Montana, California, Utah Lead US Dark-Sky Stargazing Sites

Stargazing enthusiasts in the United States have numerous prime locations to witness celestial events, with California leading the nation due to its exceptionally dark skies, high elevation, numerous fireball sightings, and many observatories. Montana, known as "Big Sky Country," offers some of the darkest night skies in the lower 48 states, featuring International Dark Sky Sanctuaries and the Montana Learning Center with its public observatories, making it a growing hub for astrotourism. Remote spots like Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania also offer exceptionally dark skies and facilities such as overnight astronomy observation fields, attracting visitors seeking immersive night sky experiences. In addition to U.S. locations, international desert sites such as Chile's Atacama Desert and Morocco's Sahara Desert are renowned for their clear skies and minimal light pollution, providing spectacular stargazing opportunities. Meanwhile, in Spain, the Benalmadena Cable Car extends its night hours during summer, offering guided astronomy sessions atop Monte Calamorro, combining scenic views with educational stargazing. Overall, factors such as low light pollution, high elevation, and public astronomy infrastructure are key to ideal stargazing experiences.