The wonderment of the heavens above can be seen if you get away for a while and enjoy some of the most spectacular stargazing destinations.
When the night is clear and open, and you’re in a remote location, you can see a blanket of stars that doesn’t seem possible. Some places in the world allow you to see more of the universe than others. These locations aren’t blocked by light pollution or a sea of satellites, making it possible to enjoy the wonders of the universe above.
Here are some of the world’s most spectacular stargazing destinations.
Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA
To see the most stars, you need locations that are focused on remaining natural and dark. Thankfully, Joshua Tree National Park is one of these locations. This park is located in Southern California and is an International Dark Sky Park, which means it has supremely limited light pollution. The best months to visit this park are May and June, when the Milky Way is most visible. You can enjoy this park during the day, but when the sun goes down, the real light show begins.
Lahbab Desert, Dubai, UAE
It’s pretty easy to get out of the city of Dubai and enjoy one of the world’s most spectacular stargazing destinations in the desert. You won’t have to drive more than an hour outside of the city to see some spectacular stars above. The best time to go is winter, from November to February. During this time, you’ll be able to spot some winter constellations, including Taurus, Geminin, and Orion. Stargazing could be part of your vacation in this amazing city area.
The Pinnacles Desert, Cervantes, Australia
The Pinnacles Desert is breathtaking and filled with beauty across the surreal landscape of thousands of limestone formations. These formations resemble ancient pillars and make for some wonderful hiking adventures. If you spend a night in the desert, you’ll be graced with a spectacular star show once the sun goes down. The best months to visit are October and February, when the weather is mild and you can enjoy the beauty of the area.
Mauna Kea Summit, Hawaii, USA
The Mauna Kea Summit is located on the Island of Hawaii, which is also known as the Big Island. This is an amazing place to enjoy some wonderful activities during the day, but at night, this summit is where you’ll enjoy one of the world’s most spectacular stargazing destinations. You can go any time of the year thanks to the mild weather of the islands, tour the volcano and visit the Visitor Information Station which are necessary when you’re touring the area. You’ll love the amazing star show that comes to life as soon as the sun goes down.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
If you visit Tenerife during the winter months, you’ll avoid the tourist crowds and should enjoy some wonderfully clear views of Orion and the Geminids meteor shower. During the day, you’ll want to hike Volcan El Teide and enjoy the views or have some water fun at Siam Park. This is a great place to spot whales and dolphins in the ocean. Pilot whales call the waters around the island home, making them easy to spot. Take a tour of the Teide Observatory and check out the views from their amazing telescope.
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
This amazing lake is part of the Aoraki MacKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, which is the biggest dark sky reserve in the world. This makes it one of the world’s most spectacular stargazing destinations, giving you the opportunity to see some of the best views of the heavens above. You can visit Lake Tekapo year-round, but the best months to go are from June to August, which is winter in New Zealand. During these months, you’ll have the clearest skies.
Sedona, Arizona, USA
Sedona is an incredible destination for tourists looking for some desert hikes and beautiful landscape formations, but its also one of the best places to see clear skies and tons of stars. The only months you should not visit are July and August, which is considered monsoon season and storms can disrupt your views of the sky. During the day visit Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock while hiking and experiencing the peace and tranquility of the area.
If you want to enjoy some of the world’s most spectacular stargazing destinations, you’ve got to get out of the city and into a dark and remote area. The stars will reward you for your journey and commitment to see the heavens in all their splendor.
