1. Stonehenge
Many scientists agree that the giant monoliths, which became the “stone mystery” of Europe, were initially brought together to help ancient astrologers and astronomers study the firmament. Indeed, from here, according to experts, it is best to observe the stars in this region.
2. McDonald Observatory
The McDonald Observatory is two kilometers above sea level in the Davis Mountains in southwest Texas, US. Here, scientists make discoveries every day, discovering previously unknown celestial bodies. And although the observatory is primarily a scientific laboratory, it welcomes visitors, allowing them to observe the Universe through the prism of giant telescopes.
3. Abu Simbel
In this unique rock on the western bank of the Nile, two temples were carved during the reign of Ramses II. The larger one has dedicated to the king himself, and the smaller one to his first wife, Queen Nefertari. The first temple has 365 windows; the Sun’s rays illuminate a new window every day at sunrise. Moreover, on February 22, the birthday of Ramses, the light falls just on the chest of the 20-meter statue of the seated pharaoh, and on October 20, on the day of his ascension to the throne, on the crown of the ruler. In this place, it is best to observe not for distant luminaries but for our star – the Sun.
4. Sherbrooke
In the Canadian city of Sherbrooke, in the province of Quebec, there is a university of the same name, where a powerful observatory has been built. From here, scientists observe the changes and dynamics of celestial objects’ development at a vast distance from the Earth. In principle, the city is attractive in itself, and the opportunity to visit the observatory is a factor that constantly attracts tourists.
5. Caldera de Taburiente National Park
The Canaries are almost a protected area so you can imagine the beauty of the local national park Caldera de Taburiente. One of the most famous observatories in the world is here in the mountains – Roque de Los Muchachos, famous for its telescopes. To enter it, you need a special permit. However, those who wish can bring a personal telescope and observe the stars from this point on the planet as long as they want.
6. Scribbler
Pisac, about 33 kilometers from the ancient Peruvian capital of Cusco, is an ancient Inca fortress and a city. From the bottom of Pisac, an extremely long staircase rises to a beautiful plateau where an Inca temple once stood. Since the area is relatively high in the mountains, there is nothing better than stargazing. Here the Milky Way is visible as if it were not a cluster of stars but something tangible – one has only to stretch out one’s hand.
7. Caribbean Islands
Fans of the starry sky can skip the high peaks of the mountains. You can go to a warm cozy place where the lanterns do not outshine the light of the stars. It is best to rest your body and soul in the bosom of beautiful nature, for example, in the Caribbean, where at night the stars are so bright that some tourists, succumbing to their magical beauty, peer into the sparkling dots of the heavenly abyss all night long.
8. Hawaii (Big Island)
The Hawaiian Islands, located in the central part of the Pacific Ocean, is famous not only for their resorts, hotels, and exciting culture of the locals but also for one of the most famous observatories. Almost any novice astronomer dreams of working in it. However, this place is closed to idle visitors, but you can admire the local view of the starry sky even while lying on the beach. There is a clean atmosphere over the Hawaiian Islands, and practically nothing interferes with observations.
9. Slovenia
It is no coincidence that this pre-alpine country in the south of Central Europe is considered one of the cleanest in the world. The Government of Slovenia pays special attention to the state of the atmosphere. The air here is transparent; therefore, the stars are apparent even from the plains.
10. Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory
The largest observatory in Azerbaijan is located in the southeastern foothills of the Greater Caucasus Range at an altitude of 1435 meters above sea level. The local telescope put into operation in 1966, is considered the largest in the Transcaucasus. Its mirror diameter is two meters. Of course, outsiders are not allowed into the observatory, but no one forbids admiring the stars by climbing the mountain.