September in Northwest Arkansas is stargazing season at its finest. Crisp evenings, low humidity, and the absence of heavy summer haze create clear, dark skies that make the constellations pop. The Ozark Mountains are home to several prime locations for night-sky viewing:
- Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) – By day, one of the state’s most photographed vistas; by night, an awe-inspiring perch to watch the Milky Way spill across the horizon.
- Buffalo National River – Designated an International Dark Sky Park, it offers some of the most pristine skies in the region.
- Hobbs State Park – Regular astronomy programs and open fields perfect for spotting planets and meteor showers.
Bring a blanket, a thermos of something warm, and a star map (or your favorite stargazing app). In September, look for Saturn’s golden glow, the Summer Triangle, and the faint smudge of the Andromeda Galaxy rising in the east.
And while you’re exploring Northwest Arkansas under the stars, make time for a daylight visit to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. Located in the rolling hills just south of Eureka Springs, the Refuge is home to over 90 rescued big cats and bears. Hearing lions “carol” into the night from miles away is an unforgettable reminder of the wild—and the vital work being done here to give these animals a safe, respectful home for life.
Whether you’re a travel blogger chasing your next story, a photographer building your dark-sky portfolio, or a nature lover planning a fall getaway, the Ozarks in September offer a perfect blend of wonder on the ground and in the heavens above.
Upcoming Stargazing Events
OCTOBER
October 7 | Full Hunter’s Moon
October 21–22 | Orionid Meteor Shower
October 22 | New Moon
October 28 | Jupiter at Opposition
NOVEMBER
November 6 | Full Beaver Moon
November 21 | New Moon
November 17–18 | Leonid Meteor Shower
DECEMBER
December 4 | Full Cold Moon
December 13–14 | Geminid Meteor Shower
December 21 | New Moon & Winter Solstice
December 22 | Ursid Meteor Shower
For a virtual experience, check out the Virtual Astrology Explore from TimeAndDate.com.