Fort Union National Monument

Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep — stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.

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Nearby spots in New Mexico