Summer is a great time for stargazing around the world, and it might surprise you to learn that, according to the International Dark Sky Association, 70% of the best locations to watch the sky are actually in the United States.
Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania is one of the darkest places in the U.S. Because of its location, the park has perfect conditions for stargazing 60 to 85 nights a year. The park offers 360-degree views of the night sky and hosts 30 overnight campsites.
Death Valley National Park remains one of the best stargazing sites in California. In fact, according to darksky.org, “astronomical objects seen there are available only to some of the darkest locations across the globe.”
Mayland Earth to Sky Park in North Carolina is a secluded stargazing location surrounded by mountains and the Pisgah National Forest–512,000 acres in the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina. It’s an uncrowded opportunity to do some great stargazing. The park has the Bare Dark Sky Observatory, where visitors can check out a 86-cm f/3.6 Newtonian telescope.
And whatever location you choose, here’s one more hint. Try to come on a night when the moon is in crescent phase or almost invisible.
Photo Credit: Wilson Ye
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