The magnetism of astronomical tourism

After touring the entire planet, we still have another challenge: to look at the sky to open ourselves to other worlds.More and more are those who point to astronomical tourism and travel to places where it is easier to contemplate the night ritual of stars rotating on our heads.While astrotourism and astrophotography associations increase, encounters and trips prolife.And is that the movement to recover darker skies is unstoppable.Astrotourism also has an advantage: without leaving home, we can also contemplate the vast immensity of our universe and its multiple mysteries.Next, a route through observatories around the world to know the so -called dark skies reserves, places of extraordinary visibility where to melt with the sky.

Uluru or Ayers Rock (Australia)

This red and a half kilometers red rock in the middle of the desert is one of the most unmistakable and venerated natural monuments of Australia.Located in the so -called outback, the extensive and unknown heart of the country, this sacred monolith for aborigines is far from any large city - alice springs, the closest, is about five hours from journey by car -, which allows you to contemplate aMagnificent star sky.Visit at night Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a unique experience: there are guided astronomy circuits that include an star observation session.A track for lovers of astrophysical phenomena, in 2028 a solar eclipse can be contemplated from here, although not in its entirety, so it is recommended to travel a little more to the northeast of Australia where it will be complete.

Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia)

At the top of the mountains, near the Andean peaks of Bolivia, several prehistoric lakes form the salt of Uyuni, the largest salinas in the world, and, due to their spectacularity, also one of the most popular and recurring images in the accounts in the accountsInstagram travelers.There are more and more opportunities to travel this salt at night and enjoy its starry sky and its wide horizon.Being a practically unwilling area, the skies are really dark.And the Salinas's own plain makes the light in them travel far, so, once the observation point is reached, we must give time to the eyes to adapt.

There are operators that offer specialized itineraries in the observation of the stars, with circuits between two and six hours that combine the contemplation of dawn or dusk with an stars observation session.You can discover rains of stars, planets, the Milky Way and the clouds of Magallanes, the two dwarf galaxies that until recently thought that they orbit around ours.

Lençois Maranhenses National Park (Brazil)

This natural space is a sea of sand on the northeastern coast of Brazil and one of the most striking national parks in the country.Its more than 1.500 square kilometers of dunes remind a huge moor, although they receive almost five times more rain than a current desert.

Due to its annual wind, water and sand dance, the park is not very urbanized, and this has contributed to keep its night sky intact and facilitate the observation of stars.The park is only two and a half degrees south of the line of Ecuador, so the vision of the night sky includes both the constellations of the southern hemisphere and those of the north.

Jasper National Park (Canada)

International Dark-Sky Association or International Dark Heaven Association (IDA) establishes rules to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies.And, in parallel, some countries apply their own conservation parameters.Canada is one of them, and Jasper's National Park, one of its 10 reservations for this purpose.Located in the rocky mountains, it is famous for its alpine lakes and the spectacular sunsets, but also more and more attract astrotourists eager to capture postcards from the universe after a day of outdoor adventures.

Low light pollution, guaranteed by its status as a dark sky reserve, allows you to clearly see stars, dairy and even boreal dawn in the dark winter months.Every year, in October, the Jasper Night Sky Festival is celebrated, one of the largest in its class in the world, although in Canada there are many other events of this type.Congregate speakers, astronomers and the general public who enjoys every night learning more about heaven.All seasoned with gastronomic events, symphonic music and astrophotography sessions.

Torres del Paine (Chile)

The granite pillars of the Torres del Paine rise almost vertically on the Chilean steppe and are one of the natural jewels of South America.It is an overwhelming territory of sharp mountains, valleys, glaciers, rivers and lakes to southern Chile.Due to its altitude (2.600 meters) and geographical situation, enjoy a rainy fall and a cold winter and with a probabilities of snow, so the ideal is to visit them in the southern spring and summer, with longer days, which include several weeks in which the night is the nightKeep in a twilight light (between November and mid -January).To take advantage of the limited darkness in the months in which the sky is clear, the arrival at this place must be planned and observed at dawn.But it is worth it: the Towers of the Paine is a formidable curtain of a natural background to see the Milky Way, the Clouds of Magellan and the Southern Sky.The best season to see the stars is between October and April, with dark nights.In December 2020 you can see here a sun eclipse, but partially.

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Hortobágy National Park (Hungary)

There are more and more countries that are proud of their places with dark skies, such as Hungary, where there are already three certified areas, including the Hortobágy National Park, east of the country.Its large swamp and meadows are ideal areas to see the stars.A flat landscape and the relative absence of trees guarantee an almost uninterrupted view of heaven.

Constituted as the first national park in the country, the hortobágy reserves since 2011 a part of its surface for the contemplation of the dark sky.Among the many measures adopted, as far as possible to update the lighting of nearby populations is made to discuss their impact.In addition, the park is home to an interesting fauna, such as wolves, wild horses and jackals, and is also a common stop of migratory birds.At night, the park offers several astronomical activities, which include walks, talks about astronomy and the FECSKEHÁZ Youth Hostel and Field Study Center, a shelter and study center that includes an observatory and a program of guided observations on clear nights.

