Stargazing: Exploring the Universe

Wherever you are in the world time taken to look up at the stars is never time wasted. They will guide the way, and open our minds to bigger ideas. If you feel inspired you can even plan a stargazing holiday to one of the world's darkest skies. It really is an experience like no other.

The stars have fascinated humans since records began. They can show us the way when we're lost, and guide our imagination into new worlds. So accessible, anyone can step outside and look up, but there are a few tips to have the ultimate stargazing experience.

Top tips:

• Check the moon cycle - stargazing is best done before the moon is full, so check the phase of the moon before you start.

• Turn off all the lights if you can to reduce light pollution.

• The night sky always has something new to offer. Try stargazing at different times in the year to spot seasonal constellations, or in different places to learn new ones.

• By a star chart for your global region, or download an app like Star Walk (iPhone) or Google Sky (android) to your mobile device, and they will tell you what stars you can see from your current location.

Kit:

• Grab a blanket or tarpaulin to lie on, a snack and a drink, and some warm clothes.

• A star spotter guide and a compass to help you find a particular constellation or star.

• A headtorch with a red light setting - this will help you check your guide without your eyes adjusting too much to the light.

• Luxury extras: Camera with a tripod, binoculars, or telescope.

So you're all set to head out stargazing, but where do you go? You can simply head into your garden, a local park, or some nearby countryside - away from light pollution. But if you're looking to go to the next level you could head to some of the planet's best star spotter destinations:

UK Destinations

St Just in Penwith, Cornwall

This south-west tip of the UK is far away from most habitation from light pollution, making it a great destination for a stargazing weekend.

South Downs National Park, Hampshire, West and East Sussex

A designated dark sky reserve means you can head here to get a proper look at the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxy. It has a range of events and accommodation devoted to stargazing

Brecon Beacons national park, south Wales

The best spots to set up a telescope are Usk Reservoir, the ruins of Llanthony Priory, Carreg Cennen Castle and the national park visitor centre, but head out for a night hike and you will soon find a secluded spot to enjoy the skies.

Shetland, Northern Isles

This is the ultimate destination for a chance of seeing the northern lights in the UK. Winter nights across the archipelago have little light pollution, and wild camping is allowed, for those who want to get off the beaten track.

Carrick-a-Rede, Northern Ireland

Carrick-a-Rede island is a National Trust property in County Antrim. It's reached by a rope bridge first set up by fisherman in 1755. Keep an eye out for its calender of amateur astronomer events.

Global Destination

Atacama Desert, Chile

For general stargazers, the night sky is optimum in many areas of the desert. San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile is a perfect stargazing hub with remote Altiplano highlands (in summer) or lower flats (in winter) just a short drive away. Atacama has transparent and clear skies for many nights a year. Walking on the red and rocky desert feels like being on Mars.

High Volcanoes of Hawaii

On top of Haleakalā crater (10,000 feet) on Maui, visitors enjoy panoramic views, the sunset, and emerging stars. Members of the local astronomy club run astrotours. If you’re driving up from sea level, be prepared for the cold temperature and effects of the altitude.

The Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah

The Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah became the world’s first designated dark-sky park in 2007.

La Palma, Canary Islands

A hiker's and stargazing hotspot. Stargazing tours are available to the edge of Caldera de Taburiente, near a major observatory at an altitude of about 7,870 feet, nestled perfectly between the clouds and the stars.

Western Australia Outback

The Australian outback is dark—just look at Earth at Night satellite images to see how dark. Several national parks in Western Australia are favorite places to camp under the stars, such as Nambung National Park north of Perth, with the incredible Pinnacles rock formations.

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand

In 2012, this 4,300 square kilometre area was designated at the southern hemisphere's first and only dark sky reserve - one of only 12 in the world. A dark sky reserve is where light pollution is strictly controlled in the area to allow astronomical research to take place. To enter the reserve, you can take a star gazing tour that starts at just £23 - and watch the Milky Way dance before your eyes.

Namibrand reserve, Namibia

The NamibRand Nature Reserve in southern Namibia is the only International Dark Sky Reserve on the African continent, meaning it is one of the best places in the world to star gaze. Around 1,000 Namibian school children visit the reserve each year to view the lights - which boasts stunning views of Jupiter and Saturn - and tourists can also get in on the action.

Whatever your chosen destination and location. Take a moment to look up at the night sky. Make a wish on a star and be humbled by the sheer wonder of the universe.