There are several websites and resources that provide comprehensive lists or directories of astrotourism businesses, dark sky locations, and astronomy-related experiences. These sites typically cover global astrotourism destinations and can help travelers find stargazing experiences, observatories, and dark sky reserves. Below are some key websites where you can find comprehensive listings:
1. DarkSky.org (International Dark-Sky Association)
- Description: The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) is a leading organization in the protection of dark skies. Their website includes a map and list of certified Dark Sky Places (Parks, Communities, Reserves, and Sanctuaries) around the world, including many astrotourism destinations.
- Website: darksky.org
- Features: Includes detailed lists of Dark Sky Parks, Reserves, and viewing locations globally, with some astrotourism businesses.
2. ClearDarkSky (Dark Sky Maps)
- Description: ClearDarkSky provides an interactive map showing light pollution levels across North America, helping travelers find good stargazing locations. While not a direct business directory, it helps locate dark skies for astrotourism.
- Website: cleardarksky.com
- Features: Includes interactive maps and forecasts for dark sky viewing, along with some links to local astrotourism spots.
3. Space Tourism Guide
- Description: Space Tourism Guide offers an extensive list of astrotourism destinations, experiences, and events. It covers global locations and provides information on stargazing, space-related events, and other astronomy activities for enthusiasts.
- Website: spacetourismguide.com
- Features: Provides a comprehensive guide to space tourism and astrotourism destinations, including observatories, dark sky sites, and celestial events worldwide.
4. Great Western Starry Way
- Description: The Great Western Starry Way is a collection of dark sky places and astrotourism sites in the western United States. The website offers detailed information on the best stargazing locations and dark sky parks, with a focus on promoting astrotourism in this region.
- Website: greatwesternstarryway.org
- Features: Provides a comprehensive list of dark sky parks, stargazing sites, and astrotourism businesses along the western U.S., focusing on public education and night sky preservation.
5. Go Stargazing (UK and Global Focus)
- Description: Originally UK-focused, Go Stargazing provides global coverage of dark sky sites, observatories, and stargazing events. They list astronomy tours and stargazing locations globally, including Canada.
- Website: gostargazing.co.uk
- Features: Event calendar for stargazing, a directory of observatories and dark sky locations.
6. EarthSky (Astronomy Events and Locations)
- Description: EarthSky is an astronomy news and science website that also features information on astronomical events and the best locations for stargazing, including astrotourism businesses and events.
- Website: earthsky.org
- Features: Lists stargazing locations, dark sky parks, and astronomy-related tours.
7. RASC (Royal Astronomical Society of Canada)
- Description: The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada has chapters across the country and lists various dark sky preserves and public stargazing events. While it doesn’t offer a business directory, it provides access to numerous public events and astronomy clubs.
- Website: rasc.ca
- Features: Lists dark sky sites in Canada, events hosted by astronomy clubs, and public stargazing events.
8. Astro Tourism Western Australia
- Description: Astro Tourism Western Australia promotes astrotourism by listing stargazing locations, observatories, and events across Western Australia. The site features information about dark sky locations, astrofestivals, and other astronomy-related activities in the region.
- Website: astrotourismwa.com.au
- Features: Comprehensive guide to astrotourism locations in Western Australia, including observatories, stargazing tours, and dark sky reserves.
9. Stars Island La Palma
- Description: Stars Island La Palma is a comprehensive astrotourism website for the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, a UNESCO Starlight Reserve. The site offers information about stargazing activities, observatories, and astronomy tours, making La Palma one of the top destinations for night sky enthusiasts.
- Website: starsislandlapalma.es
- Features: Provides details on stargazing tours, astronomy experiences, and observatories in La Palma, renowned for its pristine dark skies.
10. Go Astronomy – Astrotourism
- Description: Go Astronomy offers a comprehensive list of astrotourism destinations, including observatories, planetariums, dark sky sites, and stargazing locations across the United States and other parts of the world. The site provides detailed information for night sky enthusiasts looking for specific stargazing experiences.
- Website: go-astronomy.com/astrotourism.htm
- Features: Lists astrotourism sites, observatories, dark sky locations, and events, mainly in the U.S. but with global coverage as well.
11. NASA Night Sky Network
- Description: The NASA Night Sky Network connects amateur astronomers, clubs, and observatories across the United States. The website provides a directory of astronomy clubs, stargazing events, and educational resources for enthusiasts interested in exploring the night sky.
- Website: science.nasa.gov/skywatching/night-sky-network/
- Features: Lists stargazing events, astronomy clubs, and educational resources for those interested in exploring the night sky.
12. Astronomy.com
- Description: Astronomy.com, part of the Astronomy Magazine platform, offers comprehensive sky event calendars, stargazing tips, and information on where to observe celestial events. It also provides resources on dark sky locations and observatories.
- Website: astronomy.com
- Features: Lists upcoming celestial events and best stargazing locations, along with observatories and dark sky reserves.
13. Dark Sky Alqueva
- Description: Dark Sky Alqueva is a dark sky tourism destination in Portugal that offers stargazing experiences, night sky tours, and accommodations within a certified Dark Sky Reserve.
- Website: darkskyalqueva.com
- Features: Focuses on tourism related to stargazing, including accommodations and activities in Portugal’s Alentejo region.
14. Stellarium Web
- Description: Stellarium is an interactive, web-based planetarium that allows users to explore the night sky in real-time. While not a tourism site, it provides valuable resources for stargazing enthusiasts by simulating the night sky based on location.
- Website: stellarium-web.org
- Features: Offers a real-time simulation of the sky, showing stars, planets, and other celestial objects visible from any location.
15. Dark Site Finder
- Description: Dark Site Finder helps users locate the best dark sky locations for stargazing across the world. It includes an interactive light pollution map and provides suggestions for where to find clear skies.
- Website: darksitefinder.com
- Features: Offers an interactive map showing light pollution levels, helping users find optimal stargazing locations.
16. Sky & Telescope
- Description: Sky & Telescope magazine is a leading publication for amateur astronomers and stargazers. Their website offers celestial event listings, guides to stargazing, and information on observatories worldwide.
- Website: skyandtelescope.org
- Features: Includes detailed observing news, sky events, and tips for amateur astronomers.
17. Parks Canada – Sky Experiences
- Description: Parks Canada offers visitors a chance to explore the night sky from the country’s vast network of national parks and historic sites. The site lists parks that offer dark sky experiences, night sky programs, and stargazing events, making it an excellent resource for astrotourism within Canada.
- Website: parks.canada.ca
- Features: Provides information on stargazing programs and dark sky activities across Canada’s national parks.
18. National Park Service – Night Skies Program
- Description: The National Park Service’s Night Skies Program promotes the preservation of natural night skies and provides opportunities for stargazing, astronomy events, and education on light pollution. It lists U.S. national parks that offer dark sky experiences, including parks designated as International Dark Sky Parks.
- Website: nps.gov/subjects/nightskies/index.htm
- Features: Provides information on U.S. national parks with dark sky programs, astronomy events, and ways to explore the natural night sky.
19. Heavens-Above
- Description: Heavens-Above provides detailed predictions of satellite passes, ISS sightings, and celestial events for any location. While primarily a tracking tool, it also helps stargazers plan their viewing sessions.
- Website: heavens-above.com
- Features: Offers satellite pass predictions, star charts, and celestial event trackers based on user location.
