Reach for the Stars: 8 Essential Astrotourism Tips

What makes astrotourism such a fast-growing travel trend right now? When more than 90 percent of Americans can no longer see the Milky Way from where they live, they start wondering what a pristine night sky looks like. Stargazing experiences open a world of awe, giving us a glimpse of the vastness of the Universe and giving us a taste of how small we are and how small our planet is. 

As DarkSky International certifies more parks and communities around the world as Dark Sky Places, awareness grows about what we’ve lost in our light-saturated cities. Stargazing programs in national parks, state parks, and small communities make the night sky more accessible and foster a growing interest in connecting with the cosmos. It also brings us closer to nature at night, opening our senses to the living world around us that we miss when we sit indoors in artificial illumination.

The following tips will expand the idea of simple stargazing into an epic stargazing adventure.

RESEARCH DARK SKY DESTINATIONS

Check out the map on DarkSky.org to discover certified Dark Sky Parks, Sanctuaries, Reserves, and Communities. These often include national parks and monuments and state parks where you can have unforgettable experiences during the day and cosmic experiences at night.

LEVERAGE PARK RESOURCES

Many national and state parks host ranger-led astronomy programs. Some of them have recommended stargazing areas with minimal obstructions. Check park calendars for upcoming stargazing events.

CONNECT WITH LOCAL EXPERTS

Local astronomy clubs often hold public observing nights, often for free. University astronomy departments may offer public programs on certain nights. And private stargazing guides provide telescopes and passionate knowledge about the night sky and star stories.

OPTIMIZE YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS

Get the most out of your astrotourism trip by booking stargazing-centric lodging such as domes, tipis, hogans, and other unique options. Camp on public lands to escape campground lights. Or look for hotels or resorts with dedicated stargazing programs.

TIME YOUR TRIP STRATEGICALLY

Meteor showers and eclipses are great times for an astrotourism trip, though you should book early while there is still availability. Consider the seasonal skies: the Milky Way in the summer and Orion in the winter. For the darkest nights, choose dates between the Waning Gibbous Moon and the New Moon.

PACK THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT

If a telescope is out of your budget or too difficult to bring along, opt for quality stargazing binoculars. Download a free stargazing app (my go-to is SkyView Lite), and make sure to turn down the screen brightness and put the screen in night mode to protect your night vision. Red flashlights also protect your night vision. A green tactical laser pointer is a great tool to point out celestial objects to your friends and family, just make sure you don’t shine it at airlines.

DIVERSIFY YOUR EXPERIENCES

Stargazing is just one way to connect with the night sky. Consider visiting planetariums and observatory programs, and inquire about cultural astronomy programs at cultural centers. Astrophotography workshops are a great option for photographers.

PLAN FOR BAD WEATHER

Indoor alternatives like planetariums are great options on bad weather days. If you’re able to book multiple nights, you increase your chances of getting clear skies during your visit. 

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