Stargazing in remote destinations offers a rare opportunity to witness the night sky in all its glory—away from the light pollution of cities and towns. For those in search of dark, clear skies and an unobstructed view of the cosmos, here are a few of the best spots to immerse yourself in the beauty of the stars.
Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, which means the skies are often clear and free of clouds. The high altitude and low light pollution make it an ideal destination for stargazing. The nearby Paranal Observatory, home to the European Southern Observatory, offers guided tours, but you can also enjoy the night sky from many of the desert’s remote accommodations.
Namib Desert, Namibia
The Namib Desert is another stargazing paradise, known for its stunning, unspoiled skies. With some of the clearest skies in the world, you can see the Milky Way in all its glory, along with constellations like Orion and the Southern Cross. Local lodges, such as those in the Sossusvlei area, offer stargazing experiences under the vast, dark skies.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
This UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve offers some of the best stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere. With a clear view of the Milky Way, distant galaxies, and even the Southern Lights on rare occasions, it’s a stargazer’s dream. You can explore the stars from a variety of vantage points, including the observatory at the Mount Cook National Park.
Jasper National Park, Canada
As a designated Dark Sky Preserve, Jasper is perfect for those looking to escape the lights of the city and see a star-filled sky. The park hosts annual stargazing events and is an excellent spot to view the northern lights during the winter months.
Each of these remote destinations provides a chance to witness the grandeur of the universe, far from the distractions of modern life.