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Light pollution caused by artificial lighting in urban and suburban areas has made it difficult for people to see stars in the night sky. The International Dark-Sky Association, an authority on light pollution, has stated that millions of children worldwide will never get to experience the sight of the Milky Way in the skies where they live. To combat this, organisations like DarkSky International certify communities, parks, and protected areas around the world as International Dark Sky Places to preserve and protect dark sites. These places are required to use quality outdoor lighting and implement effective policies to reduce light pollution. Some examples of such places include Arches National Park in Utah, Big Bend National Park in Texas, and Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Areas with Dark Skies | The western part of the United States, Montana, Utah, Great Basin region, China, Mexico |
| Organisations | International Dark-Sky Association, DarkSky International, International Dark Sky Places |
| Tools | The Bortle Scale, a 9-point scale to measure light pollution |
| Ideal Conditions | New moon, low humidity, high altitude, good air quality |
| Types of Places | National parks, state parks, communities, protected areas, cities, towns, accommodations |
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What You'll Learn
National parks in the US
National parks are some of the best places to stargaze due to their protection from light pollution. Dozens of national parks in the US have been recognised by the International Dark-Sky Association for their dark night skies. Here are some of the best national parks in the US to see stars without light pollution:
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Great Basin is an International Dark Sky Park and one of the least-visited national parks in the country. It encompasses more than 77,000 acres of stunning wilderness, including a cave system, alpine lakes, pinyon-juniper forests and high-altitude peaks.
Death Valley National Park, California
Death Valley is one of only two International Dark Sky Reserves in the US, covering more than 1,400 square miles of land. The park is known for its hiking trails and vast open wilderness, particularly in Sawtooth National Forest, which is home to one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the country.
Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
Natural Bridges was the world's first Dark Sky Park due to its remoteness and dedication to zero light pollution. The park is far from the light pollution of civilisation and is protected by a special force of park rangers and volunteer Utah astronomy enthusiasts.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon has been awarded DarkSky's "Gold Tier" status thanks to its remote location and clear air. The park hosts an annual Astronomy Festival in June, featuring telescope viewing and constellation tours. It also offers a ranger-guided night sky telescope program on select summer nights.
Big Cypress National Park, Florida
Big Cypress is a great place to see the stars, although it is one of the least-visited national parks in the country. The park offers night sky programs, from telescope astronomy events to full moon walks with rangers.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is nestled along the North Fork of the Virgin River. Thanks to its elevation, relative remoteness and dark sky preservation efforts, it is a great place for stargazing. The park offers night sky programs, from telescope astronomy events to full moon walks with rangers.
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Dark Sky certified places
Light pollution is a worsening problem as more people lead to more development and the continued spread of lighting. The International Dark-Sky Association is an authority on light pollution and the leading organisation combating it worldwide. Dark Sky places are protected for their dark skies and are generally located at national and state parks and forests around the world.
Dark Sky-certified places include sanctuaries and reserves that have the darkest skies for stargazing. Dark Sky International certifies and helps conserve starry sky parks, communities, and other places around the world. They also certify lighting products, designs, and installations that reduce light pollution.
Some examples of Dark Sky-certified places include:
- The Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the US
- Cherry Springs State Park in north-central Pennsylvania, USA
- Arches National Park in Utah, USA
- Big Bend National Park in Texas, USA
- Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, USA
- Waterton–Glacier International Peace Park, Canada
- !Ae!Hai Kalahari Heritage Park, South Africa
- Aenos National Park, Greece
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Remote locations
Light pollution, caused by artificial lighting, washes out the light of the stars, making it difficult to see them. In most places where people live, light pollution makes it almost impossible to see more than a few stars in the sky, even on a clear night.
National Parks in the United States
Many national parks in the United States are known for their dark skies and stunning starry nights. Some of the best parks include:
- Arches National Park in Utah: Known for its 2,000 natural sandstone arches and remote location, Arches offers dark skies perfect for stargazing.
- Big Bend National Park in Texas: One of the largest and most remote national parks in the lower 48 states, Big Bend is far from the light pollution of major urban centres, making its skies incredibly dark and optimal for stargazing.
- Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania: This 82-acre park, located in the Susquehannock State Forest, is one of the best spots in the Eastern United States for dark skies.
International Dark Sky Places
The International Dark Sky Places program certifies communities, parks, and protected areas around the world that preserve and protect dark sites. These locations have low light pollution and offer amazing views of the night sky. Some certified Dark Sky Places include:
- Dark Sky Parks in the United States: There are many certified Dark Sky Parks across the United States, including in Utah, California, and Pennsylvania.
- Rural areas of China: Some rural areas in China, such as those experienced by a user who lived there as a child, can offer spectacular views of the Milky Way and countless stars due to the lack of light pollution.
Remember, when planning a trip to a remote location for stargazing, check air pollution figures and try to visit during a new moon for the darkest conditions.
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High-altitude spots
If you're looking for high-altitude spots to stargaze without light pollution, here are some top global destinations to consider:
Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA:
At the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii, you'll find one of the best places on Earth to view the night sky. The mountain, considered sacred in Hawaiian culture, rises over 13,000 feet above sea level and is home to some of the world's most advanced telescopes. The dry air, lack of light pollution, and clear skies make for incredible stargazing. The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, which offers educational programs and stargazing events, is also located here.
