Stargazing is an awe-inspiring experience that allows us to look beyond our world and into the vast expanses of the universe. With light pollution on the rise, finding the perfect dark sky can be a challenge. However, there are still numerous places around the world where the stars shine brightly, creating a celestial spectacle. Here are the 11 best places to stargaze around the world:

1.Mauna Kea Observatory, Hawaii, USA – The observatory sits atop Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano and the highest point in Hawaii. The clear air and minimal light pollution at an elevation of 13,796 feet make it one of the best places on Earth for astronomical observation.

2.Atacama Desert, Chile – This plateau in South America is one of the driest places in the world and has more than 300 clear nights per year, providing exceptionally high-quality starry skies.

3.Jasper National Park, Canada – As a designated Dark Sky Preserve, Jasper offers stunning stargazing opportunities along with guided tours during its annual Dark Sky Festival.

4.NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia – Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve boasts some of the darkest skies measured on Earth, allowing for breathtaking views of the Milky Way.

5.Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, USA – Another Dark Sky Park offering unparalleled views of celestial wonders without interference from artificial light.

6.La Palma, Canary Islands – Home to Roque de los Muchachos Observatory and known for its astrotourism, La Palma’s strict light pollution laws make it an ideal spot for observing stars.

7.Tekapo Lake, New Zealand – The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve provides stellar views of constellations only visible from the Southern Hemisphere.

8.Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania, USA – Known for its dark skies and frequently held astronomy events which attract both amateur astronomers and casual observers.

9.Pic du Midi de Bigorre, France – Its observatory has been around for more than a century and today it doubles as a public stargazing facility at nearly 10,000 feet altitude.

10.Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia – The iconic monolith Uluru offers a stark and beautiful backdrop for stargazing under the Australian desert sky.

11.Sagarmatha National Park (Everest region), Nepal – While it might take some trekking to get there, viewing stars from amongst some of the highest peaks in the world is truly unforgettable.

Each of these destinations provides a unique opportunity to observe constellations, planets and galaxies amidst serene landscapes or majestic mountaintops. For astronomy enthusiasts and romantics alike, stargazing is not just about looking up; it’s about feeling small within the grand tapestry of the cosmos while marvelling at its wonders with eyes wide open to the night sky.