The best time to enjoy a night full of stargazing here in Western New York is during our summer months. While some Buffalonians may be waiting until the 4th of July to focus on the skies above us, you’ll want to make sure to take a look at what’s hiding beyond the city lights during the month of June. Light pollution makes stargazing in the city difficult, but just a 30-minute drive from Buffalo will lead you to one of the darkest spots in Western New York. It’s the perfect place to marvel at the Milky Way, witness a meteor shower, and even spot our solar system’s largest planet as it makes an appearance in the night sky this month.

The Beaver Meadow Audubon Center in Java Center is a beautiful place to visit, and it’s just a quick, half-hour drive from Buffalo.

Kurt Zechmann/Google

By day, the 320-acre nature preserve makes for a scenic place to explore, with well-marked trails and even glacial kettle ponds surrounded by wildlife.

Buffalo Audubon Society/Facebook

By night, this area of Wyoming County become one of the best places to go stargazing in Western New York.

Ryan Hallock/Flickr

Beaver Meadow Audubon Center is just far enough away from Buffalo to escape the city lights and give you a whole new view of the night sky. Stand out by the ponds or sit in your car - it doesn’t take much to be amazed by the view here!

Ryan Hallock/Flickr

While the starry sky over Beaver Meadow is spectacular in any season, we encourage you to make a visit this summer - especially during the month of June - as there are several celestial events that you won’t want to miss.

Ryan Hallock/Flickr

In June, the planet Jupiter will be at its biggest and brightest in the night sky.

Ryan Hallock/Flickr

The gas giant will be visible throughout the entire month, so there’s no need to rush out the door at a specific time to catch a glimpse.

Rob Pettengill/Flickr

And, luckily for Buffalonians, spotting Jupiter’s moons will be easier than ever.

NASA Solar System Exploration/Flickr

The Buffalo Astronomical Association has set up a Dark Sky Observatory at Beaver Meadow Audubon Center that is open to the public on select dates throughout the summer and fall seasons.

Ryan Hallock/Flickr

As if seeing Jupiter and her beautiful moons weren’t reason enough to take a trip out to Beaver Meadow, you may want to make a return trip to look for meteors.

Ryan Hallock/Flickr A dense cluster of the Taurid Swarm will be making a particularly close pass to Earth this year, and although they are predicted to be obscured by daylight when they begin in June, you might just spot a few of them streaking through the sky later this year.

For more information about the Beaver Meadow Audubon Center in Java Center, visit its website here.

Address: 1610 Welch Road, Java Center, NY 14082

To discover more ways to have fun this summer, read about how This Magical Water Park Near Buffalo Has The Most Epic Lazy River In The State!

Kurt Zechmann/Google

Buffalo Audubon Society/Facebook

Ryan Hallock/Flickr

Rob Pettengill/Flickr

NASA Solar System Exploration/Flickr

A dense cluster of the Taurid Swarm will be making a particularly close pass to Earth this year, and although they are predicted to be obscured by daylight when they begin in June, you might just spot a few of them streaking through the sky later this year.

For more information about the Beaver Meadow Audubon Center in Java Center, visit its website here.

Address: 1610 Welch Road, Java Center, NY 14082

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