In many parts of the world, the wonders of the heavens are being obscured by major light pollution.
However, there are still many ultra-dark locations around the world where you can stargaze beneath a clear night sky with outstanding views of stars, planets, comets, and asteroids!
If you are an amateur astronomer or just love dreaming under a canopy of stars, these seven destinations (with great accommodation), get you as close as is humanly possible to the night sky, while keeping your feet on the ground.
1. The Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama desert is home to some of the world’s most powerful telescopes and observatories including the famous Atacama Large Millimeter Array, a radio telescope.
It is an exceptional location for stargazing due to its high altitude, nonexistent light pollution and radio interference, and over 200 cloudless nights per year!
One of the most popular locations for stargazing is the Elqui Valley in the Coquimbo Region.
San Pedro de Atacama in the Antofagasta Region also attracts a lot of tourists who are keen to study the night sky. Both towns have great accommodations, observatories, and a packed roster of stargazing tours.
Best accommodation for Elqui Valley stargazing:
Best accommodation for San Pedro de Atacama stargazing:
2. Mauna Kea, Hawaii
The active volcano of Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaiʻi is the earth’s second-highest island peak.
Its height, remoteness, and absence of ambient light from human settlements make it one of the best places on Earth for astronomy.
Manua Kea is home to several summit observatories including the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility.
If you want an amazing night under the stars, join one of the regular public star-gazing events at the Mauna Kea Information Station on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from sundown, if the weather permits.
Best accommodation for Mauna Kea stargazing:
3. Kerry Dark Sky Reserve, Ireland
Kerry in Ireland is renowned for its pristine night skies with brilliant starscape that attracts amateur and professional astronomers and astrophotographers from around the world.
Kerry’s International Gold Tier Dark Sky Reserve covers most of South Kerry with free access to the public.
Use your own telescope or join one of the many guided group activities which will provide amazing insights into the night sky.
Quick note: avoid June through August because the sky is too bright for the best stargazing.
Best accommodation for Kerry Dark Sky Reserve stargazing:
4. NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
The NamibRand Nature Reserve in Southwestern Namibia in the Namib Desert is not only renowned for its outstanding wildlife.
In addition, the 215,000-hectare reserve founded in the 1980s by J.A. Brückner has been designated an International Dark-Sky Reserve, by the International Dark-Sky Association.
Its exceptionally dark skies are protected by careful use of nocturnal lighting, meaning you can enjoy an amazing canopy of stars and other celestial phenomena.
Best accommodation for NamibRand Nature Reserve stargazing:
5. Sark, Channel Islands
The curious Channel Island of Sark received the International Dark Sky Island status in 2011.
The island, which is a principality located off the UK coast, does not have cars, neon lights, or street lamps, making its night sky great for astronomy.
It only has 600 residents, meaning that there are plenty of places to set up a telescope and enjoy the sky at night. If you didn’t bring your own telescope, the Sark Astronomy Society often lends them!
Best accommodation for Sark stargazing:
6. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Cherry Springs State Park in Philadelphia is one of the best locations in the US for stargazing due to its mountains, low levels of forest-shielded habitation, and prohibitions on white lighting that gives superb views of the night sky.
Its location is ideal for impressive views of the Milky Way.
You can stargaze in designated areas of this State Park that include, the Night Sky Public Viewing Area, Rustic Campground, and Overnight Astronomy Observation Field.
Best accommodation for Cherry Springs State Park stargazing:
7. Kiruna, Lappland, Sweden
Kiruna area in Swedish Lapland, 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, has cold clear nights that are amazing for observing a variety of celestial phenomena including the famed northern lights.
This remote region can be accessed for astronomy with the assistance of a variety of guides and there are a variety of lodges and ice hotels to experience.
Best accommodation for Kiruna, Lapland stargazing:
Rounding Up
It’s great that there are designated Dark Sky areas all over the world, where efforts are being made to conserve the night sky.
These locations provide the ability for keen astronomers and astrophotographers to study, view, and image space and learn more about the wonders of the universe.
