2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for stargazing, with a rare planetary alignment and some of the world’s best dark-sky locations offering unparalleled celestial views.
Today (28 February 2025), seven planets are aligning to form a planetary parade, the last chance to see them in a row until 2040. Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Mars will be visible to the naked eye, but you'll need a telescope for Uranus and Neptune. Fingers crossed for clear skies!
If the planetary parade has you looking to the skies with wonder, there are plenty of other places around the world offering up top celestial views. Whether you're an amateur astronomer or simply love marvelling at the night sky, here are the top destinations for stargazing in 2025.
Sometimes you don't need to visit a Dark Sky Reserve for a chance to marvel at the night sky - I took this photo of the Milky Way visible over Queenstown, New Zealand by chance on a clear night.
1. Brecon Beacons, Wales – A Dark Sky Reserve
Wales is home to some of the darkest skies in Europe, and the Brecon Beacons National Park (now known as Bannau Brycheiniog) is a designated International Dark Sky Reserve. With minimal light pollution, you can witness the Milky Way, meteor showers, and even faint nebulae with the naked eye. Head to locations like Usk Reservoir or Llangorse Lake for a breathtaking cosmic display.
2. Aoraki Mackenzie, New Zealand – The Southern Hemisphere’s Stargazing Haven
New Zealand’s Aoraki Mackenzie region boasts one of the clearest night skies in the world. As a UNESCO-recognised Dark Sky Reserve, it offers incredible views of the Southern Cross, Magellanic Clouds, and the Milky Way stretching across the sky. Visit the Mount John Observatory for a guided experience, complete with powerful telescopes.
3. Atacama Desert, Chile – The World's Best Stargazing Destination
With its high altitude, dry air, and almost no light pollution, Chile’s Atacama Desert is widely considered the best place on Earth for stargazing. The European Southern Observatory operates some of the world's most advanced telescopes here, but even without equipment, the naked-eye view of the stars is nothing short of magical.
4. Uluru, Australia – A Sacred Site Under the Stars
The vast outback surrounding Uluru offers an unparalleled stargazing experience. The lack of artificial light allows the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere to shine brightly, and Indigenous guides share ancient star lore that has been passed down for generations.
5. Jasper National Park, Canada – A Stargazer’s Paradise
Jasper National Park in Alberta is one of the world's largest Dark Sky Preserves. It hosts the annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival in October, featuring expert talks and guided night-sky experiences.
Astro-tourism is on the rise, and with 2025 promising spectacular celestial events, there’s never been a better time to seek out the world’s best dark skies. Whether you’re gazing up from the Welsh countryside, the deserts of Chile, or the New Zealand wilderness, the universe has an unforgettable show in store. For more tips on stargazing destinations, check out the International Dark-Sky Association.
