Astrotourism Surges at Arizona, UAE Dark Sky Sites

Astrotourism is booming in the United States, with Arizona emerging as a premier destination for stargazing and night sky experiences. Flagstaff, Arizona, known as the world's first International Dark Sky Place since 2001, has led the way in preserving dark skies through pioneering outdoor lighting ordinances and is home to Lowell Observatory, recognized for key astronomical discoveries and NASA training sites. Arizona hosts around 22 official Dark Sky Places, attracting millions of visitors annually who come to enjoy clear, light-pollution-free views of celestial phenomena. Additionally, the southwestern state offers spectacular night skies with opportunities to view full moons, star trails, and meteor showers, with locations such as the Mogollon Rim and Superstition Mountains providing iconic backdrops. Beyond Arizona, Abu Dhabi also offers exceptional Milky Way viewing from May to October, especially in the Al Qua'a desert area, which benefits from very dark skies ideal for astrophotography. These destinations highlight the growing global interest in night sky tourism, driven by both natural beauty and significant astronomical heritage.