Exploring the wonders of the night sky has been an endeavor many have experienced for centuries and with the availability of astronomy tours, those interested in learning more about the solar system can now go the extra mile and physically see some of the most amazing astronomical sites and wonders in the world. For astronomy enthusiasts or just someone looking for a truly unique experience, these guided astronomy tours offer some of the most incredible opportunities to see our universe in all its glory. Here, we will explore the best astronomy tours in the world that provide a chance to go beyond just looking through a telescope and explore the far reaches of the Milky Way.
Scotland – Dark Sky Observatory
The first on our list of the best astronomy tours in the world takes us to Scotland, the most northerly country in the UK which possesses some of the darkest skies in Europe. Located near St. Andrews in the Fife area of Scotland, the award-winning Dark Sky Observatory gives stargazers one of the best and most unique astronomical experiences around.
The Dark Sky Observatory features a state-of-the-art telescope, a theatre-style lecture room and a range of interactive activities and displays focusing on the stars, planets and galaxies. The observatory itself is 16 acres of darkness, giving visitors a great view of the night sky and the ability to explore a variety of celestial objects. Visitors can expect to feast their eyes on fascinating and far away objects such as Mars and Jupiter, and even our own Milky Way.
The guided tour usually starts with a show in the lecture theatre which offers an introduction to the constellations, stars and planets visible, as well as exploring ideas related to scale, size and distance, among other things. After the lecture, visitors will be given some tips on how to operate the different telescopes, as well as a chance to take a look through a range of powerful lenses, with top-notch astronomers on hand to answer any questions.
U.S. – Kitt Peak National Observatory
Located in the rugged Arizona desert, Kitt Peak National Observatory, offers a unique opportunity to explore the night sky and some of the most awe-inspiring astronomical spectacles around. Kitt Peak is one of the largest and most powerful professional observatories in the world, featuring 22 primary observational elements spread over a site of more than 1,800 acres.
This guided tour begins with a visit to the observatory’s exhibit hall which features information on the solar system and its various elements. After the exhibit hall visitors are taken outside to view some of the most famous stars and galaxies in the night sky. The biggest star at the observatory is the sun, which can be seen using multiple telescopes of different sizes. Other celestial objects are also available for viewing, such as the Andromeda Galaxy and the Double Cluster in Perseus.
The guided tour also offers access to several large telescopes, as well as a stop at the Visitors Center where guests can learn more about the history of the observatory and the scientific work being carried out on the site.
Australia – Siding Spring
For the third offering in our list of the best astronomy tours in the world, we turn our attention to the continent of Australia and its unique and spectacular Siding Spring observatory. Located in the heart of the New South Wales outback, Siding Spring has been at the forefront of astronomical research since its establishment in 1987 and continues to act as an important observational facility for astronomers worldwide.
Siding Spring offers visitors the chance to go behind the scenes and explore the observatory’s impressive range of telescopes and instruments, which provide the clearest view of the night sky available in Australia. During the tour visitors can learn about the cutting-edge technologies used to explore the universe as well as have the chance to observe some of the stars and planets in the night sky.
The guided tour can take anywhere from four to six hours and includes a visit to telescopes such as the Fuller Projection Telescope, the Big Telescope, and the AAT (Anglo-Australian Telescope). Inside the observatory visitors can also learn about the ongoing projects and research that is being carried out, as well as some of the historic events and astronomical discoveries accomplished there. Visitors should also be wary of the ever-present kangaroos in the area, which can cause some lively distraction from time to time!
Turkey – Cappadocia
Also on our list of the best astronomy tours in the world is a visit to the amazing moonscape of Cappadocia in Central Turkey. Cappadocia is a stunningly beautiful region and is renowned for its stunning landscape and striking rock formations, which are the result of large-scale volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.
Cappadocia is also one of the best places to view the night sky in the world due to its idyllic location away from large towns and cities, giving viewers an uninterrupted view of the stars and planets that stream out above. The region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and guides here offer incredibly detailed and informative tours of the night sky, which include information on the astronomical points of interests, such as the Milky Way, and observations of some of the planets and stars in the area.
For a truly unique experience, stargazers can opt for one of the organised hot-air balloon tours, which are one of Cappadocia’s most popular excitement options. The balloon tours provide a birds-eye view of the area, as well as a dramatically different perspective of the night-time sky that looks absolutely out of this world.
Spain – The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands, located off the coast of Africa, is the next stop on our list of the best astronomy tours in the world. This archipelago of seven main islands is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe but also provides some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world. Throughout the year, the Canary Islands provide opportunities to witness some of the most spectacular night skies in the world and even, on occasions, some incredibly rare astronomical phenomena.
The guided tours in the Canary Islands provide an insight into the night sky and stars, giving visitors the chance to explore some of the most incredible celestial objects in the universe with some of the world’s leading astronomers on hand to answer any questions. Tours usually offer visitors the chance to observe major stars and galaxies, such as Orion and the Andromeda Galaxy, and may even provide an opportunity to see the Northern Lights, which is visible on the islands from time to time.
Tours also provide instruction on how to take photos of the stars and planets, as well as an opportunity to observe with large outdoor-mounted telescopes.
The night sky is an incredibly beautiful and fascinating thing to behold and it’s no wonder that astronomy tours are so popular and are becoming increasingly sought after. We’ve outlined some of the best astronomy tours in the world that provide unique opportunities to explore and view the universe in all its glory. From the Dark Sky Observatory in Scotland, to the incredible hot-air balloon rides of Cappadocia, these tours offer an insight into the vastness and beauty of our universe that’s truly out of this world.