Lost in the Stars: Escaping the Glow to Find the Best Night Skies
Where to go when the city lights are killing your constellation game.
Ever stood outside squinting at the sky and thought, “Is that a star or a plane or… nope, just a cell tower?” Light pollution is the real party crasher of the cosmos. But the good news? You don’t have to go full astronaut to find a better view of the galaxy. You just need to get lost in the right direction.
Dark sky tourism is booming—for good reason. The chance to stargaze under a truly dark sky isn’t just rare, it’s straight-up magical. Milky Way? Meteor showers? Saturn’s rings in real-time? Here’s how (and where) to chase the cosmos.
What’s the Big Deal with Dark Skies?
Thanks to artificial light, more than 80% of Americans can’t see the Milky Way from where they live. That’s a bummer—not just for stargazing, but for wildlife, ecosystems, and even our sleep.
Dark Sky places, designated by organizations like DarkSky International, are natural refuges from the glare. They’re some of the last spots on Earth where the stars still show off—and they’re worth the trek.
Where to Wander: Top Spots to See the Night Sky
1. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Remote, rugged, and wildly underrated. Great Basin is an official Dark Sky Park where you can stargaze at 7,000+ feet—and maybe even hear owls while you’re at it.
2. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
East Coasters, rejoice. This is one of the best stargazing spots east of the Mississippi. They even have astro-friendly campsites and regular public programs.
3. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big stars, big skies, no big cities nearby. Big Bend has some of the darkest skies in the Lower 48. Catch a ranger-led night hike or just spread a blanket and look up.
4. Cosmic Campground, New Mexico
Not just a cool name—it’s the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in North America. No lights for miles. Just you, your headlamp (on red mode), and the galaxy.
5. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
A true paddler’s paradise with pristine skies. Plus, if you time it right, you might catch the northern lights.
Field Tip: Stargazing Smarts
• Red light only: Use a red flashlight to preserve your night vision (and your neighbors’).
• Ditch the phone: Or at least the screen glow. Apps like Sky Guide or Stellarium are great—just dim the brightness.
• Layer up: Even in summer, nights in remote spots can get chilly.
• Pack a blanket or camp chair: Neck cramps are not a vibe.
• Stay late or overnight: The later it gets, the better the show.
The author of this post is a DarkSky advocate.
This story is part of The 89 Percent Project, an initiative of the global journalism collaboration Covering Climate Now.
