4 places to take photographs of the night sky in the Berkshires

Looking for a spot in the Berkshires where you can observeand photograph the night sky?

The first thing you need to do is find a dark location, away fromstreet lights and other light sources. Moonless nights are best for observing the evening sky, so try to go out on nights closest to the new moon or last quarter moon.

To help you get started on your quest to observe or photograph the night sky, here are four places we suggest checking out:

BALDWIN HILL

Baldwin Hill, Egremont

Baldwin Hill is a favorite spot for photographers wanting to capture images of the Baldwin Elm or a bounty of fall colors. At night, it’s the perfect spot to look up and find stars, untarnished by the lights of more populous areas of the Berkshires.

CHESTNUT PRESERVE

Route 7, South Street, Stockbridge

One of three locations favored by Rick Costello, the Chestnut Preserve, about a half-mile south of the Red Lion Inn on South Street, is part of the Laurel Hill Associations of Stockbridge. The preserve, according to Costello, is a prime spot for night sky observations and photography.

EUGENE D. MORAN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

Route 8A, Savoy Road, Windsor

Berkshire Eagle photographer Ben Garver says the eastern part of Berkshire County is favorable for night photography, especially the hilltowns where light pollution is less of a problem. He suggests pulling off the road into the management area’s parking area to take photos. What makes this location a great spot for photographs? Ben says it faces in the “right direction” for photographing the Milky Way Galaxy.

NOTCHVIEW

The Trustees of Reservations, Route 9, Windsor

You can observe stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae and other deep space phenomena from Notchview. Join the Arunah Hill Natural Science amateur astronomers, 6 p.m., Oct. 22 for an evening of star gazing. Telescopes will be set up on site. Length of observing time will depend on how clear the sky will be and when certain objects appear. Event is $5 for non-members; free for members.

More information: thetrustees.org ■