Best Places in the World to go Stargazing
Stargazing is a timeless tradition and one of the most beautiful experiences available to us on a clear night. Looking up at the night sky, filled with stars, can often fill us with awe and wonder. There is something spectacular about looking upon the stars, knowing how vast the universe is, how much we do not yet understand and how small and insignificant we can feel in the expanse of this cosmic panorama. But in the same way that stars can leave us feeling insignificant, they remind of the beautiful truths that exist in the universe – the power of nature and the sheer beauty of a starry night.
For anyone looking for a truly stunning experience, we’ve gathered some of the top places to go stargazing:
- Atacama Desert, Chile
As one of the driest places on the planet, the Atacama Desert in Chile is an ideal place for stargazing. Its dry climate, clear skies, and elevation make it one of the best spots on Earth for seeing the stars in their full clarity and glory. The Atacama region is one of the few locations on the planet that has been designated as a “Dark Sky Sanctuary”. Its label of being a ‘Dark Sky’ place ensures the darkness is preserved based on the strict light pollution regulations in place.
- LakeTahoe, California
On the border between California and Nevada, LakeTahoe is filled with stunning scenery as well as an almost perfect environment to enjoy some fantastic stargazing. The relative lack of light pollution and the seemingly endless expanse of the lake make for wonderful scenes for anyone looking for a good spot to look up at the night sky. Whether you’re camping on its shores or just hiking in the area, make sure to take a moment to enjoy the night sky from this beautiful spot.
- Joshua Tree National Park, USA
Another amazing place in the USA to see the stars is Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California. Since the area was designated as a National Park in 1994, it has been a refuge to many, providing space to reflect and get close to nature. The night provides another level of beauty, as the stars light up the skies as long as the huge Joshua trees towering in the region.
- Goomy Desert, Australia
The Goomy Desert in Western Australia is an amazing destination to lie down and enjoy the night. Its famed ‘Milky Way’ can be seen with excellent clarity, providing an astonishing event to anyone camping in the area. Plus, being located just 200 kilometers from the huge city of Perth, means this is a perfect destination for anyone looking for a slice of natural beauty and a reminder of the universe’s grandeur.
- Namib Desert, Namibia
As the world’s oldest desert, the Namib Desert in Namibia has some of the darkest skies on the planet. This makes it one of the best places for stargazing, providing extraordinary displays that leave onlookers in awe. Those wanting to get away from it all should definitely head towards this stunning part of the world, where the stars guides them through an incredible night.
- Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
In the southern part of Kenya, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is an incredible place to find peace by staring up at the night sky. As one of the most visited reserves in East Africa, the Maasai Mara quickly reveals why it is so popular. It is home to some spectacular wildlife, including the legendary ‘Big Five’, and the night skies here provide yet another magnificent show to behold.
- North Island, New Zealand
Known as one of the best places in New Zealand for stargazing, North Island provides some truly stunning viewing opportunities for anyone wanting to take in the night sky. Situated in a remote corner of the South Pacific, clear skies, virtually no light pollution, and untold beauty await those who come here to observe the stars.
- Canary Islands, Spain
Off the coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are known for excellent weather, lush and beautiful scenery and, of course, its night sky vistas. Not only are the Canary Islands relatively close to mainland Europe, but the combination of clear atmosphere and distant ocean make for amazing stargazing opportunities. This combination helps ensure the natural beauty of the stars is very clearly visible.
- Mt. Bromo, Indonesia
For those looking for a fantastically unique experience, Mt. Bromo in Indonesia is a great choice. Its unique caldera allows people to see the stars far away from any other light sources, including from the crater itself. With stars in almost all directions, spending a night in this area provides an experience few are privileged to have.
- Saariselka, Finland
Officially the northernmost village in Finland, Saariselka provides stunning views of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), combined with the night sky that offers a very different and beautiful experience than a traditional urban night view. The wide open night sky and crisp temperatures make it a perfect spot for anyone looking to enjoy the really strange beauty of nature.
Stargazing is one of the most magical experiences available to us, reminding us of the unique beauty of the universe. There are some truly incredible places in the world where stargazing is a breathtaking experience. From dried out deserts to breathtaking natural reserves, each destination offers something special and unique. We hope that this guide has inspired you to go and explore one of these incredible spots for yourself and enjoy exploring the night sky.
