The Best Star Gazing on Earth: Everything You Need to Know
On a budget and want a quick getaway while seeing the night sky in all its uninhibited, dazzling, and spectacular glory? The best star gazing may be not as far away as you think.
Designated Dark Sky Sanctuaries are a haven for star gazers that have strict limits on light pollution. Viewing is completely unobstructed so that the full plethora of the night sky can be seen with the naked eye.
There are International Dark Sky Sanctuaries, the darkest places available for stargazing in the world, and International Dark Sky Parks that focus more on conservation and education while also having exemplary star viewing.
There are 16 Certified IDA International Dark Sky Sanctuaries. The sanctuaries are located in every region of the U.S. in the states of Texas, Minnesota, New Mexico, Maine, Montana, Nevada, and Arizona making it easy for anyone to experience.
The list includes:
- !Ae!Hai Kalahari Heritage Park (South Africa)
- Aotea / Great Barrier Island (New Zealand)
- Black Gap Wildlife Management Area (U.S.)
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (U.S.)
- Cosmic Campground (U.S.)
- Devils River State Natural Area – Del Norte Unit (U.S.)
- Gabriela Mistral (Chile)
- Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (U.S.)
- Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge (U.S.)
- Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area (U.S.)
- Medicine Rocks State Park (U.S.)
- Niue (NU)
- Pitcairn Islands (B.O.T.)
- Rainbow Bridge National Monument (U.S.)
- Stewart Island / Rakiura (New Zealand)
- The Jump-Up (Australia)
In addition, there are 115 Dark sky parks with over 60 located in the U.S. alone. The full list can be found here. A U.S. list can be found here.
Want to see an arm of the Milky Way? According to Dark Site Finder, the best time to see an arm is in the summer months. Unfortunately, in the winter months it is not visible. And spring only provides a few hours of viewing before sunrise.
Be prepared to camp at the sanctuary or drive for hours to lodging because of the completely remote nature of Dark Sky Sanctuaries. No telescope? No problem. You do not need binoculars or a telescope, but it can enhance your experience. Lastly, make sure to have red flashlights and red film to place over electronics because white light interferes with night vision.
Is this an experience you would want to have? Leave your thoughts below.
