For all you stargazers out there, our zest for exploration stretches to the far corners of the world. The night sky never ceases to amaze us and the world’s darkest skies are often the best places to camp out under the stars or try your hand at star gazing. This is the ultimate way to escape the light pollution from big cities. Here, we share 5 of our favorite places to get away from the city lights and just gaze at the sky…
1. Griffith Park Observatory, Los Angeles
Despite overlooking a city known for light pollution, The Griffith Park observatory hosts free Public Star Parties every month where you can gaze at the stars overhead while enjoying the picturesque California skyline. Trust us, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into La La Land. You can visit from 12pm-10pm, so make sure to plan your LA sightseeing around this spot.
2. Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Picturesque by day, Lake Tekapo is a beautiful lake with an intense milky-turquoise hue. But this area is even more dazzling by night – Lake Tekapo part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, so it’s the perfect spot for getting your stargazing on. Watch this time-lapse video of a stargazing tour at the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
3. Death Valley National Park, California
Unlike The Griffith Observatory which is perched on a hilltop, you can enjoy expansive views of the night sky in Death Valley. You can see both satellites and planets with the naked eye, which is absolutely awe-inspiring!
4. Lucerne, Switzerland
Lucerne offers some breathtaking views of the night sky from Lake Lucerne. Or go on an adventure up to Mount Pilatus, a mountain massif overlooking Lucerne. You’ll get close to the spar-spangled sky and with mountain tours and professional telescopes, you can spot the Milky Way, planets and star systems up close.
5. Tuscany, Italy
Home to one of the most famous astronomers of all time, it was in Tuscany where Galileo turned his eyes (and telescope) towards the sky and discovered the astronomical phenomena that we know today. Some of the darkest skies can be found in the Farma Valley, between Siena and Grosseto, so head there for some amazing star gazing!
