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Post by Owen on Nov 18, 2021 19:27:52 GMT
1 ~~~ 10 stargazing events you don’t want to miss in 2021 ~~~ 198 ANYONE WHO WAS in the contiguous United States for the “Great American Eclipse” in August 2017 knows just how awe-inspiring a solar eclipse can be. Even a full moon can be a profound experience for a skywatcher. Not all stargazers know what to look for, or when to focus their gaze on the skies, however. To make your skywatching experiences as optimal as possible in 2021, we’ve put together a list of this year’s can’t-miss astronomical events in chronological order, from the best and brightest meteor showers to the eclipses worth traveling for. These are the celestial events you don’t want to miss this year. matadornetwork.com/read/stargazing-events-dont-want-miss/? ~ January 2021 ~ |
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Post by Owen on Nov 18, 2021 19:30:27 GMT
2 ~~~ The next 10 total lunar eclipses around the world A FULL MOON is a common occurrence but on a cloudless night, it never fails to impress with its brightness and mysterious uneven surface. More exciting even, is when the full moon takes on deep shades of red and orange in a phenomenon called a total lunar eclipse or “blood moon.” Lunar eclipses happen when the earth blocks the sun’s light and projects its shadow on the full moon, an event that only occurs between zero and three times a year. Because they take place at night when most of us are sleeping, total lunar eclipses are not as popular as total solar eclipses, but they do make for a beautiful spectacle that’s worth staying up for — or even travel for. The last total lunar eclipse was in January 2019, but luckily, there are plenty more happening in the next 10 years, starting in May 2021. matadornetwork.com/read/next-total-lunar-eclipses-around-world/ ~ January 2021 ~ |
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Post by Owen on Nov 18, 2021 19:33:36 GMT
3 ~~~ The next 10 total solar eclipses around the world UNLESS YOU’RE FROM the Arctic Circle, it’s not often you get to stare up at a dark-as-night sky in the middle of the day. This is what makes total solar eclipses so special — and worth planning an astronomy-themed trip to see in person. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon travels between Earth and the sun, fully blocking out the sunlight for a short span of time. In 2017, the US saw its first total solar eclipse in almost 40 years, wowing spectators from Tennessee to Oregon. If you missed it, don’t fret: Total solar eclipses occur, on average, every 18 months, albeit rarely in the same part of the world twice. These are the next 10 total solar eclipses to mark on your calendar — starting with 2021. Note: According to NASA, you must be somewhere within the blue lines depicted on each map to see the totality of the sun being covered. All maps are NASA’s. Eclipse Predictions by Fred Espenak, NASA’s GSFC. matadornetwork.com/read/mapped-next-10-eclipses-around-world/ ~ December 2020 ~ |
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Post by Owen on Nov 18, 2021 19:42:41 GMT
4 ~~~ The 6 most epic and unique ways to see the northern lights THE AURORA BOREALIS is a beacon for many global travelers who know how to see the northern lights. They are visible from more than 10 countries, almost all of which are located in the Arctic, and can often be observed simply by being in the right place at the right time. In an effort to lure tourists, some tour operators are getting creative in their offerings. Guests can sleep in glass hotels, soak in hot springs, and even stay in hexagonal chalets on rugged mountain peaks. But if you’re looking for the ultimate way to swoon your partner under the lights on your next trip up north, these are the six best ways to see the northern lights. matadornetwork.com/read/5-epic-unique-ways-see-northern-lights/13 November 2020 |
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Post by Owen on Nov 18, 2021 19:45:10 GMT
5 ~~~ You can sleep in the best northern lights viewing platform in Iceland MANY PEOPLE visit Iceland for two reasons: the amazing landscapes and the northern lights. Problem is, tourists in Iceland have taken on the terrible habit of searching for northern lights while driving and it’s been the reason behind several road accidents in the country; you’re not supposed to be looking at the sky, no matter how pretty it is, when you’re operating a vehicle. If you really want to see the aurora borealis, there’s a safer and much more comfortable solution for you: the Panorama Glass Lodge. matadornetwork.com/read/can-sleep-best-northern-lights-viewing-platform-iceland/March 2018 |
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Post by Owen on Nov 18, 2021 19:48:51 GMT
6 ~~~ 10 of the most luxurious stargazing resorts around the world CONNECTING WITH NATURE doesn’t have to mean long hikes to the mountains, kayaking over rapids, or finding your way through thick jungles. It can also mean relaxing in one of the best stargazing places, under a dark sky. While many luxury resorts around the world are committed to sustainability by meticulous recycling and using ecological products, many are also paying attention to another type of natural resource humans are losing: the ability to admire dark skies and the twinkling stars. In fact, because of all the artificial light we rely on, the majority of people living in the US and Europe can’t see the Milky Way at night. This is why the best stargazing places are located far away from light pollution. Here’s where you can gaze at the starry night sky in an ultra-luxe setting — from your private plunge pool in a desert or an oceanside villa backed with a tropical jungle. matadornetwork.com/read/best-stargazing-places-to-stay/3 September 2021 |
