Did you see the news? The aurora will be visible across the northern parts of the globe! If you’re living in the northern part of the U.S. and want to see the northern lights in the USA, it’s totally possible. You just have to plan ahead to get to an ideal viewing spot. Native peoples across the northern part of …
The 14 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Ireland
With a basic sense of geography, it might seem easy to guess where the northern lights are visible. Places like Sweden, Greenland, and Alaska all make a ton of sense. But did you know that you can also see the northern lights in Ireland? It’s true! Ireland doesn’t have as many nights of aurora activity as other northern countries, but …
The 19 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Europe
If the northern lights are on your bucket list, you’re not alone. This unique astronomical event is unforgettable – and luckily there are lots of places to see it around the world. Europe is one of the best places to try and see the aurora borealis. In this post, we’re detailing all of the best places to see the best …
The 12 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Scotland
When thinking about Scotland, country of history and mystery, what first comes to mind are castles, wild mountains, lochs, and bagpipes – but perhaps not necessarily that it’s one of the best places to see the northern lights. The aurora is called the Mirrie Dancers in Scotland. The northern lights are created by electrically charged particles of the sun interacting …
The 29 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Canada
Whether you’re planning a trip to see polar bears in Manitoba or city-hopping through the southeastern cities like Montreal and Toronto, Canada is a wonderland for cultural and outdoors experiences. It’s also the most popular northern lights destination in North America. With so much space, you might wonder: how and where can I see the northern lights in Canada? In …
The 21 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Alaska
Alaska: The 49th State. The Last Frontier. The Land of the Midnight Sun. The Best Place in the United States to see the Northern Lights. If you want to see the northern lights (or aurora borealis) in Alaska, you’re not alone. Seeing the northern lights is one of the top reasons people travel to Alaska during the cold winter months, …
The 16 Best Places to See the Southern Lights in the World
If you’re an avid space enthusiast, you’ve probably seen the northern lights at this point. After all, they’re quite convenient for most of us living in North America and Europe, even if you have to travel to see them. The southern lights, on the other hand, are more difficult to reach. In the few parts of the world where you …
The 8 Best Places to See the Southern Lights in Australia
If you’ve ever heard of the aurora australis, you might wonder: is it possible to see the aurora australis in Australia? They are named for Australia, after all! Yes, it’s possible to see the aurora australis – also called the southern lights – in Australia! You just need to know when and where to go. We’ve put together this huge …
The 16 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
If you’ve never seen the northern lights before, Iceland is a great, accessible destination for your first experience. If you have seen the northern lights before but not in Iceland, there’s no place quite like it. In short, everyone will enjoy seeing the northern lights in Iceland, which might be why it’s one of the most popular places on the planet for …
The 14 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Norway
When you think of seeing the northern lights, where do you picture yourself? For most people, the answer is Norway! The first major northern lights destination in the world, Norway has warmly welcomed visitors in the cold winter months with the promise of seeing the aurora. If you’re considering or planning a trip to Norway to see the northern lights, …
How to See the Next Lunar Eclipse: July 16-17, 2019
As interest in astrotourism grows, eclipse chasing has become an increasingly popular activity. Whether you travel to see an eclipse or are lucky enough to enjoy them as they pass over your home, there’s no denying that eclipses are powerful and humbling to experience. After the total lunar eclipse on January 20-21, 2019, you may wonder when the next eclipse …
6 Cool Ways to See the 2019 Solar Eclipse: Cruises & Flights
Seeing a solar eclipse is a cool experience – totality is awe-inspiring no matter where in the world you see it. As the 2019 solar eclipse approaches, it’s time to start finalizing your plans if you want to see the shadow of the moon pass over the South Pacific, Chile, and Argentina on July 2nd. There are a variety of …
7 Reasons to Visit Chile’s Elqui Valley
Have you heard of Chile’s Elqui Valley? Chile is considered one of the top astronomical observation destinations in the world. In addition to San Pedro de Atacama high in the Andes, the Elqui Valley north of Santiago offers its own wealth of opportunities for astrotourists. This zone of the Coquimbo Region plays host to both private research observatories and public …
