This article was produced by National Geographic Traveler (UK).
With light pollution increasing by 10% every year and affecting an estimated 80% of the world’s population, fewer and fewer people have regular access to a truly dark night sky. Unhindered stargazing has become a rare experience for many, yet it is a tranquil escape from the hectic modern world, giving us the chance to unwind and reflect on the enormity of the cosmos and our place in it.
Light pollution not only affects our ability to see stars, but also has a significant impact on astronomical research, harms biodiversity, contributes to global warming and impacts human health. Preserving the dark sky is essential for all living things, and if you are a respectful astrotourist you can play a role in protecting our planet for future generations. Here you can read how you can do this in a responsible way.
Where and when will you go stargazing?
The ideal locations for stargazing are far from the city lights, with unobstructed views of the horizon. Mountains, moors, deserts and remote islands are good choices, thanks to their isolation, clear conditions and lack of light pollution. Winter is the best time of year because there are longer hours of darkness and the sky is generally clearer (astronomers call this ‘good seeing’).
A good resource for choosing a destination is DarkSky International’s certified list Dark sky placeswhich are known for protecting the natural nighttime environment and the starry sky, while the DarkSky approved accommodation lists stargazer-friendly accommodations.
It is also helpful to consult a light pollution map Lightpollutionmap.infowhich uses satellite data from artificial lighting at night to show the darkest areas.
You may also want to plan your trip around celestial events, such as eclipses or annual meteor showers like the Perseids in August, when there are stunning displays of shooting stars. Be aware of the moon phase: If you want to see our galaxy, the Milky Way, plan your trip during the dark new moon phase. Viewing lunar craters and dark basins through a telescope when the moon is full can be spectacular.
Mountains, moors, deserts and remote islands are ideal choices for stargazing, thanks to their isolation, clear conditions and lack of light pollution.
Photo by Travis Burke
Is it worth joining a stargazing tour?
A guide can provide equipment and valuable information so you can discover planets, constellations, and deep-sky objects you might otherwise miss. Some destinations, such as observatories in Chile or New Zealand, even offer night viewing sessions on professional telescopes.
(6 places to see the Northern Lights in Europe.)
What should you take with you on a stargazing tour?
Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, especially in desert or mountain areas. Dress in layers and bring a good pair of fingertip gloves and a hat, even in warmer climates.
Although your eyes are all you really need, tripod-mounted binoculars can be surprisingly effective and cost-friendly for observing nearby objects like our moon and Saturn’s rings. There are a range of augmented reality apps, such as SkyView or Stellarium, that allow you to identify stars, planets and constellations by pointing your phone towards the sky.
How to recognize celestial bodies
Stars appear to twinkle because Earth’s atmosphere distorts their light, while planets like Jupiter and Saturn appear bright and stable. What we call “shooting stars” are actually meteors: small pieces of rock or dust that burn up as they enter our atmosphere. Meteor showers occur annually when the Earth moves through debris fields in its orbit around the sun. The International Space Station (ISS) and the Chinese Tiangong Space Station are also visible. You can track them and find out when they pass over your head using apps.
Airplanes generally have flashing lights, while satellites, such as those in the Starlink network, move steadily and quickly across the sky, sometimes in arrays of dozens of lights that are mistaken for UFOs. Thousands more are launched every year, creating a disturbing new source of light pollution and potential space junk.
Dark sky etiquette
Be respectful of other stargazers by using only red torch lights, which preserve our night vision and protect wildlife. Do not shine torches or phone screens at others; It can take up to 20 minutes for your eyes to readjust to darkness after being exposed to light.
Travelers can stargaze with monks at a Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, India.
Photo by Astrostrays
9 of the best dark sky destinations
1. North York Moors, England
This designated Dark Sky Reserve is an easy-to-reach place to see England’s starry skies. Visit during one of the two annual Dark Sky Festivals (October and February) for astronomy sessions, guided night walks and other themed events. Or book one stargazing package at the Grand Hotel, including accommodation, meals and evening transport to the reserve for a session with an astronomer.
2. County Mayo, Ireland
The west of Ireland has a sparkling starry sky when the clouds part. Wild Nephin National Park (formerly Ballycroy) is a designated Dark Sky Park with a backdrop of rugged hills and coastline. Book a night walk or storytelling session Terra Firma Ireland or strive for the Mayo Dark Sky Festival in November.
3. Canary Islands, Spain
The Spanish islands of La Palma and Tenerife are both home to working astronomical observatories with visitor programs and a chance to look through professional telescopes. Don’t miss La Palma’s signposted night walking trails.
4. Jasper National Park, Canada
With dark skies and a high northern latitude, Jasper is perfect for stargazing and northern lights spotting in the fall when the skies are clear. The park also hosts the annual stargazing festival from October to November.
5. Colorado, USA
Thanks to its high elevation and dry climate, Colorado has some of North America’s clearest skies and a large collection of certified Dark Sky Places, including Great Sand Dunes National Park and Hovenweep National Monument, shared with neighboring Utah.
6. New Zealand
New Zealand vie for a shot at ‘Dark Sky Country’ certification; the minimal light pollution and wide open spaces make it a dream destination. Dark Sky Project The South Island’s Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve offers world-class stargazing atop Mount John.
7. Atacama Desert, Chile
The driest non-polar desert on Earth, the Atacama has minimal humidity and clear sky conditions. Therefore, some of the most important scientific observatories are located here, including the new one Vera C Rubin Telescopewhich will open in 2025 to hunt for dark matter.
8. Desengano Dark Sky Park, Brazil
Latin America’s first Dark Sky Park, located in Brazil’s Desengano State Park, north of Rio de Janeiro, offers the chance to stargaze in a pristine jungle surrounded by fireflies. Base yourself in the park’s starry-themed gateway city, Santa Maria Madalena, from where the guide accompanies you Cristiana Rizzetto leads night tours.
9. Ladakh, India
High in the Himalayas, Ladakh has crystal clear skies and an incredible backdrop of towering mountains. Book with Astro enclosures for the chance to experience a traditional Ladakhi homestay and stargaze with monks at a Buddhist monastery.
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