Top destinations for stargazing lovers: A list
What's the story
Stargazing connects us with the universe from remote spots with clear night skies, away from city lights. These places give you an unobstructed view of celestial wonders, making them ideal for both amateur astronomers and the ones who love to gaze the stars. Here are the best places across the world to enjoy a clear view of the night sky.
Chile
Atacama Desert's clear skies
The Atacama Desert in Chile is famous for its stunningly clear skies. With little light pollution and dry air, the desert provides one of the finest conditions for stargazing. Its high altitude makes visibility even better, drawing astronomers and tourists to the region. You can either visit different observatories in the area or just lay back on the desert sands to see amazing views of constellations and planets.
Hawaii
Mauna Kea's astronomical views
Standing tall at over 13,000 feet, Mauna Kea in Hawaii is one of the best places to stargaze. At the summit, you get the best view without interference from the atmosphere, which is present at a lower altitude. Here, you will also find some world-class observatories, which offer guided tours where you can watch distant galaxies through their powerful telescopes. The altitude, isolation, everything makes Mauna Kea a must-visit for star-lovers.
Namibia
Namibrand Nature Reserve's dark skies
NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia, is one of Africa's first International Dark Sky Reserves. The designation keeps light pollution to a minimum, maintaining pristine conditions for stargazing. The reserve even conducts guided night walks, where visitors can learn about constellations you can see only from this part of the world. Its vast, open landscapes give you an uninterrupted view of countless stars twinkling against a pitch-black backdrop.
New Zealand
Aoraki Mackenzie's starry nights
The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand is famous for its dark skies, perfect for witnessing celestial phenomena. Located near the Mount Cook National Park, it provides stunning views of the Milky Way, particularly during the southern hemisphere winter months. This combination of pristine nature and crystal clear night skies makes for an awe-inspiring astronomical sight.
Canary Islands
La Palma's celestial wonders
La Palma Island, nestled in Spain's Canary Islands, has made a name as Europe's best destination, primarily due to its undeveloped territory and climate conditions. They all work towards keeping the ideal conditions required for successful observations. Be it self-guided sessions with your own equipment or rented locally, facilities are fitted with cutting-edge technology. This allows for an in-depth exploration of the universe beyond your imagination.