People have been fascinated by stars since the dawn of time, yet there is still a lot we don't know about them.
There's something really wonderful about these heavenly creatures that makes us take a step back, relax, and put things in perspective.
Regrettably, you won't be able to do this just anyplace. Some people live in large cities where viewing the sky is just not a possibility. Others live in areas where the sky seems to be always cloudy and the view of the stars is constantly obscured.
There are, however, locations throughout the United States that bring out the finest in the stars and allow you to really enjoy the grandeur of the sky above.
So make plans to visit these locations for spectacular views of these magnificent heavenly creatures.
The Best Places to See the Stars
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1. Hawaii's Mauna Kea
This location is at the top of our list for a variety of reasons.
First and foremost, it is a volcano-based observatory. It's a dormant volcano, but it's still a volcano. That volcano, by the way, is almost 14,000 feet tall.
If that isn't enough to wow you, consider the fact that Mauna Kea is home to the world's biggest astronomical observatory. Even better, Mauna Kea is home to the world's most sophisticated astronomy observatory.
Also, since there are no city lights here, you will have virtually no interruption of your views. Hawaii is not just in the midst of the ocean, but it also has a light regulation that applies to the whole island.
In a nutshell, this location is well-known for being one of the finest places in the world to stargaze. So excellent, in fact, that observatories have been constructed atop the volcano by 11 different nations. Pollutants don't get in the way here because of the tropical inversion layer, and the sky is always clean for viewing.
2. Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park
There are many factors working in this location's favor to make it one of the finest stargazing locations in the United States.
For starters, the air is dry and pure, so pollution isn’t a problem. Furthermore, Bryce Canyon National Park is located at a high elevation and away from city lights, making it perfect for viewing the night sky.
And there's a lot to look at in this area. There are approximately 7,500 stars visible to the naked eye, so there are plenty of sparkling stars to behold.
The park also hosts astronomy events with the assistance of its "Dark Rangers" throughout the year, so check the calendar to see when you can view the sky via a high-powered telescope.
When it comes to time, you'll want to come here around the new moon since you'll have the best chance of seeing not just the most stars, but also the Milky Way in all of its glory.
3. Alaska's Denali National Park and Preserve
When you visit Denali National Park, you'll witness something really spectacular: the northern lights, often known as the Aurora borealis.
If you've been fortunate enough to see the northern lights in action, you know how breathtaking this sight can be. And if you haven't already seen them, now is the moment. This magical show of colors glides over the sky, leaving you speechless throughout.
The northern lights are concentrated near the earth's magnetic poles, and Denali is right up there, so you'll want to go there to view them. There is nothing here to distract you from your sight due to the absence of city lights and the remoteness of Denali National Park.
4. Montana's Glacier National Park
Apart from the stargazing, this is a place that you must see. However, the chance to see some incredible stars here is really incredible, and you'll be glad you came. Though winter is the greatest time of year for stargazing, this isn't an option at Glacier because it's very difficult to travel to the park when it's freezing.
You'll be pleased to learn that the summer months have some of the darkest nights, so visit Glacier National Park while the weather is mild.
Because there are no big city lights contaminating the sky, the views of the sky here are really breathtaking. Furthermore, because of the high elevation and dry environment, stars will be more apparent to the naked eye.
5. Pennsylvania's Cherry Springs State Park
Despite its modest size, this park has a lot to offer in terms of stargazing. Cherry Springs State Park is not only one of the finest locations on the east coast to view the stars, but it is also one of the best places in the world to behold these heavenly creatures in all of their splendor.
Cherry Creek Springs State Park is one of just eight locations on Earth to have been awarded the gold international dark sky designation.
What precisely does this imply, you may wonder? This implies that stargazing visibility couldn't possibly be much greater. There is little artificial light here, and there are few contaminants in the air to impede visibility. A high visual magnitude doesn't hurt, too, which is why this location is so ideal for seeing those bright stars.
On a clear night, you may even be able to glimpse the Milky Way's core – how amazing is that?!
6. Big Pine Key
You may not think of going to Florida for stargazing, but you'll be pleasantly surprised on Big Pine Key. This spot, about 30 miles north of Key West, is the finest of the islands for evening vistas. This is due to the small population of the island. It is one of the least inhabited and crowded islands, making it ideal for celestial viewing.
What distinguishes this location from others for stargazing is that it is the only site in the contiguous United States where you can view constellations comparable to those seen in the Southern Hemisphere.
So you may enjoy the brilliance of southern stargazing without breaking the bank. You may have an opportunity to view the Southern Cross, which you won't see anywhere else in the United States.
7. Chaco Culture National Historical Park
This location is definitely worth a visit for a variety of reasons.
First and foremost, let us discuss the fact that Chaco Culture National Historical Park is rich in history. With over 4,000 ancient archaeological sites, there is no lack of places to visit that will transport you back to the days of our forefathers.
And the notion of gazing up at the sky in the same spot as some of the world's first people is something we can't quite comprehend but are eager to try.
Second, the San Juan Basin keeps the light out and allows the night to settle in, allowing you to look up and see more than you ever dreamed.
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Finally, since this park is only accessible via dirt roads, you won't find your ordinary stargazer here - just the really devoted.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park is another of the prestigious gold-certified International Dark Sky Parks, ensuring spectacular vistas.
You may go stargazing on your own or participate in one of the astronomy classes offered there throughout the spring and summer.
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