Zselic's starry sky (Hungary)

Two hours from Budapest, towards the border with Croatia, the Zselic star park is one of the best in Eastern Europe to see stars.It was one of the first dark sky areas of the continent (since 2009) and offers magnificent virgin night skies.In addition to an observatory with telescopes, it has a planetarium for all ages, an exhibition on astronomy and nature, a collection of meteorites and a five -story viewpoint to get closer to the stars.On weekends there are nocturnal observation programs.Zselic also provides the opportunity to see the phenomenon of zodiac light, a dim and elongated light that is believed is the reflection of sunlight in the ice and dust particles in the plane of the solar system, and that almost alwaysGo in spring and summer.

The Jökulsárlón glacier (Iceland)

One of the most extraordinary sites, from the already extraordinary Iceland, is the Jökulsárlón glacier lake, in the southeast of the island, between the tip of the ice cap and the Atlantic coast.This wide lake formed by a glacier setback has very easy access from the Circunvalación road that runs the island.During the day you can explore an impressive ice caves, contemplate the power of glaciers or make boat circuits.At night you can enjoy the observation of stars.But here what is extraordinary is the contemplation of the Boreal Aurora.And when the vision of the Milky Way, Meteorites and Planets is not visible, and as in other dark skies located near the water, in the right conditions you can see the reflection of the stars between the icebergsof the glacier lagoon.The total solar eclipse of 2026 will be seen from Iceland.

Monte Bromo (Indonesia)

This mountain, located in the heart of Java Oriental, is one of the greatest attractions of Indonesia.Travelers come to climb around this active volcano to see daw.Mount Bromo, 2.329 meters of altitude, is part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, which occupies 777 square kilometers and houses five volcanoes and the one known as Tengger's sand, a unique desert ecosystem in these latitudes.During the day you can do hike in the park or hire a guided circuit in SUV to see those unusual geological accidents.At night is the moment of astrotourism.

As astronomers increase that come to observe and astrophotographers to photograph the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy and the Clouds of Magellan, the bromine is acquiring a discreet fame as a destination to see stars in Indonesia.In this place one is less than ten degrees to the south of Ecuador, so the mountain and its surroundings are also a good destination to see the southern night sky and meteor rains such as the Austral Táurids.

Kerry's dark sky reserve (Ireland)

A dark sky reserve is an area of night skies surrounded by populations that reduce light pollution to protect it.In Ireland we find one of these areas designated by the International Dark-Sky Association in Kerry County, in the province of Munster (southwest of the country).Those who visit Kerry's ring, the longest coastal route of the Atlantic, in search of spectacular castles and mysterious stone circles may not even know that they are next to a scoring of the first -level dark sky.The reserve occupies 699 square kilometers and includes several small locations, so the light pollution is scarce.At night, even the most tanned astronomers see them to differentiate the constellations between so much star in their sky.The park has a specialized guides service in night observations.The best months to enjoy clear skies go from July to September.

Makhtesh Ramon (Israel)

Although he receives the denomination of Crater, the Makhtesh Ramon, in the middle of the Negev desert, it really is not.It was not created by the impact of a meteorite or a volcanic eruption, but erosion over millions of years.It is in a little populated area south of Israel and therefore offers excellent opportunities to see stars thanks to its low light pollution, to which it contributes a lot the desert climate that protects the night sky.In 2017 he was appointed dark sky park, the first of this type in the Middle East.The Makhtesh Ramon is also a wonderful place to see the unique fauna and flora of the region, from foxes, gazelles and leopards to wild horses.There are also guided visits from the night sky with several Mitzpe Ramon operators.

Iriomote-ishigaki National Park (Japan)

In the Prefecture of Okinawa, the southeast.In 2018 it was designated as the first dark sky park in the country, due to its remote situation and low urbanization.It is the last border of Japan covered by dense jungles and mangroves and surrounded by some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the country, where you only arrive by plane and ferri.As part of the effort to receive the dark park certification, the area developed a plan to update and reduce light pollution that has turned this privileged place into a star of astrotourism.Here you can also visit the country's space launch facilities, the Tanegashima Space Center and the Uchinaura Space Center, which open to the public when no launch is scheduled.

Erg Chebbi (Morocco)

If you want to visit North Africa and you are looking for a good night sky, Morocco can be the ideal destination.Apart from seeing their main landscapes and cities, travelers can contemplate the stars in an itinerary from the main coastal cities to the aggregate preaharan landscape.Erg Chebbi and his central town in Merzouga are one of the best corners to have a clear view in all directions and to see the Milky Way.But it is also a splendid place to turn around and discover the traditional desert life.There are special stars observation excursions, with accommodation in a camp in the desert.In Morocco there is also the Morocco Oukaïmeden Sky Survey (Moss), in Alto Atlas.

Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve (New Zealand)

New Zealand has been a paradise for astronomers for a long time, and increasingly attracts more astrotourists.This reserve, located in the heart of the South Island, is one of the best places in the country to see the sky at night.It is made up of the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and the Mackenzie basin.In 2012 he received the dark sky reserve certificate.Visitors meet at the Mount John Observatory to see stars, and on the clear winter nights the dawn can sometimes appreciate.The Observatory offers circuits to see the night sky and admire it through one of its many telescopes, including one of 1.8 meters for academic research in collaboration with Japan and an exclusive one for tourist use.

