Miimu

7 Best Places for Stargazing

miimu.adventureby miimu.adventure 56 cards

A curated guide to the world's finest stargazing destinations, from certified dark sky parks to desert observatories — paired with expert gear advice, astrophotography tips, and the science powering humanity's view of the cosmos.

Discover the world’s best stargazing spots Discover the world’s best stargazing spots
See nights as brilliant as nature intended at these 8 dark-sky destinations.
www.nationalgeographic.com
16 Stunning Places to Go Stargazing in 2025 16 Stunning Places to Go Stargazing in 2025
The views are astronomical.
www.afar.com
A practical guide to stargazing A practical guide to stargazing
The growing trend of astrotourism continues to draw new travellers to the wonders of the night sky in places where light pollution is minimal and t...
www.nationalgeographic.com
I’ve Chased Dark Skies for 8 Years. These Are My Top Stargazing Spots. I’ve Chased Dark Skies for 8 Years. These Are My Top Stargazing Spots.
From nocturnal wildlife safaris to stargazing train rides, a dark sky expert shares her favorite astrotourism adventures around the world.
www.outsideonline.com
What is noctourism and why it's on the rise What is noctourism and why it's on the rise
From safari ‘star beds’ to the Taj Mahal after hours, after-dark experiences are increasing in popularity with travellers all over the world — here...
www.nationalgeographic.com
Why can't I find the Milky Way in May? | Sky Archive | EarthSky Why can't I find the Milky Way in May? | Sky Archive | EarthSky
From the Northern Hemisphere now, the plane of the Milky Way is as parallel to your horizon as it can be, in early evening. Just wait. Around midni...
earthsky.org
My favorite stargazing apps for navigating the night sky My favorite stargazing apps for navigating the night sky
My pick of the best stargazing apps, to take the work out of surveying the night sky.
www.space.com

Dark Sky Parks & Reserves

International Dark Sky Places International Dark Sky Places
The International Dark Sky Places program certifies communities, parks, and protected areas around the world that preserve and protect dark sites t...
darksky.org
9 Incredible Dark Sky Parks and Reserves Around the World 9 Incredible Dark Sky Parks and Reserves Around the World
*eyes emoji*
www.afar.com
250 International Dark Sky Places 250 International Dark Sky Places
DarkSky International is proud to announce the certification of its 250th International Dark Sky Place.
darksky.org
Oregon is home to the largest dark sky sanctuary in the world. Here’s how to visit. Oregon is home to the largest dark sky sanctuary in the world. Here’s how to visit.
The largest dark sky sanctuary in the world is 2.4 million acres of volcanic landscape, deserts, and mountains. Learn how to plan your trip.
www.nationalgeographic.com
Dark Sky Place types Dark Sky Place types
Dark Sky Sanctuaries are the most remote (and often darkest) places in the world whose conservation state is most fragile.
darksky.org
Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve
At over 9 million acres, the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve is currently the world’s largest Reserve and protected Dark Sky Place....
darksky.org
Frequently asked questions about International Dark Sky Places Frequently asked questions about International Dark Sky Places
The International Dark Sky Places program is an independent, third-party review and certification of outstanding dark sky conditions and protection...
darksky.org

Desert Stargazing Destinations

5 stargazing destinations where you can see the sky with ‘both’ eyes 5 stargazing destinations where you can see the sky with ‘both’ eyes
The concept of “two-eyed seeing” is alive and well at these astrotourism hot spots, where travelers have the opportunity to experience the night sk...
www.nationalgeographic.com
6 Pampered Stargazing Experiences Near Cities, With Heated Seats or Outdoor Tasting Menus 6 Pampered Stargazing Experiences Near Cities, With Heated Seats or Outdoor Tasting Menus
You don’t have to go too far from civilization to see maximum constellations.
www.afar.com
You’re Closer Than You Think to the Perfect View of the Milky Way You’re Closer Than You Think to the Perfect View of the Milky Way
Admire our galaxy’s dramatic galactic core—a sparkly bulge of stars and gas—while summer’s short Milky Way season lasts
www.outsideonline.com
This Canyon-Filled Wonderland Is America’s Newest Stargazing Hot Spot This Canyon-Filled Wonderland Is America’s Newest Stargazing Hot Spot
The gateway to Utah’s Mighty Five national parks is now an International Dark Sky Community, making it an epic destination for viewing red-rock lan...
www.afar.com
I Stayed at a Newly Revamped Lodge in the World's Driest Desert. It Felt Like Another Planet. I Stayed at a Newly Revamped Lodge in the World's Driest Desert. It Felt Like Another Planet.
Tierra Atacama officially reopened in the driest place on Earth. Following a massive renovation, the lodge offers a high-design launchpad for explo...
www.outsideonline.com
9 Incredible U.S. National Parks for Stargazing 9 Incredible U.S. National Parks for Stargazing
These are the country's best parks to see the night sky.
www.afar.com
I Found the 9 Best Places to See the Stars in 2026. Here’s Where to Go. I Found the 9 Best Places to See the Stars in 2026. Here’s Where to Go.
From a total solar eclipse to "star-beds" on an African safari, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for travel. These are the destinations I’m...
www.outsideonline.com

