For many urban dwellers, witnessing a pristine night sky dotted with countless stars remains an elusive experience. Although various myths and legends are deeply linked with the constellations, and the stars once guided sailors on their journeys, city lights have significantly reduced the visibility of these celestial wonders, making stargazing impossible in many parts of the world. Fortunately, there are many areas around the world where stargazing is still possible.
The International Dark-Sky Association, a US-based nonprofit organization established in 1988, aims to address this by identifying and promoting parks, reserves, and numerous locations worldwide that offer the most captivating views of the Milky Way. Many of these dark-sky destinations provide camping or lodging facilities, allowing travelers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the enchanting splendor of the night sky. Astrotourism has gained momentum over the past few years, and these are the top destinations for stargazing:
Natural Bridges National Monument, United States
Located in Utah, the Natural Bridges National Monument holds the distinction of being the world’s first International Dark-Sky Park. Its landscape boasts some of the darkest skies on Earth, allowing visitors to marvel at the Milky Way and other celestial objects with the naked eye. The stunning surroundings include stream-carved canyons inhabited by diverse wildlife, such as coyotes and mountain lions, as well as native desert flora. Additionally, the park is home to ancient Native American ruins that can be viewed before camping overnight in this breathtaking environment. The International Dark-Sky Association has recognized this monument as an ideal destination for both casual stargazers and experienced astronomers to appreciate the beauty of the night sky.
Read here to learn about the best hiking trails in Utah
Rhön Biosphere Reserve, Germany
The Rhön Biosphere Reserve, an expansive region recognized by UNESCO, offers stunning night skies thanks to its International Dark Sky Association (IDA) Silver Tier-status. Within this “land of endless horizons,” visitors can marvel at the breathtaking sights of the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy.
Centered within the reserve, a community of nearly 200,000 residents utilizes sustainable outdoor lighting at night to maintain the pristine celestial views. The Rhön Star Park nonprofit organization provides unforgettable experiences for stargazers with guided tours and nighttime walks, enhancing your journey through the universe.
The captivating opportunities for stargazing and photography within this biosphere reserve are unparalleled. Imagine capturing the striking image of the Andromeda galaxy, the Milky Way galaxy, and the moon in a single frame, as seen in the awe-inspiring photograph taken in Moab, Utah. The Rhön Biosphere Reserve grants you a chance to witness these stellar wonders, making it a must-visit destination for astronomy enthusiasts.
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand
Located within the stunning Mackenzie Basin, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve offers unparalleled stargazing opportunities. As home to New Zealand’s highest peak, this picturesque area is ideal for camping and mountain adventures. You can embark on a captivating stargazing tour at the Mount John University Observatory or the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and Planetarium, witnessing celestial wonders like the Milky Way, Southern Cross, Alpha Centauri, and Sirius. By preserving its dark-sky legacy, the reserve honors the Maori people’s cultural significance attached to the stars, from navigation to folklore.
Cherry Springs State Park, United States
Located in Pennsylvania, Cherry Springs State Park is renowned for its annual star parties that attract not only local families but also astronomers worldwide. Visitors can enjoy this park in Tenerife during the Perseids meteor shower each August. Aside from stargazing, the park, nestled among black cherry trees, offers a range of activities, including hiking and snowmobiling on forest trails, camping, and picnicking. Ideal for observing celestial objects, Cherry Springs boasts about 60 to 85 nights of optimal stargazing conditions per year.
Pic du Midi, France
Pic du Midi played a crucial role in NASA’s research of the lunar landscape during the Apollo mission preparations. This magnificent mountain reserve is home to the Pyrenees-Mont Perdu landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a national park. To reach the astounding mountaintop observatory located above the clouds, visitors can take a cable car. Moreover, the reserve offers an overnight package deal, featuring accommodation, meals, a tour of the telescopes, stargazing with astronomers, and skiing opportunities.
Sedona, United States
Sedona, located in Arizona, is a renowned tourist destination and a favorite spot for Hollywood film productions. Its distinct red-rock landscape sets it apart, and the town has earned the prestigious Dark Sky Community recognition due to its minimal light pollution. Here, stargazing enthusiasts can marvel at celestial wonders such as the Whirlpool Galaxy, which is situated approximately 35 million light-years away.
Mont-Mégantic, Canada
Mont-Mégantic National Park, the world’s pioneering dark-sky reserve, warmly welcomes visitors to explore its rich astronomical features, including the ASTROlab observatory and special stargazing nights. The park also offers other outdoor activities such as camping, hiking through dense mixed forests, ascending Mont St. Joseph and Mont Mégantic peaks, skiing, as well as snowshoeing. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, enjoy an unforgettable journey under the vast, star-filled skies.
Zselic National Landscape Protection Area, Hungary
The Zselic Starry Sky Park boasts pristine dark skies, enabling visitors to gaze upon the shy Triangulum Galaxy on cloudless nights. The park offers an immersive astronomy program that features full-dome movies in the planetarium, a display of meteorites, day and night telescopic observations, and informative guided tours under the nightly sky. Embraced by nature’s beauty and an extraordinary celestial experience, this park is a must-visit location for stargazers not only in Hungary but also for those in nearby countries, such as Argentina and Norway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Locations with Clear Skies for Stargazing
Some of the best spots on the planet for stargazing are locations with clear skies and little light pollution. One famous location is the Atacama Desert in Chile, which boasts high altitude and unpolluted air.
Premier Astrophotography Sites
Astrophotographers are often in search of destinations with ideal conditions. Among the top locations, we can find Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand, a sanctuary for exceptional night sky views.
Countries with Minimal Light Pollution
Countries with low levels of light pollution are perfect for stargazing. Some examples include Chile, New Zealand, and certain remote areas of Australia.
Best Stargazing Spots in the USA
The United States offers a variety of excellent stargazing sites, such as:
- Mauna Kea, Hawaii
- Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
- Kitt Peak National Observatory, Arizona
Finding Dark Sky Parks and Reserves
Dark Sky Parks and Reserves are specifically designed to preserve the natural starry sky. You can find these protected areas by visiting the International Dark Sky Association website.
Popular Stargazing Accommodations
Some hotels and accommodations cater to stargazers, offering amenities such as observatories or telescope rentals. Examples of such accommodations include Hotel Rangá in Iceland, Elqui Domos in Chile, and SkySafari Kenya in Africa.
