Road trips are a great way to travel around the country and see the amazing scenic views and sites that America has to offer. When planning for excursions along the open roads, most think of national parks, historic sites, or fun roadside attractions. Another great way of seeing what different areas of the United States have to offer is stargazing. Seeing thousands of twinkling stars and planets–without the hinderance of light pollution–creates a sense of wonder and amazement that should be shared and preserved.

The stars in the sky aren’t just something pretty to look at. They can be used to navigate and explore the science of astronomy, and they also tell ancient stories from different cultures around the world. It’s important to preserve the night sky and protect it from light pollution so more people will be able to enjoy the beauty of dark skies and the stories they hold within.

There are many great locations across the United States where anyone can enjoy stargazing. A recent article from People Magazine named five amazing dark sky locations nearby major cities, perfect for planning a summer road trip or vacation. People Magazine highlights these five dark sky locations – Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania, Big Water in Utah, Rappahannock County Park in Virginia and close to Washington, DC, Arches National Park in Utah, and Sedona in Arizona. These beautiful locations offer up vast open spaces with little to no light pollution, perfect for seeing dazzling stars and constellations.

But these are not the only locations where one can view the night sky without the threat of excess artificial light. Throughout the United States there are plenty of other great spots to stargaze. National parks such as Death Valley, the Grand Canyon, the Great Basin, and many more have amazing opportunities to view the stars at nighttime.  Organizations such as the National Park Service and Insightful Vacations have great articles on their websites listing plenty of different parks and open spaces that are perfect for stargazing. Another great resource is Go Stargazing’s dark sky calendar, which helps track moon phases and when specific stars and constellations are visible.

The summer is a great time to plan road trips and vacations as well as take in our vast and open night skies. Scenic America encourages everyone to go out and explore the nation’s vast beauty, at any location and any time of day. Viewing the stars is a great way to experience nature and its beauty should be shared with everyone. We encourage state and local governments to do what they can to lower the effects of excess artificial light, ensuring our dark skies remain preserved as a scenic asset and a visual resource for generations to come.