Stargazing has captivated humans for millennia, and it’s no wonder; there’s something incredibly humbling and awe-inspiring about witnessing the vastness of our universe. For those seeking to immerse themselves in the wonders of the night sky, remote stargazing sanctuaries offer unparalleled viewing experiences, far from the light pollution of cities. These dark sky destinations provide the perfect setting to marvel at the Milky Way, catch a glimpse of shooting stars, or simply contemplate our place in the cosmos.

One such sanctuary is Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania. Designated an International Dark Sky Park, Cherry Springs boasts exceptionally dark skies thanks to its remote location and stringent light pollution control measures. Astronomers and enthusiasts flock to the park’s 82-acre Night Sky Viewing Area, equipped with observation pads and a 24-inch public telescope, offering a front-row seat to the cosmos.

Then, there’s the awe-inspiring Bruneau Dunes State Park in Idaho. Here, amidst towering sand dunes, you’ll find one of the largest public telescopes in the Mountain Time Zone. The park’s observatory houses a 25-inch Newtonian reflector telescope, providing stunning views of celestial objects like galaxies, nebulae, and distant planets.

For a truly remote stargazing experience, venture to the Elqui Valley in Chile’s Atacama Desert, known for its exceptional atmospheric conditions and cloudless nights. This otherworldly setting is home to several world-class observatories, including the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory and the futuristic-looking Very Large Telescope at Paranal Observatory.

The Grand Canyon in Arizona needs little introduction, but aside from its breathtaking geological wonders, it’s also a designated Dark Sky Park. With vast expanses of untouched wilderness, the Grand Canyon provides a stunning backdrop for stargazing, with minimal light pollution and clear, dark skies that showcase the Milky Way in all its glory.

Another International Dark Sky Place can be found in the small town of Borrego Springs, California, surrounded by the expansive Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Here, dark sky enthusiasts can explore the night sky through various events and star parties held throughout the year, taking advantage of the incredibly clear and unobstructed viewing conditions.

Located in the Texas Hill Country, the McDonald Observatory sits on a remote mountaintop within a 344-acre site. Operated by the University of Texas, the observatory offers stellar views of the night sky through its numerous telescopes, including the 362-inch Hobby-Eberly Telescope, one of the world’s largest optical telescopes.

Sedona, Arizona, renowned for its red-rock buttes and vortices of spiritual energy, also boasts dark skies that will take your breath away. The city’s commitment to dark sky preservation has paid off, with Sedona being designated an International Dark Sky Community. Whether you join a vortex tour or simply look up at the night sky, Sedona offers a celestial experience unlike any other.

For a truly unique stargazing experience, look no further than the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile’s Atacama Desert. This high-altitude astronomical observatory, comprised of 66 antennas, sits at an elevation of 16,400 feet, offering a glimpse into the early universe and the formation of stars and planets.

Last but not least, the Mauna Kea summit in Hawaii provides a celestial viewing experience like no other. At nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, this dormant volcano is home to one of the world’s largest astronomical observatories, hosting telescopes from 11 countries. Visitors can explore the visitor information station, which offers nightly stargazing programs and a chance to use their powerful telescopes to explore the night sky.