Astrotourism is on the rise and for good reason. Experience magic by sitting under an open sky and marveling at the universe's wonders. Whether you're an amateur stargazer or an expert, we've got you covered. Discover recommended locations for stargazing worldwide and prepare yourself with our best tips and tricks.
Factors for Great Stargazing
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Before diving into the top places to stargaze worldwide, let's cover some essentials. Here's what you should consider to have an incredible stargazing experience:
- Light pollution: City lights can limit your capacity to see stars. If you want to see more stars, you must go to areas with less light pollution.
- Moon phases: You'll want to prioritize new moon phases, as the full moon's brightness can make it hard to see many stars.
- Weather: The fewer clouds, the better! High humidity and strong winds are best avoided.
- Altitude: Higher altitudes will generally lead to better stargazing conditions.
- Astronomical seeing: This fancy term refers to the distortion of astronomical objects due to changes in the Earth's atmosphere, which can impact your viewing.
Stargaze Around the World
Now that we've covered the basics, it's time to start dreaming up your next trip! Let's go over some of our top stargazing destinations around the world.
Atacama Desert, Chile
In 2011, Chile housed 42% of the world's astronomical infrastructure, and the Atacama Desert is a popular stargazing destination for good reason. Due to its extreme aridity, high altitude, and minimal light pollution, it's the home of the world's most advanced observatories.
View breathtaking night skies, and make the most of the area during the day with activities like sandboarding, bathing in hot thermal waters, and more.
Mauna Kea, Hawaii
Mauna Kea is another popular stargazing spot. It's home to some of the world's most powerful telescopes and rises above about 40% of the Earth's atmosphere.
Like the Atacama Desert, it has a dry atmosphere and minimal light pollution. Its position near the equator makes it an ideal spot for a comprehensive night sky view. Add a very stable atmosphere, and you're in for a treat!
Bonus points? The area offers a variety of hikes, making it the perfect destination for active vacationers.
Canary Islands, Spain
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The Canary Islands, especially Tenerife and La Palma, are considered one of the top places in the world for stargazing.
The Sky Act protects the skies of these islands. It's a law passed to preserve the quality of observation.
Visitors can tour the observatories, making this a great destination for both casual and expert stargazers.
This is your destination if you want to enjoy beautiful beaches during the day and stargaze at night.
Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales
If you want to take your stargazing to Europe, the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales is also an excellent option for stargazing.
In 2013, the International Dark-Sky Association nominated it as an "International Dark Sky Reserve." The park hosts many events, workshops, and festivals, making it a fantastic way to build community and get into this hobby.
Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Japan
If a trip to Japan is on your radar, this one is for you. Take a detour to this gorgeous park in Okinawa Prefecture.
It's a subtropical wonderland full of coral reefs, endemic species, and beautiful forests, and it's registered as an International Dark Sky park.
Go stargazing at night and hiking and diving during the day.
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand
Ready to take your stargazing adventures to New Zealand? The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is an ideal place for astrotourism. Its International Dark Sky Reserve status means the light pollution there is very low.
You can also enjoy scenic Lake Tekapo or thermal pools at Tekapo Springs.
NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
Another option is the NamibRand Nature Reserve. It was the first place in Africa to be designated an International Dark Sky Reserve. It has little light pollution, a dry climate, and gorgeous southern hemisphere views.
The reserve stands out with its many lodges and camps, some of which include features like retractable roofs.
Jasper National Park, Canada
Jasper National Park is also a Dark Sky Preserve. It hosts a Dark Sky Festival in October with workshops, telescope viewing, and more.
It's an excellent place to view the Northern Lights and enjoy the stunning natural landscapes of the Rockies.
Stargazing Essentials
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Before you go out on your big adventure, pack your bags efficiently. Here are some essentials to bring with you:
- Star apps or charts: Downloading a Star app like Stellarium or printing a sky chart can help guide your observations.
- Warm clothes and blankets: You'll want to stay cozy, so bring some warm clothes and blankets for cooler weather.
- Handheld binoculars or a telescope: While stargazing with the naked eye is a good way to get into stargazing, you might want to upgrade to binoculars or a telescope later.
- Red flashlight: Red light won't affect your night vision as much as regular flashlights, making it an ideal choice.
- Bug spray: Protect yourself from pesky insects to make the most of your escapade.
- Water and snacks: Stay hydrated and nourished while observing. Focus on finger foods that won't create a sticky or crumbly mess.
Stay connected, no matter where stargazing takes you. Airalo offers eSIMS for over 200+ destinations, so you can make the most of your trip. Say goodbye to roaming fees and use a travel eSIM to check light pollution, the weather, or your route. Feel ready for anything!
