Is stargazing really worth a separate trip? Well, if you’ve ever experienced the full and mesmerizing wonder of a starry night, you know the answer is yes. With all our streetlights and building lights, it can be hard to get a good view. Thankfully, there are still some places that will give you the perfect escape to gaze up into the universe.
The Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, with some areas receiving less than a millimeter of rain per year. This lack of moisture, combined with high altitude and minimal light pollution, makes the Atacama an ideal spot for stargazing.
Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA
Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island, and its summit is one of the best places on Earth for astronomical observation. The thin air, dry environment, and stable airflow contribute to exceptionally clear skies.
The Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife and La Palma, offer some of the clearest skies in the world for stargazing. The Teide Observatory in Tenerife is located more than 7,800 feet above sea level and offers guided tours. Plus, the islands’ strict light pollution laws protect the quality of the night sky.
