Looking up at the night sky, with cosmos so huge they reach from above us, the feeling you get has a certain excitement. By reminding us of our place in the world and evoking wonder, stargazing helps us feel more connected to the cosmos.
Dark skies and sparkling stars are more alluring than ever as 2025 approaches. These locations provide incredible stargazing experiences, regardless of your level of knowledge of astronomy or your desire to see the Milky Way for the first time. Let’s dive into some of the best stargazing locations our world has to offer!
Image credit: Joshua Earle on Unsplash
A stargazer's paradise; the Atacama Desert. This area of northern Chile is well known for its high altitude, bright skies, and low levels of light pollution. It's no surprise that some of the most cutting-edge observatories in the world, including ALMA and Paranal, are located here, given that there are more than 300 clear nights in a year. Visitors can either lay beneath the enormous expanse of stars and marvel at the Milky Way's brilliance, or they can take part in guided excursions to learn about constellations.
Pro Tip: Visit nearby astronomy centers for professional advice and schedule your vacation around new moon phases for the darkest skies.
The peak of Mauna Kea, which is perched high above the Pacific Ocean, provides unmatched vistas of the night sky. Some of the most potent telescopes in the world are located atop this inactive volcano in Hawaii. The thin atmosphere and lack of light pollution at 13,796 feet above sea level make for a remarkable astronomy experience. For a cosmic vista, visitors can venture to the summit or stop by the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station for stargazing events.
Pro Tip: Remember that acclimatization is necessary due to the altitude. At night, the temperature drops considerably, so pack warm clothes.
Image Credit: The NamibRand Nature Reserve
Namibia's NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of the best spots in Africa to go stargazing. This isolated area, which has been designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve, offers unspoiled skies devoid of artificial illumination. This view of the Milky Way is so bright that it almost seems tangible. Numerous lodges and campgrounds provide possibilities for stargazing, nighttime guided excursions, and the chance to study Southern Hemisphere-specific stars.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of Namibia's varied animals and breathtaking desert scenery by combining your stargazing with a safari trip.
The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is a sanctuary for astronomy aficionados, tucked away in the South Island of New Zealand. One of the world's greatest dark sky reserves, it provides unmatched views of the night sky throughout the Southern Hemisphere, including the Southern Cross and the Magellanic Clouds. The neighboring Mount John Observatory is an informative and breathtaking location that offers telescope viewings and guided tours.
Pro Tip: For longer evenings and the opportunity to see the Southern Lights or Aurora Australis, go during the winter months (June to August).
Tromsø is renowned for its Northern Lights shows, but it's also a great place to see stars. Tromsø, which is inside the Arctic Circle, offers great chances to watch constellations and meteor showers during its long, dark winter nights. To combine stargazing and aurora hunting, pack your bags and travel to a far-off place or sign up for a guided tour. There is nothing like the ethereal splendor of the Arctic sky.
Pro Tip: For the best dark skies and aurora activity, plan your trip between September and March.
Wadi Rum's ethereal desert terrain, known as the "Valley of the Moon," provides an almost unreal experience for stargazing. It's a great place to see stars, planets, and meteor showers since the desert skies are so dark and far from city lights. Your cosmic journey is enhanced by the cultural depth of the stargazing sessions offered by many Bedouin camps, which are frequently accompanied by storytelling and traditional music.
Pro Tip: For a journey that is both enlightening and captivating, combine this experience with a day spent discovering the sandstone mountains and historic petroglyphs of Wadi Rum.
In 2025, the stars are calling us more than ever to travel to places where the universe is the main attraction. From the mysterious charm of Wadi Rum to the dry splendor of Chile's Atacama Desert, these places provide an opportunity to re-establish a connection with the cosmos. So, are you ready to embark on your next stargazing adventure?