Atacama Desert, Chile:
The Atacama Desert in Chile is one of the driest places on Earth and offers exceptional conditions for stargazing. The lack of humidity and light pollution, coupled with the high altitude, results in incredibly clear skies. This has made the region a hub for astronomy, with observatories like the Paranal Observatory and the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) calling it home.
Teide National Park, Tenerife, Spain:
Teide National Park, located on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, offers stunning views of the night sky. Mount Teide, a dormant volcano, provides a high-altitude vantage point at over 12,000 feet above sea level. The park has been recognized as a Starlight Tourist Destination, and its unique volcanic landscapes, coupled with the dark skies, create a truly magical stargazing experience.
Australian Outback:
The Australian Outback, known for its remote and rugged landscapes, also boasts incredibly dark skies. Locations like Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) in the Northern Territory offer stunning settings for stargazing. The clear, unpolluted skies showcase the Milky Way in all its glory, and the lack of light pollution from major cities makes for a truly immersive experience.
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile:
Also located in the Atacama Desert is the small town of San Pedro de Atacama, a popular base for stargazing tours. The high-altitude desert environment provides exceptional viewing conditions. Local tour operators offer astronomy-focused experiences, and the town even has its own astronomy village, complete with observatories and planetariums.
Pico del Teide, Tenerife, Spain:
For those seeking a truly high-altitude experience, Pico del Teide, the highest peak in Spain, offers a unique opportunity. At over 12,000 feet above sea level, this dormant volcano provides breathtaking views of the night sky. The cable car ride up to the peak is an experience in itself, and the otherworldly landscape of Teide National Park adds to the allure of this stargazing destination.
These high-altitude spots offer unparalleled views of the night sky, allowing you to appreciate the vastness of the universe in all its unpolluted glory.
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Rural areas
When it comes to finding locations for stargazing, rural areas are ideal as they offer darker skies and less light pollution compared to urban settings. Here are some tips and specific regions to consider for your next stargazing adventure in rural areas:
National Parks and Preserves:
- National parks and dark sky preserves are excellent choices for stargazing. These areas are specifically managed to reduce light pollution and protect the natural darkness of the night sky. Some notable options include:
- Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania: Known for its exceptionally dark skies, it is a designated International Dark Sky Park.
- Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah: The first International Dark Sky Park in the United States, offering stunning views of the Milky Way.
- Death Valley National Park, California: With extremely dark skies, this park provides incredible stargazing opportunities.
- Big Bend National Park, Texas: Located in a remote region, this park has minimal light pollution, making it perfect for stargazing.
Remote Rural Regions:
- Consider exploring remote rural regions away from urban centers. These areas often have very little artificial lighting, resulting in darker skies. Here are some suggestions:
- The Atacama Desert, Chile: One of the driest places on Earth, this desert offers exceptional viewing conditions due to its high altitude, clear skies, and lack of light pollution.
- The Australian Outback: With vast open spaces and minimal light pollution, the Outback provides incredible stargazing experiences, especially in places like Uluru (Ayers Rock).
- The Sahara Desert, Egypt: Head into the heart of the Sahara for incredibly dark skies. The lack of rainfall in this arid region also means clearer atmospheres.
- The Grand Mesa in Western Colorado: This remote area has minimal light pollution, offering breathtaking views of the Milky Way.
- Look for rural regions that are home to astronomy observatories or universities with astronomy programs. These places often have darker skies and may even offer public viewing nights:
- Mauna Kea, Hawaii: Home to the Mauna Kea Observatories, this dormant volcano offers some of the clearest skies for stargazing due to its high altitude and isolated location in the Pacific Ocean.
- Kitt Peak National Observatory, Arizona: Located on a Native American reservation southwest of Tucson, this observatory offers public viewing programs and stellar observing conditions.
- Green Bank Observatory, West Virginia: Situated in the National Radio Quiet Zone, this area has restricted radio transmissions, resulting in darker skies and reduced radio interference for astronomy research.
Rural Stargazing Events:
- Keep an eye out for stargazing events or astronomy festivals held in rural areas. These events often attract astronomy enthusiasts and provide great opportunities to learn and connect with others:
- The Dark Sky Festival in Flagstaff, Arizona: This annual festival celebrates Flagstaff's dark skies with various events, including star parties, astronomy talks, and night sky photography workshops.
- Starry Skies Lake Superior Festival in Terrace Bay, Ontario: Held on the shores of Lake Superior, this festival offers a unique blend of astronomy, art, and music under dark rural skies.
Remember, when venturing into rural areas for stargazing, plan your trip in advance, respect the environment and local communities, and follow any guidelines or regulations specific to the region you're visiting.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many places around the world where you can see stars without light pollution. In the US, there are 12 Dark-Sky Parks, including Arches National Park in Utah, Big Bend National Park in Texas, and Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania.
Light pollution refers to the obtrusive effects of excessive artificial lighting, usually from outdoor lighting systems such as street lights. This washes out the starlight in the night sky, making it difficult to see the stars with the naked eye.
The International Dark Sky Places program certifies communities, parks, and protected areas around the world that preserve and protect dark sites. You can visit their website to find a stunning night sky experience near you.
When planning a trip to see the stars, it is important to check air pollution figures and plan your trip during the new moon for the darkest conditions. Additionally, consider visiting during the off-season to avoid crowds and look for remote, dark spots off the beaten path.