Albanyà (Spain)

Near the border with France, in the Girona region of Alto Ampurdán, this Catalan town does not usually appear in tourist itineraries.However, it is a must for astrotourists, as it is the first place with the designation of dark sky in Spain, certified both by the Starlight Foundation and by the International Dark-Sky Association.Here we will find one of the most crashed and free of light pollution in Catalonia.Now, Astrotourism is one of the main claims of the people.

The Albanyà Observatory opened in 2017 with a 40 -centimeter telescope, which is another magnet for lovers of night sky.You can also contemplate your own stars in places such as Casalot and PLA of the battery, open to the public but without specific activities.The advantage is that there are fewer people and astrophotographers capture unique images.

Northumberland Dark Sky International Park (England)

Stressed to Adriano's wall and the border between England and Scotland is the largest protected area of dark skies in Europe: Northumberland's International Sky International Park: Northumberland's International Park.Constituted in 2013, it is one of the best places in the United Kingdom for that purpose.In it you can explore day and night 1.593 kilómetros cuadrados de naturaleza, que comprenden tanto el parque nacional de Northumberland como el contiguo Kielder Water & Forest Park.Northumberland's was the first of his nature in combining two parks under a single dark sky certification.

It can be reached from Edimburg, Newcastle and Carlisle.As a complement, in Edinburgh you can visit the Kielder Observatory and attend one of its conferences on astronomy or its events around the night sky.

Cosmic Campground (United States)

This cosmic campsite is one of the darkest places in the United States and one of the few sites in the world certified as "sanctuaries" of dark sky.All are in remote corners (the other in this country is the national monument Rainbow Bridge, in Utah).

It is a small park, with just 1.4 hectares of extension (14.000 square meters) of immaculate night darkness in the heart of the protected areas of Gila Wilderness and Blue Range Wilderness, in the west of New Mexico.It is much less known than other parks in this southern state, such as the White Sands National Monument or the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, but it is a place of pilgrimage of astrotourists.

The closest relevant artificial light source is more than 64 kilometers, in Arizona, so there are few darker sites throughout the country.There is only a very basic camping infrastructure (hole toilets and no electrical connections) and the traveler must take a telescope and install it in one of the observation plots designated outside the camping area, where an uninterrupted night sky will be enjoyed.

San Pedro de Atacama (Chile)

Located on an arid plateau of the Andes mountains, in the northeast of Chile, the small city of San Pedro de Atacama is a magnificent destination to observe the stars in the middle of a desert with a horizon always clear.It is one of the main tourist destinations for adventure and astronomy of the South American country.Thanks to their ideal situation, several observatories with international support have been installed in this region known as the Chajnantor scientific reserve.High altitude and low humidity reduce the amount of signal interference.

There are few open telescopes to the public, although some open on Saturdays and Sundays in the mornings and the Ahlarkapin Observatory is a private installation managed by local guides with night visits.Another option is the stars observation circuits operating from San Pedro de Atacama, accompanied by local guides, in places with little light pollution.

Teide Observatory (Canary Islands)

Tourists usually travel to Tenerife - and to the Canary Islands - in search of sun.His facet is less known as one of the best places in the world to observe and study heaven, thanks to its geographical position and astronomical conditions (similar to those of Hawaii and Chile).

The dark heavens on the Teide (3.718 meters of altitude) are ideal to observe the stars on their own and see 83 of the 88 recognized constellations, but the jewel of the place for fans and professionals of astronomical observation is the Teide Observatory, a short distance from the volcano, in a short distance from the volcano, inThe Izaña Summit.Operated by the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC), it has nighttime telescopes, radio telescopes and one of the largest solar telescopes in the world.

To visit it you have to reserve in advance a guided tour through the main tourist operator, Volcano Teide Experience;You can't travel without guide.For amateur astronomers who wish to demonstrate their specific astronomical theories through observation, this is one of the few observatories where access to a professional telescope can be requested.

La Palma is another Canarian destination for enthusiastic astrotourists.On the island is the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, where the Isaac Newton telescope was transferred from the Royal Greenwich Observatory in 1984.It has 12 telescopes.

Northern Boreales in Greenland

Of all the Nordic territories where you can contemplate the northern dawn, Greenland is one of the least visited.The little infrastructure is to blame for the relative shortage of tourism in this immense island's insular portion.The same capital, Nuuk, with only 17.000 inhabitants, allows you to see the dawn, although it is best to travel 300 kilometers to the north to Kangerlussuaq, the city of the Arctic Aurora of Greenlandia.It is in the middle of a fjord to the west of the great island.And it is also the only place where the road to the ice mantle from Greenland, the immense formation of frozen water that covers much of the territory comes out.

Another place to contemplate Auroras is Ilulissat, on the western coast, 250 kilometers north of the polar circle, with its icy fjord that is Unesco World Heritage.For astrophotographers it is a challenge to portray the dawn with the gigantic icebergs that float in Disko Bay.

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