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Astrotourism is on the rise. Here are five places to sample a cosmic experience.
Beaver Island, Michigan
For super stargazing, make your way to this pristine island in the middle of northern Lake Michigan. Far away from city lights, visitors are treated to unparalleled views of meteor showers, comets, Zodiacal light and even the northern lights. Stargazers are captivated by the celestial wonders the 55 square-mile sanctuary makes possible. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere site, the island also provides crucial habitat for migratory birds. Ferries depart the mainland town of Charlevoix, carrying passengers and cars, for the day or for longer stays. The two-hour trip is best reserved in advance. On the island, hotels, motels and small inns as well as restaurants and recreational boat rentals are available.
For more: www.beaverisland.org; www.puremichigan.com
Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
Home to some of the darkest skies in the country, this scenic landscape was among the first to receive the International Dark Sky Park certification. Massive natural bridges, named Kachina, Owachomo and Sipapu, form star-filled windows through which you can observe the skies as the Pueblo people did some 800 years ago. Among the most spectacular sights is the river of Milky Way brilliance observed rising over Owachomo Bridge. The goal of this and other Dark Sky Parks is to educate the public about light pollution and how each of us can make a difference.
For more: www.nps.gov/nabr/index.htm
Colorado by night
Colorado is home to eight International Dark Sky Parks and five International Dark Sky Communities. Check out Colorado’s self-guided stargazing tour to craft your own curated, celestial tour. Westcliffe and Silver Cliff in the state’s Wet Mountain Valley are considered among the highest elevation of all International Dark Sky Communities in the world. The valley sits between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east, providing dramatic views in every direction. Don’t miss the Smokey Jack Observatory which boasts a retractable roof and 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain and 5-inch refractor telescopes with computer-guided pointing and tracking to view the majestic night sky. Ask about the free public star parties held throughout the year. Check out Westcliffe’s Main Street Planet Walk, an interpretive, self-guided walking adventure of a 4 billion-to-one scale model of the entire Solar System.
For more: www.colorado.com/coloradostargazing
Lago Titicaca, Peru
The Andean Altiplano may be among the best places for stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere. Geographical factors such as its isolation, high altitude and dry climate all come together to offer pristine clear skies, where visitors can revel in the wonder of the constellations even with a naked eye. Stargazing in Peru offers more than an indulgence in the beauty of the cosmos. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the ancient Incan civilization. The Incas — one of the most advanced civilizations in ancient times — had great faith in the stars and an unwavering devotion to astronomical events. Lake Titicaca holds spiritual significance for the ancient Inca and modern Quechua. Thus, a stargazing experience in Titicaca offers a textured multicultural adventure.
For more: www.nayatraveler.com; www.peru.travel/en
Flagstaff, Arizona
Expect stellar stargazing as well as the chance to tour the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, the first to be designated a Dark Sky City by the International Dark-Sky Association. See the telescope via which Pluto was discovered in the 1930s and peer through the century-old Clark Telescope. Ask about the small group private stargazing option to experience the universe up-close with the museum’s state-of-the-art 24-inch Dyer Telescope. Located just 80 miles from the Grand Canyon and close to seven other parks and monuments, this college town offers a long list of options for family travelers. At 7,000 feet, you’ll enjoy a full range of sports by day including hiking and biking amid ponderosa pines. Tap into the history that combines the nostalgia of Route 66, the historic “Mother Road” that bisects the town, as well as the rich legacy of the old west and the Native American culture.
For more: www.lowell.edu; www.flagstaffarizona.org
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(Lynn O’Rourke Hayes (LOHayes.com) is an author, family travel expert and enthusiastic explorer. Gather more travel intel on Twitter @lohayes, Facebook, or via FamilyTravel.com)
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