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For travellers looking for incredible views at night as well as during the day, these 6 destinations will not disappoint. Whether visitors are ready to hike in the darkness to catch the Northern Lights or spot a shooting star from the safety of a cosy chalet, these skies don’t need a telescope to be seen at their very best.
Not only do these destinations have stunning views when the sun’s up, their night skies are just as spectacular a view. Whether visitors are ready to hike in the darkness to catch the Northern Lights or spot a shooting star from the safety of a cosy chalet, these skies don’t need a telescope to be seen at their very best.
Olympic National Park, Washington
During the winter months on a clear night visitors may be lucky enough to catch the Northern Lights in Washington’s Olympic National Park, 95% of the park is designated as wilderness with a complete absence of human-caused light so the wonders of the night sky are clear to see. Hurricane Ridge is one of the best spots in the park to enjoy the stars and a popular spot to catch the lights. During the summer visitors can also join a Master Observer here for an evening of astronomy and stargazing.
SPOT A SHOOTING STAR
Under the Polynesian stars, The Islands of Tahiti
The Islands of Tahiti, renowned for their idyllic islands and crystal-clear waters, also offer some of the world’s most captivating spots for stargazing. One such celestial haven is the island of Maupiti, where minimal light pollution unveils a breath-taking canvas of stars, creating an immersive astronomical experience. On the atoll of Rangiroa, the vastness of the night sky mirrors the expansive lagoon, providing a serene backdrop for stargazers. The Arahoho Blowhole on Tahiti’s east coast not only offers dramatic ocean views but, under the right conditions, a celestial panorama with the Southern Cross and Milky Way. The remote Austral Islands, such as Raivavae, beckon stargazers with their secluded landscapes, where the brilliance of the stars is intensified by the absence of urban lights. Whether nestled on a pristine beach or atop a volcanic peak, French Polynesia’s diverse islands provide unparalleled celestial spectacles.
Alpine Nights in Méribel, France
Méribel, sat in the heart of the French Alps, not only captivates with its snow-covered slopes but also offers enchanting spots for stargazing. The Saulire summit, accessible by cable car, provides an elevated vantage point to admire the night sky amid the crisp mountain air. Lac de Tueda, a pristine alpine lake, reflects the brilliance of the stars on clear nights, creating a serene setting for stargazers. For a cosy experience, the resort’s chalet-style accommodations offer an intimate atmosphere for observing constellations. As darkness falls over Méribel’s picturesque villages, the absence of city lights enhances the visibility, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape amidst the breath-taking Alpine landscape.
Nevada’s Dark Sky Sanctuaries, Nevada
Beyond the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip, Nevada is home to some of the darkest skies in the world. Thanks to the state’s lack of light pollution, unblemished, unbelievably crisp, clear starry night skies can be found in all corners of the Silver State. There are 14 stargazing parks dotted across the state located in dark sky sanctuaries, that are free for visitors to use, telescopes aren’t an essential just look up and enjoy the view. For those travelling by car head along the “Starry-est Route In America”, the route takes travellers from Death Valley National Park to Great Basin National Park via some of the least light polluted spaces in the U.S.
Marvel at the glittering night sky in Flagstaff, Arizona
As the first International Dark Sky City, Flagstaff in Northern Arizona has lots to offer travellers seeking a spectacular view of the night sky. Hotels, homes, and streets are lit with lights that are in compliance with dark sky regulations, ensuring minimal light pollution. Travellers looking for a more in-depth experience can head to the iconic Lowell Observatory where telescopes are available for visitors to view the night sky. The Lowell Observatory is famous for being the place where astronomers discovered Pluto. In November 2024, Lowell Observatory will launch a new Astronomy Discovery Center where visitors can witness the city’s famous Dark Skies at the centre’s open-air rooftop planetarium to gaze at the countless stars and constellations.
Blue Mountain’s Magic, New South Wales
Only an hour drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are one of the most dramatic landscapes in the whole of New South Wales with plunging valleys of eucalyptus trees and spell-bounding views. When the sun goes down, prepare to embark on a captivating space journey led by an Astronomer in the timeless beauty of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains dark skies. Blue Mountains Stargazing offers incredible experiences with the chance to get a glimpse of the moon and its craters, Saturn’s rings, and deep space objects such as galaxies and the Milky Way.
Constellations in Colorado
Home to 10 International Dark Sky Parks and five International Dark Sky Communities, Colorado is the perfect place for travellers to glimpse at the stars without pollution in the way. From Great Sand Dunes National Park to Ridgway, travellers can participate in Colorado Stargazing: Experience the Night, a self-guided stargazing tour that connects numerous locations known for their night skies and once-in-a-lifetime stargazing opportunities.
MARVEL OVER THE METEORS
Mega Meteor showers in Yosemite Mariposa, California
Yosemite Mariposa is a great place to spot Meteor showers. Occurring every year during December, the Geminid Showers are accompanied by cool weather and occasional Sierra snow but make up for it with over a hundred bright, intensely coloured meteors per hour. Beginning around sunset, the show goes on all night with peak performance around 2am. Book at spot at Autocamp Yosemite where accommodation includes a unique outdoor experience with incredible luxury camping and glamping in heated tents, vintage airstream trailers and cabins.
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