How to See the Next Solar Eclipse: July 2, 2019
Seeing a solar eclipse is one of the most impressive and rare space tourism experiences on earth. Following the 2017 solar eclipse across the U.S., traveling to see an eclipse is an increasingly popular activity for those of us who love space here on earth. In 2019, there will be another total solar eclipse visible on earth – the first …
The Best Space Movies of All Time — That are Actually About Space
Space has always drawn our eye; the night sky is a compelling aspect of life on earth. It’s no surprise that space is one of the popular destinations for movies, too. Many “best space movies” lists on the internet include a variety of movies which are technically set in space but are actually about something else. The Star Wars movies are a …
11 Must-See Events in the Night Sky in November 2019
With November, we take steps closer to the solstice. In the northern hemisphere, winter approaches in earnest; in the southern, the sun is welcomed back and temperatures continue to rise. November is also a time of astronomical activity, with two active meteor showers to get out and enjoy. Hopefully, the skies will be clear and dark for you to enjoy …
12 Space Tourism Companies That Will Send You to Space
For years, we’ve been saying it: space tourism is going to happen this year! Now, finally, at long last, that prediction seems likely to come true in 2019. We are on the brink of space tourism, and all of us wanna-be astronauts will actually have a chance to go to space. The question is: which of the space tourism companies …
6 Space Tourism Predictions for 2019
In early 2017, one of the first posts I wrote for Space Tourism Guide was a post of space tourism predictions for the coming year. Back then, I predicted we’d see manned test flights, falling prices, and more interest in space tourism-related activities on earth. Unfortunately, it has taken a long time for these predictions to come to pass! 2017 …
What is Space Tourism? Here’s the New Definition.
The Solar Eclipse is one of the Year’s Biggest Events — Yes, it’s Space Tourism. August 21, 2017. If you’re a space fan, you know what’s happening on this date. For the first time since 1979, US citizens will see a solar eclipse in its full glory — the shadow of the sun will cross diagonally from Oregon to South Carolina for about two-and-a-half minutes. …
9 Interesting Winter Solstice Celebrations Around the World
The winter solstice will occur on December 21st, 2018. At this point, the northern hemisphere is tipped away from the sun at the furthest point in our annual orbit. For many of us, it will be a dark and cold day of the year. For others, it’s a time of celebration, to mark the beginning of winter or eventual return …
Starry Skies & 3 Other Reasons to Visit Central Asia for Astrotourism
If there’s one great thing about the developing destinations across the globe, it’s that they’re almost always good for stargazing. Places like Southern Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia are still developing the brightly lit infrastructure that eventually makes enjoying the night sky impossible. Whereas over 80% of Americans can’t see the stars in any meaningful way, these up-and-coming …
4 Easy, DIY Space Halloween Costumes
Halloween is fast approaching… do you have your space Halloween costumes ready? If you’re a space fan but unsure what costume to wear this year, here are three great ideas that you can easily make at home. Bonus? They’re all space-inspired, so you can proudly show your love of outer space however you celebrate Halloween. 1. NASA Astronaut Instantly recognizable, …
11 Amazing Stargazing Airbnbs Around the World
Looking for a night sky getaway? The world is your oyster. The only question is… where will you sleep? How about staying at one of the world’s best stargazing Airbnbs! Luckily there are tons of options. From space-themed hotels to bubble hotels and glamping spots, there are plenty of amazing places where you can stargaze before bed – or even …
The 6 Best Russian Space Museums for Soviet Aerospace History
It’s impossible to understate the contribution Russia has made to the field of space exploration. This is especially true when it comes to human space exploration. Russians launched the first satellite, put the first man in space, put the first man in orbit. They executed the first successful spacewalk. Russia also launched the first woman to space, decades before any …
How to Plan a Zion National Park Stargazing Trip
Did you know Zion Park is the fourth most popular national park in the United States? People are drawn to visit for the beautiful natural rock formations, the great hiking trails, and the chance to see a night sky that’s almost entirely free of light pollution. Yes, it’s true: one of the best reasons to visit Zion National Park is …
How to Plan a Joshua Tree Stargazing Trip in 2019
If you love stargazing, there are a few great places in the world that are surely on your must-travel-someday list. The Grand Canyon is surely on that list, as well as every Dark Sky Reserve. If you’re in the U.S., you probably have Joshua Tree on your list too. This National Park is known for its amazing vegetation, stunning rock …
