Almost all of us have lain outside at night, staring into the heavens above and wondering just what’s up there. From almost wherever we live, whether it’s in the country or in a big city, the stars shine beautifully on every clear night, and we can’t help but take a glimpse up at them every now and again.
What many of us don’t realise is that what we actually see up there is merely a fraction of what a truly clear night’s sky really looks like. The biggest problem with stargazing in most places around the world is light pollution. Light reflects very easily off of the atmosphere, so even if you live in a remote town, the light generated by the surrounding houses can obscure what a night sky actually looks like.
If you’re looking to do some real stargazing, and want to find locations where the stars are at their most clear and light pollution is at a minimum, there are some truly spectacular places around the world that are worth the visit. Next time you want to take a break from your real money slots and see the night sky as it should be seen, these are the best stargazing locations on the planet.
Hawaii is a beautiful, almost untouched island that has some of the best natural landscapes in the world. Their pristine beaches, thick jungle, and fascinating culture draw in millions of tourists every year. What many tourists don’t know about Hawaii is it’s incredible stargazing that can be done off of the roof of Hawaii, a dead volcano known as Mauna Kea.
Chile can be found in the South American continent, and much of the country is completely untouched by human development. Once such place is Atacama Desert, an isolated and unique desert that is home to some of the best views of the southern night’s sky that the world has to offer. There are a range of observatories here, and the perfect area to visit to see our surrounding galaxy.
Sitting comfortably amongst the magnificent Himalayan Mountains, this national park is a monument to nature’s beauty at her finest. With only tiny, traditional villages dotting the area, light pollution is almost completely non-existent, making it an incredible destination for anyone with a love of the night sky. Many consider the national park as the roof of the world, and it’s not hard to see why.
The Australian outback is known as an inhospitable piece of the country that has seen next to no human intrusion, and because of this, it is a stargazer’s paradise. Travelling out to camp at places like the Nambung National Park is the perfect way to enjoy the heavens.
Set off of the coast of Africa, La Palma is an untouched paradise, offering some of the best astro tourism in the world. Climbing up to the edge of the Celdera de Taburiente is a must for anyone looking for an unparalleled stargazing experience.