#stargazing

#stargazing

Your stargazing experience can differ greatly based on where you are in the world. That's due in part to light pollution, which can drown out all but the brightest stars and satellites in densely populated areas. For truly unforgettable celestial views, you'll need to visit one of the darkest places in the U.S. on a clear night. DarkSky is an Arizona-based nonprofit with the mission "to restore the nighttime environment and protect communities and wildlife from light pollution."

See the night sky through a telescope. There are about a dozen observatories scattered throughout New Mexico, so witnessing the stars, planets, and galaxies through a high-powered telescope is a must. The state's low levels of light pollution and vast open spaces make it perfect for stargazing. Attend a free open house viewing session at The University of New Mexico Campus Observatory in Albuquerque or The Tombaugh Campus Observatory at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, to use a wide variety of telescopes.

On a moonless night, radiant stars blink in startling proximity to Chile's Elqui Valley. Cradled high up in the Andes Mountains and known for its clear skies, Elqui was named the world's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary. There are many myths that try to explain Elqui's mysticism, including energy vortexes. Whatever the reason, the valley has also become a holistic wellness hotspot that rivals Sedona or Ojai-but without the crowds.

While the UK is in the middle of a northern lights boom , London hasn't seen so much of the borealis this year. The capital's southerly location is at a disadvantage when it comes to catching a glimpse of the phenomenon, and on the very rare occasion when the lights do make it down here they're often obscured by light pollution. But that could all change this week. Forecasters are predicting that London could be in for some spectacular shows of the northern lights this week,

The Orionid shower is made up of particles from Halley's Comet burning in the atmosphere as Earth's orbit intersects the comet's path, according to NASA. This year, NASA says the view of the meteor shower will be spectacular. The Orionid shower gets its name the constellation Orion, which it appears alongside. For stargazers wondering where to look, Griffith Observatory says to keep your eyes on Orion's raised club.

Oct. 8 marks the peak of the annual Draconid Meteor Shower -a famously unpredictable event that can produce anywhere from a handful to over a thousand shooting stars per hour. The Draconid shower is started on Oct. 6 and lasts through Oct. 10. There are typically 10 meteors per hour visible during its peak, but some experts are predicting a much more dramatic show in the sky this year.

Experience an unforgettable evening of nature, history, and stargazing with Hike & Sip, a program designed for adults 21 and over.

The Perseids meteor shower is expected to peak on August 12-13, but visibility will be reduced due to a full moon washing out the view.

Chaco is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its vast Ancestral Puebloan complex, mysterious allure, and magical landscapes, situated in New Mexico's dark skies.

The Pic du Midi astronomical observatory, standing at 2,877m, has a notable history, including its role in mapping the moon for the Apollo missions.

In an age of glowing screens and light-saturated cities, looking up at a star-filled sky is becoming a rare and deeply meaningful experience.