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Eight of the World’s Premier Stargazing Destinations

Where to experience the clearest and darkest night skies — from Pennsylvania to the Canary Islands

Daniel Jones

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Eight of the World’s Premier Stargazing Destinations

Where to experience the clearest and darkest night skies — from Pennsylvania to the Canary Islands

The vastness of the cosmos inspires both wonder and humility—each star a beacon from the distant past, echoing Carl Sagan’s reflection that we live on “a mote of dust, suspended in a sunbeam.” Yet, as cities expand, light pollution increasingly obscures our view of the heavens. In many metropolitan areas, fewer than 500 stars can now be seen with the unaided eye.

Fortunately, the following destinations offer a dramatic contrast, where up to 15,000 stars may be visible on a clear night. The trade-off? Their remote locations—which, of course, is precisely what protects their pristine skies.

For astronomers, dreamers, and anyone in search of cosmic connection, these are some of the finest places on Earth for stargazing.

Atacama Desert, Chile

Stretching over 600 miles in northern Chile, the Atacama Desert offers a perfect combination of high elevation, minimal light pollution, and the driest non-polar climate on Earth. This region has become a hub for astronomical tourism. The ALMA Observatory, equipped with 66 powerful antennae scanning deep space, will soon be joined by several new cutting-edge telescopes. Numerous observatories in the Elqui Valley already attract crowds daily. For a more intimate experience, Elqui Domos offers accommodations with observatory access and unique lodging options—including geodesic domes with open ceilings and cabins with transparent roofs for uninterrupted celestial viewing.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Situated off the coast of Morocco, the Canary Islands benefit from high altitude, equatorial proximity, and stable weather, resulting in exceptionally clear and dark skies. Tenerife, the largest island, has even regulated flight paths to preserve its stellar viewing conditions. It has also hosted the Starmus Festival, a gathering of scientists, artists, and luminaries like Neil Armstrong and Stephen Hawking. When the festival isn’t underway, visitors can explore the Teide Observatory (open April to December) or ride a cable car up Mount Teide for stargazing accompanied by dinner.

NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia

In 1988, the International Dark-Sky Association awarded its first Gold Tier designation—the highest honor for sky quality—to Namibia’s NamibRand Nature Reserve. Located deep within the Namib Desert and far from any town, the reserve offers guided night tours among the dunes. Wolwedans, a luxury camp within the reserve, features a Mountain View Suite complete with a “stargazing bed” on the veranda, ideal for summer nights under the stars.

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand

New Zealand’s South Island is home to the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, the largest of its kind globally. Nestled within the mountainous Mackenzie Basin, it offers unparalleled views of the southern sky. Earth & Sky conducts nighttime tours at Mt. John Observatory—used by international astronomers—where visitors can observe the Magellanic Clouds, two dwarf galaxies visible only from the Southern Hemisphere.

Mauna Kea, Hawaii

The summit of Mauna Kea, standing at 13,796 feet, hosts the world’s largest optical telescope. While the high altitude and thin air pose challenges, the panoramic sunrises, sunsets, and stellar observations are worth the effort. Although the summit closes after dark, the visitor center at 9,200 feet remains open until 10 p.m., offering telescope viewings, educational talks, and Q&A sessions.

Nova Scotia, Canada

In the unspoiled wilderness of western Nova Scotia lies the world’s first certified Starlight Hotel: Trout Point Lodge. This region, steeped in Mi’kmaq heritage and celestial lore, offers guided star walks and astronomy sessions led by a resident expert. A dedicated stargazing platform enhances the experience, connecting guests with stories written in the stars.

Jasper National Park, Canada

Jasper National Park in Alberta winds through evergreen forests and opens onto breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies. After dark, the sky takes center stage. The park’s annual Dark Sky Festival features solar observations, youth rocket launches, and telescope workshops. For those visiting outside October, camping is available year-round at over 100 sites, offering front-row access to the cosmos.

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

Though not remote by conventional standards, Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania is a celebrated stargazing destination. In 2014, the northern lights were visible here on four separate occasions—a rarity at this latitude. Each September, the park hosts the Black Forest Star Party, drawing amateur astronomers for a weekend of shared observation and celestial wonder.

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