Stargazing is a beautiful activity that people of all ages can enjoy. It is a great way to spend an evening with family or friends and can even be done alone. Stargazing can be done anywhere in the world, but some places are better than others. California is one of the best places in the world for star gazing. This is because California has minimal light pollution. Here are the four best places in California to go stargazing:
1. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places in California for stargazing. The park is located in the Mojave Desert, far away from the light pollution of cities. As a result, the night sky is incredibly dark, making it a perfect place to view the stars. Joshua Tree is also one of the best places to see the Milky Way Galaxy.
Light pollution can majorly affect your ability to stargaze. The brighter the area, the higher the energy consumption and the worse the stargazing conditions. Conversely, areas with less light pollution offer better stargazing conditions due to a clearer, less obstructed view of the night sky. As shown in this image from Comparethemarket Energy Comparison, the level of light pollution can be a contributing factor in stargazing. Artificial light from street lights, car headlights, and office buildings can affect stargazing because it reduces the contrast between stars and the background sky, making it more difficult to see faint stars.
2. Death Valley National Park
This park has some of the darkest skies in the country, and is also one of the largest national parks. Death Valley National Park is a great place to spend a weekend with fantastic locations for camping and hiking. The park also has some of the best views for stargazing. Zabriskie Point is one of the most popular places in the park for stargazing, as the Milky Way can often be seen from this location.
3. Alabama Hills
Located in the Eastern Sierra, this area is known for its minimal light pollution and beautiful view of the night sky. One of the best stargazing spots is the Alabama Hills Recreational Area.This location offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It is also home to various plant and animal life, making it a great place to explore during the day. Visitors can hike, camp, and rock climb in the area, as well as visit impressive rock formations that the area is known for.
4. Benton Hot Springs
Benton Hot Springs is a beautiful, secluded spot in California that is perfect for stargazing. The night sky is usually very clear, and the stars are bright and numerous. There is no light pollution or artificial lights to interfere with your view. While staring up at the sky, you can witness an unfiltered view of the Milky Way. Benton Hot Springs is an excellent place if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the quiet of nature. If you are wanting to immerse yourself in the experience, you can also camp under the stars.
These are the four best places in California to go star gazing. If you want to enjoy a night under the stars, these locations won’t disappoint. Each destination has something unique to offer, but all great places to spend an evening and relax, while gazing up at the stars.
