Unveiling the Best Stargazing Destinations Worldwide
Standing in the starlight under the swath of the Milky Way, the pristine night sky is one of the most incredible wonders many of us have not seen – and which is under threat due to the constant march of human progress and resultant light pollution. Whether you’ve seen the night sky and appreciate its wonder, or have never seen neighboring planets or our galaxy, stargazing is one of the best ways to travel right now.
From April 15 to 22, the world will celebrate International Dark Sky Week, an event organized to promote the preservation of dark skies around the world.
If you’re keen on celebrating dark skies at any point of the year, you’ll likely be wondering where are the best places to go. It’s admittedly hard to narrow down the list — and it’s a question I often receive when asked about those destinations that merit an astrotourism trip in their own right. Below you’ll discover five of my favorite dark sky destinations around the world. There are countless others of similar quality and experience, but this list can serve as inspiration to spark your own research and stargazing trip.
Utah & Arizona, Southwestern USA
If there’s one region in the world that comes to mind for the greatest density of incredible dark sky locations, it has to be Southern Utah and Arizona in the American Southwest. In fact, these two states continue to compete for which one has more IDA-certified dark sky locations. Currently, Utah boasts the highest concentration of dark sky locations anywhere in the world.
Within this vast area, there are several remarkable places to visit for stargazing. For inspiration, one could plan a trip to visit all five of Utah’s National Parks, recognized dark sky parks. Alternatively, a visit to Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park and neighboring Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument allows you to witness the oceanic expanses of expansive geological formations that rival the stars.
NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
Some of the world’s best places to see the stars are far from the crowds — and their associated light pollution. Life is harsh in desert environments, allowing for reduced human development and light pollution. One such haven is the NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia.
Established in 1984, the NamibRand Nature Reserve covers over 215,000 hectares of Namibian desert and savannah, preserving one of the region’s largest private reserves. It was recognized in 2012 as a Dark Sky Reserve; within this reserve, all tourism and business construction must comply with low-pollution lighting to maintain the dark skies above and protect various species from light pollution.
Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand
In the early days of human history, the night sky held significant cultural importance. Before the advent of artificial light, stars represented the primary spectacle available each night. This cultural lore is particularly prominent among the Māori of New Zealand, who used the stars for navigation across their islands.
Due to this heritage, New Zealand has long been a sanctuary for astronomers and increasingly for astrotourists. The Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve is one of the premier locations in the country for night sky views. Certified in 2012, this reserve consists of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin, ensuring the protection of its dark skies.
Stargazing enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to visit Mt. John Observatory, where night sky tours offer insight into the cosmos through various telescopes.
The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Visitors often road trip along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, a tourism route introduced in 2014 to encourage exploration beyond the typical hotspots. However, this region is also becoming renowned for its stargazing potential, thanks to local communities striving to achieve dark sky designation.
County Kerry Dark Sky Reserve, located on the Kerry Peninsula, received its designation in 2014, offering protection from light pollution with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, visitors can experience remarkable dark sky quality in Ballycroy National Park and Wild Nephin Wilderness in County Mayo. During a visit, I was astounded by how dark and clear the skies were, presenting one of the best stargazing experiences imaginable.
When planning a trip, it’s important to remember that Ireland experiences wet months, during which overcast skies may inhibit visibility.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
One of my personal favorite stargazing locations is Wadi Rum in Jordan. During my travels, I discovered the country’s many wonders, spending a night at a camp in this stunning desert region, also known as the “Valley of the Moon.” Its iconic landscapes resemble Martian terrain, drawing attention from film productions like Prometheus and The Martian.
Stargazing in Wadi Rum offers a breathtaking experience, akin to the NamibRand Nature Reserve and Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. These locations not only showcase the beauty of the night sky but also remind us of how our ancestors experienced it for millennia before light pollution became an issue.
This article was first published on April 15, 2021, and updated on April 14, 2023.
