From Atacama to Montsec: The six best places to observe the night sky
According to data from the Starlight Foundation, 83% of the world's population lives under light pollution.
Astronomical tourism is one of the fastest-growing trends among travelers in recent years, according to International Dark Sky Places. This is quite an event, considering that 83% of the world's population lives under light pollution, representing 23% of the world's land surface located between 75°N and 60°S. This figure is growing at a rate of 2% per year, according to data from the Starlight Foundation. Furthermore, the CSIC (Spanish National Research Council) had already shown in 2021 that light pollution had grown by around 50% in the last 25 years. Fortunately, there are still more than 200,000 km of light pollution.2 of territories in more than thirty countries with skies protected and accredited by international institutions, in addition to the public request to include in the 2030 Agenda the creation of a new sustainable development goal to guarantee the quality of the night sky and access to starlight, #SDG18. A demand that planted its seed in 2007, when the World Declaration in Defense of the Night Sky and the Right to Observe the Stars, known as the La Palma or Starlight Declaration, was approved.
However, there are several places around the world that have been certified as Starlight Reserves, natural spaces that preserve the sky from light pollution. To qualify, participants must have a minimum of 60% clear skies and adequate air transparency, as well as a commitment to safeguarding the quality of the night sky. In response to the growing demand recently for visits to astronomical-quality sites, we have selected six destinations that have been certified as Starlight Reserves or DarkSky International and are located in unique locations around the world.
Arches National Park
North America
In a universe of desert and red rocks, this natural park located in the state of Utah, far from towns and cities, is one of the best places to observe the planets.
ALMA OBSERVATORY - ATACAMA DESERT
South America
Chile is considered one of the best places in the world for astronomical tourism. The Atacama Desert, specifically, is one of the driest and highest places on Earth, privileged characteristics in the world of astronomy.
MONTSEC ASTRONOMICAL PARK
Europe
Located in the municipality of Àger, in the Noguera region, it is considered one of the best places to observe the night sky in Catalonia. The low rainfall, minimal light pollution, and altitude make it an ideal spot for astronomical tourism.
NAMIB RESERVE
Africa
The Namib Rand Nature Reserve in Namibia was declared the first International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR), making it one of the best places to observe the stars.
MINAMI-ROKUROSHI
Asia
Located in the Fukui Prefecture, a mountainous area of Japan, the Minami-Rokuroshi Reserve was recognized as the best stargazing location in Japan in 2005.
AORAKI MACKENZIE
Oceania
New Zealand is home to the Aoraki Mackenzie International DarkSky Reserve, considered the most important night sky reserve in the Southern Hemisphere.