11+ Events to Celebrate the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary This Summer
In July 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first two people to step foot on the moon. Now, 50 years on, it’s amazing how far the space program has come – and how far we have left to go. To mark the occasion, there are a variety of commemorative Apollo 11 events around the country. These “Apollo …
7 Reasons to Visit Chile’s Elqui Valley
Have you heard of Chile’s Elqui Valley? Chile is considered one of the top astronomical observation destinations in the world. In addition to San Pedro de Atacama high in the Andes, the Elqui Valley north of Santiago offers its own wealth of opportunities for astrotourists. This zone of the Coquimbo Region plays host to both private research observatories and public …
Rancho Cacachilas: Eco & Astrotourism in Baja California Sur
Are you an environmentally conscious traveler? Do you enjoy seeing a dark night sky? Consider how these two ideas go together. Ecotourism is an increasingly popular trend as travelers become aware of the impact of tourism on destinations and ecosystems. Simultaneously, more of us are interested in astrotourism – traveling to experience the night sky. Unfortunately, most tourism increases development …
What It’s Really Like to Go to Space Camp
Did you dream of being an astronaut as a kid? Maybe your own kid is completely space-obsessed. Whether you’re enduring an endless stream of pleas from your child – or your inner child –, it’s time to go to Space Camp! Space Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience where you can relive those dreams of astronaut stardom or let your own …
Blue Origin: Space Tourism Company Profile
If you were one of the wealthiest people alive, what would you do with your fortune? Amazon founder Jeff Bezos decided to spend his wealth developing a space tourism and transport company: Blue Origin. He has publicly stated that he has invested as much as $1 Billion per year into getting Blue Origin ‘off the ground,’ no pun intended. In …
Virgin Galactic: Space Tourism Company Profile
If you want to go to space, you’re not alone! In this series on space tourism companies, we profile each of the top space tourism companies to help you learn more about them and what kind of space experience they offer. Below, you can learn more about Virgin Galactic, Sir Richard Branson’s rocket-assisted spaceplane company. Future Space Tourist? Dark Skies: …
12 Space Tourism Companies That Will Send You to Space
For years, we’ve been saying it: space tourism is going to happen this year! Now, finally, at long last, that prediction seems likely to come true in 2019. We are on the brink of space tourism, and all of us wanna-be astronauts will actually have a chance to go to space. The question is: which of the space tourism companies …
How to Plan an Acadia National Park Stargazing Trip
The wind whips up over the mountaintop. It’s the kind of night where you can’t help but shiver – except there are so many stars overhead that it’s distractingly beautiful. This is what it’s like stargazing in Acadia National Park. If you want this experience for yourself, you’re not alone. Acadia National Park is one of the best spots for …
9 Amazing Ways to Experience Space in Huntsville, Alabama
If you’re a space nerd at all, you know about Huntsville, Alabama. If you’re not, maybe you heard about it on The New York Times’ 52 Places list this year. It was selected because of the rising interest in astrotourism and space. It’s also the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing this July, and they’re planning a massive party …
Rancho Cacachilas: Eco & Astrotourism in Baja California Sur
Are you an environmentally conscious traveler? Do you enjoy seeing a dark night sky? Consider how these two ideas go together. Ecotourism is an increasingly popular trend as travelers become aware of the impact of tourism on destinations and ecosystems. Simultaneously, more of us are interested in astrotourism – traveling to experience the night sky. Unfortunately, most tourism increases development …
What It’s Really Like to Go to Space Camp
Did you dream of being an astronaut as a kid? Maybe your own kid is completely space-obsessed. Whether you’re enduring an endless stream of pleas from your child – or your inner child –, it’s time to go to Space Camp! Space Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience where you can relive those dreams of astronaut stardom or let your own …
6 Space Tourism Predictions for 2019
In early 2017, one of the first posts I wrote for Space Tourism Guide was a post of space tourism predictions for the coming year. Back then, I predicted we’d see manned test flights, falling prices, and more interest in space tourism-related activities on earth. Unfortunately, it has taken a long time for these predictions to come to pass! 2017 …
A Guide for Stargazing in Calaveras County, California
