Places

Top 5 places to see the stars

We love a bit of stargazing at Black Tomato, and with so many incredible places to gaze at the night sky across the globe, the possibilities are seemingly endless. We’ve managed to narrow it down to our five favourite stargazing destinations, with tranquil scenery and minimal light pollution making these the ultimate starry hot spots…

 

New Zealand best place to stargaze

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand’s South Island

In the heart of the Mackenzie region nestled between the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains sits Lake Tekapo, a bright blue glacial lake and one of New Zealand’s stunning highlights. One of the best places in the world for minimal light pollution, the Mt John Observatory overlooks the lake and is the Southern Hempisphere’s top place for stargazing. Whether you choose to embark on one of the observatory’s night sky tours or lie on the grassy lake shores, a clear starry night won’t disappoint

kasbah ait ben haddou desert morocco stars
erg chebbi morocco stars
best places to star gaze in morocco

The Atlas Mountains, Morocco

A trek through the Atlas Mountains provides un-beatable panoramic views over the golden landscapes of the Sahara by day, and dark skies of the desert at night paired with virtually no light pollution guarantee incredibly star gazing opportunities. With only Berber camps lacing the slopes and the vibrant Moroccan cities miles away, the milky way lights up the landscape, and you can expect to see the planet Saturn and double star Albireo from the mountain peaks.

bolivia salt flats best stargazing

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The legendary Salar de Uyuni plays home to some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the planet. Where untouched wilderness provides beautiful views by day, come night the stars light up the crisp salt flats with unobstructed views of the sky so bright that you don’t even have to look up – the lack of light pollution creates views of the milky way even on the horizon. With the aid of a telescope it’s even possible to view the Jewel Box – a cluster of stars containing colourful stars with several blue and red super giants, as well as Jupiter

Damaraland, Namibia

An international dark sky reserve and home to one of the most untouched, wild coastlines on the globe, Namibia is the ultimate place to witness both nature’s ferocity and the night sky in complete wilderness. The big five inhabit the endless red savannahs and with the crowds at bay you can expect an uninterrupted safari by day and stargazing come night,  with even the possiblility to see a 360 degree panoramic view of the horizon thanks to the calm, flat landscape.

Mt. Rinjani, Indonesia

Situated in the centre of the island of Lombok in Indonesia, Mt Rinjani is the second highest volcano in Indonesia and a trek to the summit not only offers unbeatable views overlooking the crater lake and nearby Gili Islands, but also panoramic views of the stars – the perfect way to finish a days hike. The southern hemisphere is orientated towards the galatic centre, making for clearer skies and brighter stars. Throw in the heights of a volcano, and you have perfect stargazing conditions

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