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Post by Owen on Nov 18, 2021 19:54:18 GMT
7 ~~~ 6 best dark-sky destinations in the US TO ADMIRE THE stars, all you need is a pitch-black sky. Finding one, though, is easier said than done. One drive out to the middle of a seemingly remote field at midnight, anticipating a view of the Milky Way, is enough to show you how wide-ranging and disruptive light pollution can be. Fortunately, there are plenty of places where you can find those clear, dark skies. While many national parks offer excellent stargazing, the US is also full of small communities, state parks, and other locations that are widely recognized as dark-sky locations — some even holding regular dark-sky celebrations. If you’re serious about seeing the stars, getting to these dark-sky destinations far from big cities is worth the effort. matadornetwork.com/read/best-dark-sky-destinations-united-states/ ? 7 November 2019 |
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Post by Owen on Feb 21, 2024 2:16:28 GMT
8 ~~~ Astronomy Destinations to appreciate the night skymatadornetwork.com/topics/outdoor/astronomy/+ 13 Luxury Outdoor Hotels With Otherworldly Stargazing Experiences Scattered across the US are pockets of dark skies that offer some of the best stargazing experiences in the world. Within these often protected and designated areas, luxury hotels are catering to the astro-tourism market with expert led stargazing experiences. Situated in areas with low levels of light pollution and excellent air clarity, the night sky over these properties is so pristine you can enjoy it from the comfort of your hotel room or balcony. But these stargazing hotels have stepped it up by offering a range of astrological events, in-room telescopes and binoculars, outdoor skybeds, and even an on-site observatory. With a focus on the outdoors, these are not only some of the best resorts in the US, they run some of the top dark sky experiences in the nation. matadornetwork.com/read/stargazing-hotels/11 September 2023 |
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Post by Owen on Feb 21, 2024 2:24:08 GMT
9 ~~~ These National Parks Come Alive at Night With Star Parties and Junior Astronomy Programs National parks are most often experienced during daylight hours. Yet when the sun goes down and the warm sky turns dark, these protected areas turn into a new world and offer some of the most awe-inspiring stargazing opportunities on the planet. Many of the national parks in the United States are far removed from light pollution and have excellent air clarity. Some have been recognized as official International Dark Sky locations. The work the National Park Service has done to protect the night environment is astronomical, and throughout the year, the the parks celebrate this through a robust calendar of events that include star parties, ranger-led astronomy talks, guided stargazing tours, Junior Ranger programs, and festivals. matadornetwork.com/read/best-national-parks-for-stargazing/ |
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Post by Owen on Feb 21, 2024 5:44:25 GMT
10 ~~~ A First-Timers Guide to a Joshua Tree Stargazing Trip Near the center of the US’s Mojave Desert is Joshua Tree National Park, where untamed landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see. Unlike many of California’s other national parks, there’s much development inside Joshua Tree — there are no hotels, no shuttle system, no restaurants, and really, not even that many roads. And the towns around the borders of Joshua Tree aren’t exactly highly populated, either. That combination of minimal development in the park and small, remote communities outside the park makes Joshua Tree stargazing some of the very best in North America. The park is a haven for stargazers, where the evenings play host to a celestial symphony almost every night. And that magnificent show begins with an equally magnificent sunset as the sky turns shades of pink and orange, interrupted only by the outline of the the park’s distinctive Joshua trees and massive boulder piles. matadornetwork.com/read/joshua-tree-stargazing/ 11 Sept 2023 |
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Post by Owen on Feb 21, 2024 5:49:43 GMT
11 ~~~ How and Where to Watch the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse An extraordinary astronomy event will occur in North America on April 8, 2024: a total solar eclipse that will be visible in parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The eclipse’s path of totality — where the moon passes directly in front of the sun and daytime darkness descends on Earth — stretches from Mazatlan in Mexico on the Pacific Coast and across 13 states before reaching Canada’s Atlantic Coast. In the US alone, more than 31 million people live in the 115-mile-wide path of totality, according to Michael Zeiler, eclipse chaser, cartographer, and cofounder of the Great American Eclipse website. Millions more will travel to see the celestial phenomenon in its full glory. After all, the next time a total solar eclipse will be visible in North America is 2044 (and again with a larger swath sweeping through the US in 2045). Here’s the scoop on where and when to watch the solar eclipse 2024 — and why you don’t want to miss this otherworldly sight. matadornetwork.com/read/total-solar-eclipse-2024/6 Sept 2023 |
