The best stargazing and sacred sites in the world

Many friends who love astronomy like to look up at the stars when traveling and find their own dream world. But in many places, due to climate reasons or pollution, the conditions for stargazing are no longer mature. This is the best place to watch the stars.

New Zealand's Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

In 1988, American astronomer David Crawford and amateur astronomer Timothy Hunter (Timothy Hunt) established a non-profit organization, the International Dark Sky Association (International Dark Sky Association), dedicated to protecting the natural nighttime environment from damage.

The Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in Aoraki, New Zealand, was established in 2012 and joined the International Dark Sky Association. It is the first dark sky reserve in the Southern Hemisphere and one of only 16 dark sky reserves in the world.

This nature reserve is located in the Mackenzie Alpine Basin on the South Island of New Zealand. The arid climate makes the atmosphere thin but stable and extremely transparent.

In addition, there are less than 500 permanent residents nearby, and they all spontaneously protect this late night, with almost no pollution caused by human activities. Such superior natural conditions create a wonderful experience of stargazing in the nature reserve.

Visitors flock to the reserve’s planetarium to gaze up at the sky through binoculars. Or you can follow the tour guide and go to Lake Tekapo to see the wonders of the starry sky over Tianshui. If you are lucky, you may also see the rare spectacle of nebulae.

Namibia's Namibrand Nature Reserve

In the yellow sand of the Namib Desert, except for drought-resistant plants, few people come. It is a purgatory of life, but it is also a paradise of stars. Namibrand Nature Reserve is hidden in the ancient Namib Desert.

This is one of the "darkest places on earth", and the nearest human settlement is 96 kilometers away. The arid climate makes the atmosphere thin and transparent, and the distance between humans makes its nature purer.

Although it is difficult to live in a nature reserve for a long time, starry sky lovers still try their best to cross the Namib Desert just to catch a glimpse of the stars. If you want to get as close to the stars and nature as possible, then you can choose the best place to pitch your tent, where the sky is full of stars.

If you are looking for high-quality accommodation, there are also many luxury resort hotels in the reserve for you to choose from. Soak in your private open-air bathtub with the stars in the sky as your backdrop.

Canary Islands La Palma and Tenerife

The Canary Islands occupy one of the three "Starlight Reserves" recognized by UNESCO. The Canary Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa. Its unique geographical location allows people to clearly see the starry sky no matter where they are in the islands.

However, if you want to find the best views, both professional and amateur astronomers recommend La Palma and Tenerife.

The Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands has established three astronomical observation areas on two islands. They are all built on the top of the mountain. Visitors can borrow professional equipment in the observation area to enjoy the dazzling beauty of the Milky Way.

The beautiful Starlight Reserve has attracted many Hollywood blockbusters such as "Fast and Furious 6" and "Wrath of the Gods".

Nepal's Sagarmatha National Park

Nepal's Sagarmatha National Park is home to Mount Everest and is one of the first cultural and natural heritage sites announced by UNESCO. In 2016, it was selected as one of the "Top 5 Places in the World" by the American magazine "National Geographic".

However, not only is it the tallest mountain in the world, but its brilliant starry sky is worth visiting in the national park. Don't worry, you don't need to climb a steep mountain to see the stars.

The national park has prepared flat walking trails for tourists, who can enjoy the starry sky while walking; for mountaineering enthusiasts, you can also choose to climb some peaks with lower altitude and difficulty coefficient to enjoy the magnificent starry sky scenery. Unobstructed view.

As night falls, the clouds disappear into the sky, and the stars peek out, becoming the protagonists of the night. Looking from a distance, the majestic Mount Everest is even more majestic under the night sky and the stars. Every star is so dazzling and charming.

Kerry International Night Sky Reserve in Ireland

Ireland is located in the westernmost part of Europe, overlooking the stormy waves of the Atlantic Ocean alone. Because it is separated by the straits of the European continent, Ireland is like a paradise, famous for its natural scenery, and is known as the "Emerald Isle".

The unique natural and geographical conditions provide it with all the necessary factors to create a beautiful starry sky, and the Kaili County International Starry Sky Reserve in the southwest was born.

The magazine once commented that Kaili is "the most beautiful place on earth." Yuanye has a vast and magnificent coast, and its coastline is one of the most important attractions on Ireland's famous "Wild Atlantic" route.

At night, this natural and unpolluted sky becomes a stage for stars. As long as you stare at the sky carefully, you will find that the stars are changing rapidly driven by the sea breeze. There are many hotels and B&Bs in Kaili where tourists can stay. If you are not afraid of the cold, outdoor camping is also a good choice.

Current Location The main body of the Atacama Desert is located in Chile. Affected by downdrafts in the subtropical high pressure area, offshore winds and the Peruvian Cold Current, it is the driest region in the world. It is said that it has not rained in the Atacama Desert for 100 years.

The Elki Valley also has low rainfall and high altitude, which may be God's compensation for the extremely dry weather. The sky here is clear and transparent. Whether day or night, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the sky, making it one of the best places in the world for astronomical observations.

The Elqui Mountain Valley, covering an area of ??more than 30,000 hectares, became the first international dark sky reserve in history in 2015. Rich wines are also produced here. On a beautiful night, take a glass of rich local wine and look up at the romantic Milky Way with your lover. The desert can be so romantic!

Atacama Desert and Elqui Valley in Chile

As for the largest volcano in the world, it is Mauna Kea in Hawaii. It is also the highest peak in Hawaii. Hawaii's high altitude and pristine atmosphere make it a great place for stargazing. It is said that there are 13 observation stations on Mauna Kea.

There is also an observatory specially set up for tourists, where tourists can go there at night to enjoy professional stargazing programs or participate in special excursions led by guided tours. The activity was very exciting, and some people joked that it was a project that could treat cervical spondylosis.

People reach the summit of the volcano in four-wheel-drive vehicles. The position of the mountain peak can clearly display the image of the starry sky, and people can get in touch with the stars in the sky at the closest distance. Because of its high altitude above the temperature inversion layer, there are more than 300 sunny nights a year. However, don’t be too hasty when reaching the top of the mountain, otherwise it will be difficult to adapt to the rapid change in altitude.

Chile’s Atacama Desert and Hercui Valley

Denari National Park is located in the middle of the Alaska Mountains, with approximately 2.4 million hectares of land and various wild species. Animals and plants live safely here, and Denari Mountain, the highest peak in North America, is also here. The natural landscape of the national park is well protected and has little pollution from human activity, noise and light.

For most of the year, you can see bright stars in the dark sky. You can encounter beautiful aurora in winter. Overall, fall is the best time for stargazing in Denali National Park.

The weather is pleasant at this time and the nights last longer than in spring and summer. This is the best time of year for stargazing.

There are only two ways to enter Denali National Park: take the car ferry or walk.

If you want to focus all your energy on stargazing, then in order to save your energy, taking a car ferry is the best choice; if you don’t want to miss the equally wonderful park scenery, taking a walk is also worth it Way to try.