Astrotourism: Travel to a place where you can see stars
Few sights are as breathtaking as the night sky full of stars. But you can't get a good view of the stars in cities. Nowadays, increasing numbers of people are participating in astrotourism—traveling to destinations where they can focus on viewing stars, planets and other space-related phenomena.
Star party in Nebraska, USA
In north-central Nebraska, a week-long Star Party has been held annually for almost 30 years. Held at the Merritt Reservoir (水库), the party features classes teaching beginners about astronomy, along with some programs especially for children. The party features challenges such as a photo contest. During the day, visitors can swim in the reservoir and go fishing and boating.
Jasper National Park, Canada
The second-largest dark sky preserve in the world, Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, covers 11,000 square kilometers. In October each year, visitors show up there for the Jasper Dark Sky Festival making Jasper
National Park one of Canada's top astrotourism destinations. During the day, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the park's glaciers (冰川), streams, lakes and mountains.
Chile
With an average of 300 nights with clear skies per year, Chile is a great destination for astrotourism. The clear skies mean visitors are very likely to be able to see stars and planets without clouds blocking their view.
Finland
Northern Finland is one of the best places in the world to take in the northern lights. They are usually green but can be pink and more rarely red and violet. Finland's Lapland region, they are visible 200 nights a year.
Wherever you go, astrotourism provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on the wonders of the universe.