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Post by Owen on Feb 21, 2024 5:58:49 GMT
12 ~~~ Every Stargazing Event to Add to Your Calendar Through 2024 This year has treated us to fairly dazzling sights in our night sky, but it’s not done yet. We still have a handful of epic meteor showers, a supermoon, and an annual solar eclipse to come. If you live in a dark sky area with little light pollution, you’re in luck. If not, getting out of your town or city will greatly enhance your experience of these events, as will the aid of stargazing gear. But if conditions are favorable, many of these events will be visible to the naked eye. As we turn to next year, 2024 promises magical astronomical happenings every month, the highlight being the total solar eclipse in April. Whether you’re a beginner stargazer with little equipment or a seasoned astronomer, here’s every date you need to put on your astronomy calendar. This year has treated us to fairly dazzling sights in our night sky, but it’s not done yet. We still have a handful of epic meteor showers, a supermoon, and an annual solar eclipse to come. If you live in a dark sky area with little light pollution, you’re in luck. If not, getting out of your town or city will greatly enhance your experience of these events, as will the aid of stargazing gear. But if conditions are favorable, many of these events will be visible to the naked eye. As we turn to next year, 2024 promises magical astronomical happenings every month, the highlight being the total solar eclipse in April. Whether you’re a beginner stargazer with little equipment or a seasoned astronomer, here’s every date you need to put on your astronomy calendar. matadornetwork.com/read/astronomy-stargazing-events-2024/31 August 2023 |
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Post by Owen on Feb 21, 2024 6:01:46 GMT
13 ~~~ Mapped: 60-Plus Dark Sky Parks Across the US for Ultimate Stargazing To admire the stars, all you need is a pitch-black sky. Finding one, though, is easier said than done. One drive out to the middle of a seemingly remote field at midnight while anticipating a view of the Milky Way is enough to show you how wide-ranging and disruptive light pollution can be. Fortunately, there are plenty of places where you can find those clear, dark skies. While many national parks offer excellent stargazing, the United States is also full of small communities, state parks, and other locations that are widely recognized as dark sky locations — some even holding regular stargazing celebrations and events. If you’re serious about seeing the stars, getting to these dark sky areas far from big cities is worth the effort. matadornetwork.com/read/dark-sky-locations/ |
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Post by Owen on Feb 21, 2024 6:04:53 GMT
14 ~~~ 11 of the Best Campgrounds for Stargazers in the United States Nature’s natural night sky is best appreciated in true darkness. The stars, the Milky Way, the constellations that you somewhat know — it’s always better to experience these wonders with as little light pollution as possible. Unfortunately, in many of the cities and towns we call home, light pollution proliferates. But in regions certified as International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) by the International Dark Sky Association (IDSA), the stars are yours for the viewing. The IDSA keeps track of light pollution around the world. There are more than 130 certified locations across the globe that undertake an application process. Before somewhere can become a true dark sky location, it first must show its commitment to protecting against the types of light that make satellites the only visible specks in the sky. There are dark sky communities, sanctuaries, urban centers, reserves, and, most importantly for those looking for isolation under the night sky, parks. An International Dark Sky Park, according to the official designation, is “a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.” It can be private or public. The main requirement other than its sky visibility is that the general population has access to all of the night sky glory. matadornetwork.com/read/stargazing-camping/1 August 2023 |
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Post by Owen on Feb 21, 2024 6:07:46 GMT
15 ~~~ The Best US National Parks for Every Type of Traveler When it’s time to get out in the wild in the United States, you’ve got an astounding 63 national parks to choose from. But that’s just the problem: you have to choose. To make it easier on you, Matador looked across the country and selected the absolutely best national park for your circumstances — whether that’s traveling with kids or a furry friend or your fiance — or what you plan to do, be it camping or fishing. Some of the national parks are better known, some are less expected, but all are perfect for what you need. matadornetwork.com/read/best-national-parks-every-traveler/ |
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