Tataka

Chiayi · Yushan

Bortle 2 · Pristine dark sky ｜ Elevation 2610m ｜ SQM ~21.7 ｜ Best view South

The western gateway to Yushan National Park at ~2,610 m — the darkest belt along the New Central Cross-Island Highway. Far from city lights with a clean southern sky; the Milky Way framed over the Yushan range is the signature shot.

Galactic core tonight

🌌 Tonight the Milky Way core climbs to a shootable altitude around 20:13, sinks back near 03:03, and peaks around 22:53 at roughly 38° in the South.

Access

The Tataka recreation area where Highway 18 (Alishan) meets Highway 21; observe national-park rules and heed bear-activity notices for overnight stays.

Facilities

Visitor centre, car park and toilets (mostly daytime); lodging nearby.

Best season

Mar–Oct Milky Way season; spring air is especially transparent.

See the nearby city's stargazing calendar

Bortle class and SQM are estimates for well-known sites, used to compare darkness — not on-site measurements.