Equipment & Gear

Our round-up of the best telescopes in 2026 ahead of Amazon Prime Day Our round-up of the best telescopes in 2026 ahead of Amazon Prime Day
These are the best telescopes to view galaxies, planets and stars. Prime Day discounts could make them even cheaper.
www.space.com
I’ve Stargazed on 6 Continents—Here’s the Gear I Recommend for First-Time Skywatchers I’ve Stargazed on 6 Continents—Here’s the Gear I Recommend for First-Time Skywatchers
A professional astrophotographer shares her must-have gear for clear skies and starry nights
www.outsideonline.com
These are the best binoculars for stargazing in 2026 ahead of Prime Day These are the best binoculars for stargazing in 2026 ahead of Prime Day
These are the best binoculars we have reviewed for stargazing and general use. Models in this guide could get cheaper on Amazon Prime Day on June 23.
www.space.com
Telescopes and laser beam, in Hawai'i | Today's Image | EarthSky Telescopes and laser beam, in Hawai'i | Today's Image | EarthSky
A visit to the summit of Mauna Kea on the Island of Hawai'i, where astronomers from 11 countries operate telescopes.
earthsky.org
Night Sky 11 stargazing app review Night Sky 11 stargazing app review
A stargazing app built on ease of use and a sense of wonder, Night Sky 11 is great for anyone, anywhere to observe the cosmos: As long as you have ...
www.space.com
Night Sky Network - NASA Science Night Sky Network - NASA Science
Night Sky Network is a nationwide coalition of amateur astronomy clubs bringing the inspiration of NASA's missions to the general public.
science.nasa.gov
Mobile Stargazing: A Universe of Astronomy Apps to Explore the Sky Mobile Stargazing: A Universe of Astronomy Apps to Explore the Sky
In our new column, Mobile Stargazing: The Universe at Your Fingertips, we'll explore astronomy the 21st century way – with astronomy and space-rela...
www.space.com

Stargazing for Beginners

Expert advice for new stargazers: How to begin your amateur astronomy journey Expert advice for new stargazers: How to begin your amateur astronomy journey
Astronomers and expert stargazers share their top skywatching tips for beginners.
www.space.com
See it! Perseid meteor photos and videos | Today's Image | EarthSky See it! Perseid meteor photos and videos | Today's Image | EarthSky
The Perseids are declining now, but 2016 brought a great meteor shower for many around the globe. See photos and videos here.
earthsky.org
9 must-see night sky events to look forward to in 2025 9 must-see night sky events to look forward to in 2025
A partial solar eclipse. Numerous eye-catching planetary get-togethers. Saturn's rings perform a vanishing act. In the upcoming year, stargazers ca...
www.nationalgeographic.com
Does complex life exist elsewhere? Study of exoplanet-tilts boosts hopes | Space | EarthSky Does complex life exist elsewhere? Study of exoplanet-tilts boosts hopes | Space | EarthSky
A new study focuses on the axial tilt of Earthlike exoplanets in binary or double star systems. It boosts hope for complex life elsewhere ... altho...
earthsky.org
February's Night Sky Notes: How Can You Help Curb Light Pollution? - NASA Science February's Night Sky Notes: How Can You Help Curb Light Pollution? - NASA Science
Light pollution has long troubled astronomers, who generally shy away from deep sky observing under full Moon skies. The natural light from a brigh...
science.nasa.gov
Astronomers spy new auroras for Uranus Astronomers spy new auroras for Uranus
Astronomers have known since the 1980s that Uranus – the 7th planet – has auroras. But – unlike auroras, aka northern lights, here on Earth – Uranu...
earthsky.org
Why scientists want to find a pulsar orbiting a black hole | Science Wire | EarthSky Why scientists want to find a pulsar orbiting a black hole | Science Wire | EarthSky
Discovering a pulsar orbiting a black hole is considered 'an authentic holy grail’ for testing Einstein's theory of gravity.
earthsky.org