Located 2.5 hours east of the San Francisco, Calaveras County is a perfect weekend getaway from the Bay Area. It is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and boating in the summer, and for skiing in the Sierra Nevadas in the winter. Throughout the year you can learn about the county’s historic roots and sample delicious local food and wine. …
How to Plan an Astronomy Trip to the Royal Observatory Greenwich
The Royal Observatory Greenwich is one of the world’s top historic astronomy destinations. King Charles II commissioned the Royal Observatory in Greenwich in 1675. Sir Christopher Wren originally chose the site, and the Royal Observatory in Greenwich began operations in 1676. In the nearly 350 years since, the Royal Observatory Greenwich has been one of the foundational observatories in the world. In fact, …
How to Plan a Shenandoah Stargazing Trip
Shenandoah National Park is a mountainous national park in Virginia which protects a long narrow section of the Blue Ridge Mountain range. The park is famed for its mountain vistas and waterfalls. Visitors come to this park to explore the 105-mile Skyline Drive which runs from the north end of the park to the south end of the park. When …
The Top 12 Spots for Awe-Inspiring Stargazing in Texas
Texas is known for everything big: big cattle, big cowboy hats… and big dark skies. Stargazing in Texas is a real treat because of those dark skies, especially in the western part of the state. Here we’ve rounded up some of the top stargazing sites across Texas to help inspire you to plan a weekend getaway. Some of these can …
How to Plan a Grand Canyon Stargazing Trip
The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most famous natural formations. This 277-mile-long and up to 18-mile wide canyon is considered to be the 8th Wonder of the World. Every year, millions of visitors come from around the world to view this geological marvel. These travelers have the chance to hike along the canyon rims, raft the mighty Colorado …
10 Awe-Inspiring Spots for Stargazing in Arizona
When it comes to sightseeing in the United States, Arizona doesn’t typically make the list. Sure, there’s the Grand Canyon – and that is definitely a crowd pleaser –, but most people flock to the coasts and the big cities when they’re exploring the U.S. That is, unless you’re a night sky fanatic, and you want to go stargazing in …
The 10 Best Places to Go Stargazing in Indianapolis
Located at the “Crossroads of America,” Indianapolis is the kind of city you could pass through on a great American road trip… but it’s also an amazing place to stay and visit – or to live! STG founder Valerie lived there for three years, in fact! Like many cities, it’s hard to go stargazing in Indianapolis. But that doesn’t mean …
The 11 Best Places to Go Stargazing in Pittsburgh
Located where three rivers converge (the Ohio River, the Monongahela River, and the Allegheny River), Pittsburgh has deep historical roots as a good city for business and innovation. During the Gilded Age, industrialists like Andrew Carnegie established companies that helped Pittsburgh grow; today, many major tech companies have their offices in Pittsburgh. All that growth and industry has been good …
How to See the Milky Way in 5 Easy Steps
For the cool astronomers and the nerdy researchers, tossing out big numbers becomes a way of life. The nearest planet outside our solar system, Proxima Centauri-b, is 4.2 light years away. Andromeda, which is supposed to be the closest galaxy to Earth, is 2.5 million light years away. It is only when we look up into the depths of the …
The 19 Best Places for Stargazing in Columbus
Located right near the center of Ohio, Columbus is one of those great midwest cities that never fails to surprise you. From world-class museums to great food and drink, there’s plenty to do during the day in Columbus. Once the sun sets, you can also keep yourself busy. You could bask in the bright nightlife of Short North, or head …
How to Plan an Acadia National Park Stargazing Trip
The wind whips up over the mountaintop. It’s the kind of night where you can’t help but shiver – except there are so many stars overhead that it’s distractingly beautiful. This is what it’s like stargazing in Acadia National Park. If you want this experience for yourself, you’re not alone. Acadia National Park is one of the best spots for …
The Ultimate Guide to Stargazing in Chile’s Elqui Valley
Now that the sun has set and the dogs have stopped barking, the night is silent. The stars shine overhead. The Milky Way stretches across the sky, with inky spots punctuating its light. Our nearest galactic neighbors, the Magellanic Clouds sit in the southern sky. This is the night sky above the Elqui Valley, one of the world’s top stargazing …
How to Plan a Shenandoah Stargazing Trip
Shenandoah National Park is a mountainous national park in Virginia which protects a long narrow section of the Blue Ridge Mountain range. The park is famed for its mountain vistas and waterfalls. Visitors come to this park to explore the 105-mile Skyline Drive which runs from the north end of the park to the south end of the park. When …