My mom gave me a Hubble book for Christmas I had been eyeing for weeks prior at Barnes and Noble. It contains pictures from the Hubble telescope and how to identify constellations.

I've always been a closet astronomy nerd and was pleasantly surprised to discover there's a lot of people in the same closet. This is for all my fellow star gazing friends and adventure lovers.

Here are 11 great locations for star gazing in Texas:

1. Brazos Bend State Park

Brazos Bend State Park is a 5,000 acre park located in Needville, Texas. The Brazos river runs throughout the park and it's home to various species of birds and alligators. The George Observatory is located on site at the park, containing three domed telescopes; observers who have visited the park have reported seeing sights such as Saturn's rings and the cloud belts of Jupiter.

2. Caprock Canyons State Park

Caprock Canyons State Park is located in Quitaque, Texas. This 15,000 acre area of land is home to the only wild bison in Texas. Because of the canyon hills blocking out lights from nearby cities, it's the perfect, isolated area to appreciate the sights of the sky. The Milky Way is commonly scene at the park on nights with clear skies.

3. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Fredricksburg, Texas is hard to miss, due to it's distinctive centerpiece of a 425 foot high pink granite; the mountainous looking object is the focal point of many Native American legends. It is one of very few parks given the title "International Dark Sky Park," meaning it is noted place to star gaze.

4. Colorado Bend State Park

Colorado Bend State Park, named after the Colorado river running throughout the 150 acre area is located in Bend, Texas. It is most noted for an onsite waterfall, Gorman Falls.

5. Copper Breaks State Park

Copper Breaks State Park located in the panhandle of Quanah, Texas is also labeled as an "International Dark Sky Park," with the exception of receiving the "gold tier" viewing status. It's clear landscape and lack of pollution contribute to the favored spot of astronomers and star gazers alike from around the world. In addition to it's prime location to star gaze, Copper Breaks State Park is also home to a portion of the Texas longhorn herd.

6. Canyon of the Eagles Resort

The Canyon of the Eagles Resort in Burnet, Texas is a 940 acre resort of scenic views, clear skies and adventures for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Buchanan, one of the largest bodies of water in central Texas, is on premises. In addition to hiking trails and water activities available, guests also have free access to the Eagle Eye Observatory, containing two telescopes. One Saturday every month, the public is invited to the observatory to use the telescopes, complete with members of the Austin Astronomical Society (AAS) at your disposal for knowledge of the telescopes, galaxies and nebulas.

7. Pedernales Falls State Park

Pedernales Falls State Park in Johnson City, Texas is noted for its beautiful waterfalls and views during the day, but due to minimal light pollution, the Milky Way is easily visible at night.

8. Resaca de La Palma State Park

Resaca de La Palma State Park is located in my hometown of Brownsville, Texas. It's a spot frequented by bird watchers from all over the world. Because of it's location in the outskirts of town and minimal to no light pollution, it's also the perfect place for star gazers to let their minds and eyes wander. I can assure you, it's just as beautiful during the day as it is at night.

9. Devil's River State Natural Area

Devil's River State National Area in Del Rio, Texas is widely known for it's excellent fishing location and water activities in the Devil's River. However, not many people know because of it's isolated landscape and clear skies at night, it's the perfect place to camp and star gaze.

10. Rafes Urban Astronomy Center

The Rafes Urban Astronomy Center is located at the University of North Texas in Ponder, Texas. Although it is usually used strictly for students taking astronomy classes at the college, there are star parties held the first Saturday of every month. The star parties give the public free access to the four telescopes on site.

11. Balmorhea State Park

The Balmorhea State Park in Toyahvale, Texas is home to the largest spring fed swimming pool in the world. Because of this, the 46 acre park is infamous for swimming, scuba diving and other water related activities. Although it doesn't have the title of "International Dark Sky Park," its clear night skies earned it recognition from astronomers and observers alike.