Where You Can See The Best Stars In 'Dark Skies' Around The World
The recently released book “Dark Skies: A Practical Guide to Astrotourism” lists sites around the world where people can see the stars without light pollution.
Here & Now’s Jeremy Hobson speaks with author Valerie Stimac (@Valerie_Valise).
Book Excerpt: “Dark Skies”
By Valerie Stimac
Introduction
When the cloudy expanse of the Milky Way stretches above us from horizon to horizon, or a meteor streaks across the sky, or a rocket defies gravity to leave earth, it touches on a sense of wonder and awe. There is something breathtaking and humbling about the knowledge that beyond the protective layer of our atmosphere, there is a lot more out there. The universe is vast almost beyond comprehension: while technology helps increase our knowledge of moons, planets, and suns, we can hardly imagine how many other places there are in our solar system, galaxy, and the universe once you leave planet earth.
The natural world on earth never ceases to amaze us; we make pilgrimages to Everest, Niagara, the Amazon, and countless other awe-inspiring sites on our bucket list. But somehow, the night sky is often omitted from the list of natural experiences we should seek out. Yet its magnificence can be even more overwhelming than terrestrial wonders. For millions of years, the stars have wheeled overhead, and the planets have performed their celestial dance. Observing this pageant used to be a nightly ritual for humans across
