The Canary Islands are internationally recognized for having clean
and clear skies, which are best suited for watching the stars. It has
the privilege of having three Starlight Reserves. The best islands to
gaze at the constellations are the La Palma and Tenerife. La Palma is a
UNESCO Biosphere reserve. Tenerife, on the other hand, is a luxurious
vacation spot for observing the sky. Other stargazing spots on the
Canary Islands are the Orchilla Lighthouse in El Hierro, Las Nieves in
La Gomera, and Morro Velosa in Fuerteventura. Canary Islands have the world’s largest telescope called the Gran Telescopio de Canarias. The telescope is as tall as a 12-storey tower block and bright silver in color.
8. Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert grants the best view in the Southern Hemisphere.
It prides itself for possessing high altitudes and zero light pollution
which enables visitors to have a clear view of the sky. The clear sky is
also as a result of the low rains in the desert. The Atacama Desert
receives only one milimeter of rain annually! The Paranal Observatory
owns one of the largest telescopes in the world. Besides the Paranal
Observatory, Atacama Desert is also home to a myriad of observatories.
Astronomers who visit Atacama Desert are able to observe the birth of
planets and stars, and distant galaxies.
7. Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is famous for being the place where a revolution in astronomy
began. In the 17th century, Galileo Galilei developed his telescope in
Tuscany. The place is popular for great stargazing experiences. Amongst
those unique experiences is watching Jupiter’s satellites, sunspots, and
the Moon’s craters. As such many astronomers often set up their
equipment at the top of the Tuscany hills. The spot enables them relish
the beauty of the universe. Hence, Tuscany is rated among the best
places on earth to watch the night sky. It is definitely the best place
to view the magnificent stars and Milky Way.
6. Namib Desert, Namibia
The Namib Desert is perfectly flat, which grants astronomers a 360
degree view of the sky. Located far from any human habitation, the
desert has no light pollution at all. As such the Namib Desert skies are
among the darkest in the Earth and so the best for watching the stars
in the night. Stargazing here makes one observe the Milky Way stretching
across the sky while the Megallanic Clouds fill the sky with bright
light. There exists an observatory on the desert where a resident helps
visitors to navigate the sky by use of a 12-inch telescope. Some of the
wonderful observations that one can make is of the Jewel Box found
inside the Southern Cross.
5. Death Valley, California
The Death Valley National Park has been named the “third
International Dark Sky Park” in the United States. It is the perfect
place to observe the lunar eclipse, track a meteor shower, and watch the
expanse of the Milky Way. The Death Valley plays an important role in
preserving the dark skies despite worldwide urbanization. Urbanization
tends to bring along with it light pollution which is a big threat to
dark skies. Photographers are also able to take their best astronomy
shots at the Death Valley. In fact the Death Valley has become a great
tourist destination for night-sky tourism. Events such as the annual
Death Valley Winter Star Party attract many scientists and visitors.
4. Scottish Highlands
The Scottish highlands have dark skies which are suitable for
stargazing. As one watches the sky, they are able to observe shooting
stars, planets, the Milky Way and many constellations. The best time to
watch the stars is one and a half hours after sunset and when the moon
is not in the sky. During these times, one can use their naked sky or a
red torch to have a good view of the sky. The rarest experience is
sighting the Aurora Borealis star in the sky. They also need to ensure
they have warm clothings since it is often cold in the night.
3. Breckenridge, Colorado
Colorado’s nightscapes are very stunning, granting many opportunities
to take part in astrotourism. Besides skiing, bike riding and
snowboarding, tourists can enjoy gazing at the stars. Breckenridge is
one of the many places in Colorado that grants a fantastic stargazing
experience. Other extraordinary places to watch the stars in Colorado
include Chimney Rock National Monument, Black Canyon of Gunnison
National Park, Pawnee National Grassland, and Maroon Bells.
2. Hawaii
A visit to Hawaii gives one a chance to experience watching so many
stars in the sky. Many people rarely have this experience today due to
the light pollution in most cities. A simple way to gaze at the stars is
by lying on the beach in the night. However, the summit of Mauna Kea
grants the best view of the sky. There are thirteen giant telescopes
that have been set up in an area with no hint of unnatural light. Using
these telescopes to watch the sky gives one a chance to watch the stars,
Milky Way and the Moon. Furthermore, lots of discoveries have been made
on this spot which has an altitude of 4, 205 meters.
1. Australian Outback
The Australian outback sky is known to offer a spectacular experience
when it comes to stargazing. The sky is very dark as it is far away
from the well lit Australian cities. The dark sky clearly reveals the
Milky Way which is full of seemingly brighter and bigger stars. The
experience is even better in the company of an astronomer. He can help
one locate the famous stars such as the Southern Cross. In addition, one
has the privilege of listening to Aboriginal stories. The areas that
give the best sky views in the Australian outback include Uluru,
Arkaloora Wilderness Sanctuary, and Warrumbungle National Park.
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