Discover the best places to go stargazing in 2023. From the summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii to the NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia, these destinations offer some of the clearest and most stunning views of the night sky. Pack your bags, grab your telescope, and get ready for an unforgettable travel experience.
As humans, we have always been fascinated by the stars that twinkle above us at night. For many, stargazing is a way to connect with the universe, to ponder the mysteries of existence, and to simply find a moment of peace and serenity in the midst of our busy lives. If you’re a stargazing enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and awe-inspiring travel experience, there are some amazing destinations around the world that offer some of the best stargazing opportunities. Here are some of the best places to go stargazing in 2023.
-
Mauna Kea, Hawaii
Mauna Kea, located on the island of Hawaii, is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. The summit of Mauna Kea is home to some of the world’s most powerful telescopes, and it’s also one of the few places in the world where you can see both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres’ stars. Visitors can take a tour to the summit to stargaze, and there are also a number of stargazing events hosted by local organizations.
-
Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert in Chile is known for being one of the driest and most remote places on Earth. This makes it an ideal location for stargazing, as there is minimal light pollution and clear skies most of the year. The Atacama Desert is home to some of the world’s largest telescopes and observatories, including the ALMA Observatory and the Paranal Observatory. Visitors can take stargazing tours or stay at one of the many luxury hotels that offer telescope access.
-
Jasper National Park, Canada
Jasper National Park in Canada is a designated Dark Sky Preserve, meaning that it’s protected from light pollution and provides some of the clearest and most stunning views of the night sky. Visitors can take part in stargazing tours, attend stargazing festivals, and even stay in specially-designed Dark Sky accommodations that offer telescope access and stunning views.
-
NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia is another Dark Sky Reserve that offers incredible stargazing opportunities. The reserve is located in a remote part of the Namib Desert and is one of the least light-polluted places on Earth. Visitors can take part in stargazing tours, attend astronomy workshops, and stay in luxury accommodations that offer telescope access.
-
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand
The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand is the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the world and offers some of the most breathtaking stargazing experiences. The reserve is home to the Mt. John Observatory, which is open for stargazing tours, and there are a number of other observatories and tour companies that offer stargazing experiences in the area.
-
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum in Jordan is a desert landscape that has been featured in numerous movies and is known for its stunning natural beauty. It’s also an incredible place to stargaze, as the clear skies and lack of light pollution offer incredible views of the night sky. Visitors can take part in stargazing tours or stay at one of the many luxury campsites that offer telescope access.
Stargazing is an experience like no other, and these destinations offer some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, these destinations are a must-visit in 2023. So pack your bags, grab your telescope, and get ready to be amazed by the incredible beauty of the night sky.
