The Most Mind-Blowing Places on Earth to See the Stars
On most nights, city skies hide the stars. Streetlights, buildings, and cars fill the air with artificial glow that drowns out what’s above. But in remote parts of the world, darkness still exists, and so do clear and star-filled skies. These are the most exceptional stargazing spots worth knowing.
Atacama Desert, Chile
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This desert in northern Chile has some of the driest air on Earth and sits thousands of feet above sea level. Its altitude and near-zero humidity let stars shine with exceptional clarity. The ALMA Observatory and multiple smaller facilities operate here for a reason. This is where astronomers capture the faintest galaxies and cosmic dust clouds.
Mauna Kea, Hawaiʻi
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The air thins out at 9,000 feet, right around where visitors gather on Mauna Kea for stargazing. Even before reaching the summit, the skies get steady and crisp. The elevation, dryness, and isolation help southern constellations pop, some of which aren’t visible from most of the mainland U.S.
NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
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You won’t find many streetlights in this reserve, and that’s the point. It’s set more than 60 miles from the nearest town, and is pitch black after sunset. The stars show up in full force, with private lodges offering telescope setups and platforms that don’t interrupt the view.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
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Tenerife restricts flight paths to protect its stargazing environment. The Teide Observatory studies solar and deep-space phenomena here because the island’s skies stay consistently clear. Visitors can drive to the caldera near Mount Teide, where Bortle Class 3 skies allow unaided views of the Milky Way’s band.
Massacre Rim, Nevada
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This remote stretch of Nevada is essentially a high desert. The area is recognized as a Dark Sky Sanctuary and is practically untouched by artificial light. During meteor showers in August, the Milky Way appears and arcs fully across the sky.
Aoraki Mackenzie Reserve, New Zealand
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Mountains circle this reserve, and they block the city’s glow from leaking in. The skies above South Island’s Mackenzie Basin are known for consistency that lets viewers catch everything from nebulae to the Magellanic Clouds.
Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
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In a state better known for dense forests and small towns, this park manages something rare on the East Coast: real darkness. On cloudless nights, it’s possible to pick out more than 30 constellations. Amateur astronomers bring their gear to the Black Forest Star Party every year.
Uluru, Australia
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In central Australia’s arid interior, Uluru rises under wide-open skies. Organized dinners pair local cuisine with astronomy talks that map constellations across the southern sky. With no major settlements nearby, the Southern Cross and other celestial objects remain visible without optical aid.
Cresta de Gallo, Philippines
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This small island lacks electricity and cell phone service. On clear nights, the stars appear dense and sharp, reflecting off the surrounding ocean. Visitors often describe the experience as surreal, with stars visible from every direction and no ground light to disrupt night vision.
Abisko, Sweden
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This far-north Swedish village is situated beneath the Auroral Oval, where northern lights activity is at its peak. Its cold, dry air and clear skies give it some of the most reliable dark conditions in Scandinavia. The nearby Abisko National Park and the Aurora Sky Station make this one of Europe’s most scientifically credible night sky destinations.