On January 29, 2023, Local New Jersey Photographer Steven Sitarik captured the Milky Way Rising over the horizon at the Jersey Shore in Long Beach Island.
Despite the weather forecast initially not being in his favor, he used his instincts to set up his
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Where can I see the Milky Way in NJ?
The Milky Way can be seen in New Jersey on clear nights away from the city lights. The best places to view it are in rural areas such as Cape May County, Cumberland County, and Salem County. The best time of year to see the Milky Way is late spring through early fall when the sky is at its darkest.
When looking for the Milky Way, you should look for a hazy band of light stretching across the night sky. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to spot some of its brightest stars like Sirius or Canopus. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just someone who loves stargazing, seeing the Milky Way in New Jersey will be a truly unforgettable experience.
SEE THE MAP: Best Milky Way Spots in NJ
Can you see Milky Way with the naked eye?
Yes, you can see the Milky Way with your naked eye. On a clear night far away from any city lights, one can spot the faint band of stars that make up the Milky Way stretching across the sky. It is best seen in autumn and winter when the sky is at its darkest, but it can be seen in summer too if you look towards the south.
The Milky Way comprises billions of stars, gas and dust clouds, and dark matter spread across an immense disc-shaped region that measures about 100,000 light-years. To get a better view of it you may want to try using binoculars or a telescope to see individual stars and even other galaxies within our own.