Astrophotography

Astrophotography: The Ultimate Guide Astrophotography: The Ultimate Guide
A complete guide to astrophotography for beginning photographers, from what it is to how you can use what you have to shoot amazing photos.
petapixel.com
A night with the stars: how to shoot amazing astrophotography A night with the stars: how to shoot amazing astrophotography
The backbone of brilliant astrophotography is planning, patience and careful technique, as Simon Newman explains
www.digitalcameraworld.com
How to Photograph the Milky Way How to Photograph the Milky Way
A beginner's guide to Milky Way photography with everything you need to know to go out at night and capture a beautiful photo of the galaxy.
petapixel.com
8 Astrophotography Lessons the Beginner Guides Leave Out 8 Astrophotography Lessons the Beginner Guides Leave Out
Photographer Matt Suess shares his lessons on photographing the night sky that beginners often don't think about.
petapixel.com
A Complete Guide to Deep-Sky Astrophotography A Complete Guide to Deep-Sky Astrophotography
Everything you need to know to take incredible deep-sky astrophotographs.
petapixel.com
How to Capture Unique Night Sky Landscapes How to Capture Unique Night Sky Landscapes
Unique nightscape photography tips from a lifetime behind the camera.
petapixel.com
Step-by-Step Guide to Capturing Great Milky Way Photographs Step-by-Step Guide to Capturing Great Milky Way Photographs
Overcome the challenges of Milky Way photography with this step-by-step video guide that covers scouting, gear, settings, and photo editing.
petapixel.com

Stargazing Travel & Trips

These Train Journeys Across the Country Are Built Entirely Around Stargazing These Train Journeys Across the Country Are Built Entirely Around Stargazing
From steam-powered star trains to moonlit railbike rides through redwood forests, these are the best night sky train adventures across America.
www.outsideonline.com
The 19 Best Hotels in the World for Stargazing The 19 Best Hotels in the World for Stargazing
Sleep under the world’s darkest, clearest skies across six continents at one of these 19 dark sky zone hotels.
www.afar.com
5 Celestial Events You Should Definitely Add to Your Travel Calendar 5 Celestial Events You Should Definitely Add to Your Travel Calendar
Eyes to the sky!
www.afar.com
Stargaze, Tour Observatories, and Visit NASA on This Cosmic Road Trip in Florida Stargaze, Tour Observatories, and Visit NASA on This Cosmic Road Trip in Florida
Explore the cosmos beyond the Space Coast on a three-day adventure in the Sunshine State.
www.afar.com
The Most Beautiful Places to See the Northern Lights—Without Leaving the U.S. The Most Beautiful Places to See the Northern Lights—Without Leaving the U.S.
You don't need to go abroad to see the legendary light show that is the aurora borealis.
www.afar.com

Science & Space Exploration

Exoplanets - NASA Science Exoplanets - NASA Science
Most of the exoplanets discovered so far are in a relatively small region of our galaxy, the Milky Way. (“Small” meaning within thousands of light-...
science.nasa.gov
Stars - NASA Science Stars - NASA Science
Astronomers estimate that the universe could contain up to one septillion stars – that’s a one followed by 24 zeros. Our Milky Way alone contains m...
science.nasa.gov
James Webb Space Telescope finds most distant galaxy ever detected: 'It looks nothing like what we predicted' James Webb Space Telescope finds most distant galaxy ever detected: 'It looks nothing like what we predicted'
"There is a growing chasm between theory and observation related to the early universe, which presents compelling questions to be explored going fo...
www.space.com
3 years of the Webb telescope: Here’s what it’s discovered 3 years of the Webb telescope: Here’s what it’s discovered
By Themiya Nanayakkara, Ivo Labbe and Karl Glazebrook, all from the Swinburne University of Technology. Edits by EarthSky.
earthsky.org
James Webb Space Telescope uncovers secret supermassive black holes that escape traditional detection James Webb Space Telescope uncovers secret supermassive black holes that escape traditional detection
New research reveals how quiet galactic engines can help shape entire galaxies.
www.space.com
Good news! Here’s where light pollution is getting better Good news! Here’s where light pollution is getting better
You deserve a daily dose of good news. For the latest in science and the night sky, click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter.
earthsky.org
James Webb Space Telescope reveals new origin story for the universe's 1st supermassive black holes James Webb Space Telescope reveals new origin story for the universe's 1st supermassive black holes
"Looking out into the universe is uniquely allowing us to look back in time and piece together this beautiful cosmic story that we are part of."
www.space.com
Light pollution is impacting astronomy around the globe Light pollution is impacting astronomy around the globe
Outdoor lighting for buildings, roads and advertising can help people see in the dark of night, but many astronomers are growing increasingly conce...
earthsky.org
New James Webb Space Telescope images reveal how massive star clusters can reshape galaxies New James Webb Space Telescope images reveal how massive star clusters can reshape galaxies
And the views are stunning, too.
www.space.com