Stargazing, an experience that can leave you star-struck! Yes, really. There are plenty of things to do, dining out, long drives, partying and much more, but have you ever experienced stargazing? Something that we used to do as kids, hopping on to the roofs; trying to count the uncountable that covers the sky and fall asleep. Why not relive the most beautiful experience, and why not at places that are known for it! There are some of the most wonderful places in the world which are considered to be an astronomer’s paradise, where you can visit to stargaze and seize the night. Check on these:
Ladakh, India
The Union territory of India, Ladakh is a Hermit’s Kingdom. But a divine haven for the travelers. How about experiencing the Milky way like never before, here in Ladakh? For, the night sky looks even more breathtaking in the lap of Himalayas, alongside the serene lakes and the beautiful scenery around. And Ladakh has just got the perfect spots too, a permit and you are all set for stargazing-
Nubra valley (located 10,000 ft above the sea level)
Pangong Tso (the high grassland lake which is the world’s highest saltwater lake at an elevated height of 4,350 m)
Turtuk village (on the banks of the Shyok river in the Baltistan region along the Karakoram mountain range)
Hanle (it has got the moonscape, a terrain similar of the moon. Hanle also has the Indian Astronomical Observatory that has facilities of nighttime astronomy and a 2m Himalayan Chandra telescope for a night close to the Universe!)
Lamayuru, Alchi, Hunder and Tso Moriri are the other famous places in Ladakh widely known for stargazing.
Norway
Aurora Borealis, i.e. the Northern Lights come flashing over to the mind as we come across the name of Norway. For a fantastic Arctic stargazing in winters, Norway is the best place. Amidst the forests, on the islands and mountains, onboard the Arctic cruise…in low pollution and clear skies, Norway just feels like a constellation filled destination.
When in Norway, you can visit Trolltunga, Tromso, Svalbard, Senja, Lofoten islands, Narvik and the Ovre Pasvik National Park are the must-visit places for observing the night sky.
Spiti Valley, India
It is that time of the year when you can visit Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh to stargaze with clear skies full of stars, planets and shooting stars. You can feel the vastness of the sky above you, with minimal light pollution and the ethereal beauty of the stars at the untouched Spiti Valley. It is situated at an altitude of 12,500 ft above the sea level, providing the best atmospheric condition for stargazing.
You can visit the Chandratal lake, Suraj tal, Kibbar and Kaza, Langza which are the most popular spots of the valley.
Ireland
The sky in Ireland offers some of the darkest night skies in the European continent, two of which are opening the path towards astro tourism. There is a long list of the top spots where you can go stargazing in Ireland, these include:
Lough Gur, the Antrim coast (known for Aurora’s light show), County Clare, Kerry International Dark Sky reserve (700 sq km of complete dark skies), Wicklow Mountains National Park and the Rathbeggan lakes. You can also travel these sites during the day making a perfect outing.
Atacama Desert, Chile
The sands of Atacama Desert are the best place you can be for stargazing. The vast clear sky, low humidity and the lack of night pollution makes it an ideal destination to watch for constellations. Notably, some of the most advanced observatories are located in the desert. Even the lodges in the area offer star watching sessions with astronomer guides.
The many places where you can go stargazing in Atacama Desert are: Elqui Valley, San Pedro de Atacama, Putre. The observatories worth visiting in Atacama are Alma, Paranal, La Silla and Mamaluca. When it comes to stargazing, Chile will never be a disappoint.
Jordan
Believe it or not, Jordan is one of the best destinations in the world for stargazing. And if you are ready for some adventure, then Jordan should top the list for you. Be ready for a starstruck night when in Jordan with these places to explore:
Petra (the stunning city of stone), Wadi Rum (the place that brings a huge flock of visitors to Jordan), Dana Biosphere Preserve (resembles to the stones in Bedouin and teleports you to another world), Ma’in Spa resort (watch the stars amidst the falls) and Amman (the capital city that never fails to impress).
Uyuni, Bolivia
A Uyuni stargazing tour is all you need for recreation and of course, some light from the stars. During the dry season in the months from April to October, the milky way embraces the night sky in Uyuni. Be ready to witness an endless horizon full of constellations, planets and meteors. The clear sky and minimal light pollution make Uyuni an astronomer’s delight.
Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat in Southwest Bolivia is the perfect stargazing destination. Milky Way, Magellanic clouds, Saturn and Jupiter are clearly visible across the Uyuni skies. Salar de Uyuni should be one of your bucket list plans!
New Zealand
The cold weather in New Zealand serves best for stargazing. The air with less vapor is so amazing for the perfect experience beneath the clear skies. And there is an easy accessibility for the astro-tourism experiences as well.
The must visit places in New Zealand are – Mt Cook (the highest peak of New Zealand), Tekopa (which is home to the world’s largest sky reserve), Stewart Island (in remote South virtually free of light pollution), Dunedin (surrounded by Otago Peninsula coastline) and how can we forget the Great barrier island, which is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, also the first island sanctuary in the world. Other places include Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory in Pukaki, Queenstown and Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Hawaii
The remote island located 2,400 miles off the mainland US and surrounded by the vast Pacific waters can be the prime location for stargaze. It has got beaches, waterfalls and some active volcanoes along with a breathtaking sky above. The best part is the fact that clear skies are available round the whole year, making Hawaii a prized destination among the scientists, astronomers as well as the visitors.
Hawaii preserves 18 dark skies and is recognized by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). The best place to be at is Mauna Kea, the ultimate adventure up a volcano. And the other one is down the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the dark skies and the brightest stars wait for you.
Namibia
One of the world’s top destinations for stargazing is the land of deserts and national parks- Namibia. Dark starry nights in deserts of Namibia is one of a kind experience. Viewing the southern constellations is a top pick when in Namibia. During the winters, there is a dry and clear cloudless sky with only a minimum cent of air or light pollution.
The best of the places include the Khomas Hochland and Gamsberg areas located to the west of Windhoek, known to have the clearest and least polluted skies of the world. And not to forget the Namibrand Nature reserve for a serene stargazing experience of a lifetime.
With this, you are ready for a trip that centers around stargazing. You can also consider some destinations in USA, Vietnam, Philippines, Mongolia and Iceland that have got splendid stargazing options. So, just pack your bags and get along for a “Starry night experience” beneath the brightest of stars! Happy stargazing all!